Rockstar Games has officially released the highly anticipated GTA 5 Enhanced edition for PC, cementing the game's status as one of the most played worldwide even after 12 years since its initial launch. Released on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, this Enhanced version, often referred to as GTA 5: 2, is available on multiple platforms including the Rockstar Games Launcher, Steam Store, and Epic Games Store. Players can upgrade to this new version for free from their old Legacy version.
The Enhanced edition introduces several visual and audio enhancements, promising not only faster loading times but also features previously exclusive to console players. Notably, ray tracing capabilities now allow for improved lighting and shadows, enhancing the immersive experience of Los Santos and its surroundings.
Early indications show significant interest, with over 187,000 players concurrently logged on Steam shortly after release. Despite this high engagement, the reception has been mixed, with only 59% of user reviews rated positively on Steam, resulting in a 'mixed' overall rating. Players voiced their dissatisfaction, citing reasons such as the lack of groundbreaking differences compared to the original version and issues with transferring their existing game data to the Enhanced version.
Some players have noted technical difficulties, particularly on the Epic Games Store, where delays and errors emerged during the download process. For example, some users reported encountering messages stating: "This Rockstar Games account doesn't own GTA V Enhanced" - prompting confusion especially among those who had previously claimed the game for free.
Despite these issues, many players praised the Enhanced version for its upgraded visuals. Comments have highlighted improvements like the faster entry to online lobbies and the overall performance on various hardware setups. With upgrades such as support for higher resolutions and frame rates, the new edition promises to improve gameplay quality significantly.
Those who are new to the game or veterans seeking the latest updates need to meet certain system requirements to download the Enhanced edition successfully. The minimum requirements include Windows 10 (with the latest service pack), Intel Core i7-4770 or AMD FX-9590 processor, at least 8GB of RAM, and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1630 or AMD Radeon RX 6400 as graphics options, alongside 105GB of SSD storage.
For those aiming for optimal performance, Rockstar recommends running Windows 11, with hardware like Intel Core i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processors, 16GB of dual-channel RAM, and more powerful GPUs like Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600XT. The addition of high-performance hardware ensures players will completely enjoy the benefits of the new features introduced with the Enhanced edition.
One of the most exciting updates includes compatibility with the PS5's DualSense controllers, which add tactile feedback features to the gameplay experience. Players can expect enhanced accessibility to the GTA Online components, which now offer new vehicles, vehicle upgrades at Hao’s Special Works auto shop, and the option to purchase memberships through GTA Plus.
It's worth noting, though, this update creates separate instances for players; those on the original GTA Online version will not be able to join matches with users playing the Enhanced version. This division might create some community challenges, yet both versions remain accessible.
With the gaming community eagerly awaiting the eventual release of GTA 6, the introduction of the Enhanced edition serves as both a final nod to its existing player base and as preparation for the future of the franchise. While some see the Enhanced version merely as another iteration before the next massive release, others appreciate the technological advancements it brings to retrofitting this iconic game for modern gaming environments.
For those interested, it’s recommended to check the official Rockstar Games pages for updates on GTA Online events, including the Oscar Guzman update and other new missions. Players are also encouraged to keep track of hardware specifications to fully enjoy these new gaming experiences.