Rockstar Games has officially released the enhanced version of Grand Theft Auto V for PC on March 4, 2025, bringing with it significant upgrades and new features. This updated version has generated considerable excitement among the gaming community, as it not only enhances visuals but also introduces new gameplay elements.
The GTA V Enhanced edition is available as a free upgrade for players who owned the game prior to this release. It can be accessed across various platforms, including the Epic Games Store, Steam, and the Rockstar Games Launcher. While existing players can easily transition to this new version, those who do not own the game can purchase GTA V Enhanced directly from digital stores.
One of the crowning achievements of this upgrade is the introduction of advanced ray-tracing technologies. According to reports from Insider Gaming, GTA 5 Enhanced includes upgraded ray-tracing features such as ambient occlusion, global illumination, ray-traced shadows, and reflections, providing richer visual detail compared to the standard edition. The game also supports NVIDIA’s DLSS 3 and AMD’s FSR 1 and 3, along with faster loading times thanks to DirectStorage support.
Beyond graphical upgrades, the game has implemented new gameplay features, most notable of which is the Career Builder feature for GTA Online. Rockstar Intel detailed how this feature grants new players GTA$4,000,000 to help them kickstart their criminal enterprises within the game. It enables players to select from various essentials, including business properties, vehicles, and weapons, equipping them for success from the outset.
New vehicles have also been added to GTA Online, including the Coil Cyclone II, Imponte Arbiter GT, and Pegassi Weaponised Ignus. Players can now enjoy fresh content and revel in the self-styled luxury of these updated vehicles. The addition of the GTA+ membership subscription allows players to receive exclusive monthly rewards, adding another layer of support to their gaming experience.
It’s important to note the system requirements for the GTA V Enhanced edition as the upgrade necessitates more from PC systems than the previous version. With minimum requirements including Windows 10, Intel® Core™ i7-4770 or AMD FX-9590, 8GB RAM, and 4GB VRAM GPUs, this enhanced version is optimally experienced on computers capable of supporting NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600XT alongside 16GB of RAM.
For fans migrating from the legacy version, Rockstar has provided clear instructions on how to import their story mode progress. Players can initiate the migration through the pause menu by uploading their saved game, which is then available for download on GTA V Enhanced. Importantly, this migration can only be executed once, highlighting the necessity for players to be decisive about their data transfer.
While the upgrades have been broadly welcomed, not all reviews are glowing. Some players noted changes to the chat functionality within the game, leading to mixed reactions overall, as indicated by aggregate reviews on Steam. Nevertheless, the enhancements from the Xbox Series X|S and PS5 versions have been met with enthusiasm, as players now enjoy improved performance features.
Upon booting up the GTA V Enhanced version, players can expect to see distinct changes from the previous version on PC. The interface, much like on next-gen consoles, has been revamped to include tabs for Story, Online, New, and even the new GTA+ functionality, offering users streamlined options to navigate the rich content available.
Having been made available for pre-load on Steam and the Rockstar Games Launcher, it is important to acknowledge the varying experiences across different platforms. Players on Epic Games faced delays with pre-loads, which was not the case for other platforms. Rockstar Games has confirmed its commitment to continue supporting both the Legacy and Enhanced versions, allowing those without compatible hardware to continue enjoying their experience without interruption.
Looking forward, excitement builds for the impending release of Grand Theft Auto VI, hinting at what Rockstar has planned next for its devoted fanbase. Until then, the GTA V Enhanced version stands as the pinnacle of the franchise on PC, promising hours of immersive gameplay.