Rockstar Games has finally delivered the much-anticipated next-gen upgrade for Grand Theft Auto 5 on PC, three years after its debut on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Dubbed the 'Expanded & Enhanced' edition, this free update promises a substantial boost in visual fidelity and gameplay experience for PC gamers.
As of today, the original PC version, now referred to as 'Grand Theft Auto 5 Legacy', has been removed from digital storefronts to make space for the newly enhanced edition. This update brings an array of new features, including improved graphics options and gameplay enhancements that were first introduced on consoles.
PC players can now enjoy ray-traced shadows and reflections, which add a new layer of realism to the bustling streets of Los Santos. Additional graphical improvements such as ambient occlusion and global illumination are exclusive to the PC platform, ensuring that every corner of the city is bathed in realistic light and shadow. Furthermore, support for higher resolutions, aspect ratios, and framerates is included, alongside AMD FSR and Nvidia DLSS, with Frame Generation support promised in future updates.
One of the standout features for PC gamers is the integration of the DualSense controller's adaptive triggers, providing a more immersive and tactile gaming experience. Moreover, the update introduces faster loading times thanks to SSD and DirectStorage optimizations, and enhanced audio quality with Dolby Atmos, improving the fidelity of speech, cinematics, and music.
GTA Online players aren't left out either. The updated PC version features kernel-based anti-cheat protections and proactive voice chat moderation to ensure a fair and safer gaming environment. New vehicles, Chameleon Paints, and high-performance mods from Hao's Special Works are also part of the package, enriching the online experience.
However, this new edition comes with higher minimum and recommended PC specifications. For those unable to meet these requirements, Rockstar ensures that the GTA 5 Legacy version remains accessible via the game's launcher. It's important to note that the two versions are distinct, and players must use the same version to play together.
Overall, this update marks a significant milestone for PC gamers, bringing the cutting-edge features of GTA 5's next-gen console version to the platform. Whether you’re exploring the single-player world or diving into the dynamic online community, Rockstar's latest update ensures that Grand Theft Auto 5 remains at the forefront of the action-adventure genre.
