Grand Theft Auto V, one of the most iconic video games of all time, is set to return to Xbox Game Pass on April 15, 2025, marking its debut on PC Game Pass. Microsoft announced this highly anticipated news earlier this month, reigniting excitement among fans of the franchise.
The Enhanced Edition of Grand Theft Auto V will be available for both console and PC users, featuring significant graphical improvements and faster loading times. Players on high-end PCs can access the Enhanced version for free, which boasts updated visuals, ray tracing support, and improved performance capabilities. This is the first time the Enhanced Edition will be available on PC Game Pass, and it is expected to attract both new players and returning fans.
The Enhanced Edition introduces a host of new features, including support for AMD’s FSR1, FSR3, and NVIDIA’s DLSS 3 technologies, which promise to enhance the gaming experience further. Notably, the game will also include ray tracing capabilities for shadows and reflections, along with improved ambient occlusion and global illumination, making the vibrant world of Los Santos even more immersive.
In addition to the single-player campaign, Grand Theft Auto Online will return alongside the game, allowing players to dive back into the expansive multiplayer world. The Online mode will include all expansions up to the latest update titled “Oscar Guzman Flies Again,” which adds new missions, vehicles, and customization options, ensuring that players have plenty of content to explore.
GTA V’s return to Game Pass is strategically timed to build anticipation for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI, expected to launch later in 2025. Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, has confirmed that GTA VI is on track for a 2025 release, with only a teaser trailer released back in December 2023. Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two, emphasized the company’s marketing strategy of releasing promotional materials closer to the launch date to maintain excitement.
Since its original release on September 17, 2013, Grand Theft Auto V has sold over 190 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling games in history. The game quickly grossed over $1 billion within three days of its launch, a record that still stands. Its captivating storyline, featuring protagonists Michael, Trevor, and Franklin, along with its open-world chaos, has kept players engaged for over a decade.
The Enhanced Edition of GTA V not only enhances graphics but also improves gameplay performance. Players can expect significantly reduced loading times, especially when using SSDs with DirectStorage support. The minimum system requirements for the Enhanced Edition include an Intel Core i7 4770 or AMD FX 9590 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a compatible SSD. Recommended specifications include an Intel Core i5 9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 16 GB of RAM, and a high-end GPU like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT.
Despite the excitement surrounding the Enhanced Edition, the initial reception on platforms like Steam has been mixed. Some players have reported issues migrating their accounts from the legacy version to the Enhanced version, with some expressing dissatisfaction over lingering bugs from the previous iterations of the game. Concerns have also been raised about the lack of fixes for cheating issues within GTA Online.
GTA V’s return to Xbox Game Pass is not just significant for fans of the franchise; it also represents a strategic move by Microsoft to bolster its subscription service. With over 25 million subscribers, the Game Pass offers access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee, making it an attractive option for gamers. The inclusion of a title as prominent as GTA V is likely to draw in new subscribers and retain existing ones.
The announcement of GTA V’s return was made on April 3, 2025, just days before its actual availability. This well-timed rollout coincides with the release of other titles on Game Pass, such as Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition and South of Midnight, but GTA V is undoubtedly the highlight of the month.
As the countdown to April 15 approaches, players are eager to revisit Los Santos, whether they are experiencing the game for the first time or returning to the chaos they once enjoyed. With its rich narrative and expansive online world, Grand Theft Auto V continues to set the benchmark for open-world gaming.
The return of GTA V to Xbox Game Pass serves as a bridge to the much-anticipated GTA VI, allowing players to engage with the franchise while they await the next chapter. The Enhanced Edition offers a glimpse into the future of the series, showcasing the technical advancements that players can expect in the upcoming release. As the gaming community gears up for April 15, the excitement is palpable, and the legacy of Grand Theft Auto V remains as strong as ever.
