Something to look forward to: GTA V and GTA Online received new content and upgraded graphics when Rockstar released native PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series versions three years ago, but the company never discussed plans for extending the enhancements to PC users until now. A free, optional upgrade will push the PC version beyond the console spec early next month.
The PC versions of Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online will receive a free update on March 4 that includes features and content previously exclusive to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series versions. These include ray tracing, upscaling, new vehicles, and access to the GTA+ subscription service.
Rockstar added ray-traced reflections and shadows to the console versions in 2022. The March PC update introduces those features while adding RT global illumination and ambient occlusion, which are PC exclusive. The game will also receive FSR 3 and DLSS 3 to soften the blow to performance from RT.
Click to enlarge
Furthermore, the patch increases the framerate cap and improves support for alternate aspect ratios, although Rockstar didn't specify further. DualSense adaptive triggers, Dolby Atmos, higher-fidelity in-game audio, and faster loading through DirectStorage are also coming.
However, the enhancements will increase the minimum system requirements. Users who opt for the new version need at least 8GB of system memory and 4GB of VRAM.
The older version will remain available to maintain compatibility with FiveM role-playing servers, which will eventually support the enhanced edition. However, GTA Online players can only join sessions with others using the same version.
Additional content includes five new vehicles, numerous vehicle upgrades, and new animals to encounter. New players receive $4 million in in-game currency, and Rockstar is opening GTA+ to PC users. The $8-a-month service grants additional in-game perks and access to older Rockstar games.
Take-Two chairman and CEO Strauss Zelnick recently admitted that PC has become a bigger part of the company's business in recent years. However, the PC edition of the highly-anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI won't launch day and date with the console versions later this year.
GTA V came to PC two years after the original PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, and Rockstar has yet to say whether the sequel will experience a similar delay. The CEO of PC hardware maker Corsair believes that GTA VI will arrive on PC early next year, only a few months after the PS5 and Xbox Series versions, but the comments might just be speculation.
Free Grand Theft Auto V PC update adds ray tracing, DLSS, and more features next month
