Along with Rockstar Games officially announcing that Grand Theft Auto 6 is in active development, the studio also dropped new information about the next-gen version of Grand Theft Auto 5, set to release on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X March this year. This latest iteration of GTA 5 will bring new graphical and gameplay updates to Rockstar's Los Santos-set title, which initially released in 2013 and already saw a previous "next-gen" upgrade for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2014. A relative lack of information regarding GTA 6 and Red Dead Online's lack of updates has led some fans to bemoan the latest edition of GTA 5, but there are some significant changes Rockstar is bringing to the game with it.
First announced in June 2020, Grand Theft Auto: Enhanced will release on PS5 and Xbox Series X and Series S consoles March 15, 2022. The title was originally set to launch on November 11, 2021, but was delayed to its current release date in September of that year. The latest iteration of GTA 5 features new and improved graphics and gameplay elements, and illustrates the longevity of both the game's single-player and its profitable multiplayer component, GTA Online, which makes millions of money each day.
As revealed by Rockstar, GTA 5: Enhanced brings multiple graphical upgrades to the game, including gameplay up to 60 frames per second, texture and draw distance upgrades, HDR options and ray-tracing, and much more. The original version of GTA 5 was technically impressive to begin with, and its 2014 update for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One ensured it remained a staple of those consoles too, but it has begun to show its age slightly in more recent years - if nothing else than because players have mostly seen everything it has to offer. This latest update may go some way in reinvigorating GTA 5 and GTA Online, however, especially now that Rockstar has confirmed more updates for the latter to come throughout 2022.
How GTA 5 Is Different On PS5 And Xbox Series X & Series S
With technical advancements like faster loading times, immersive 3D audio, and platform-specific features like advanced haptic feedback, players have something to look forward to with GTA 5: Enhanced. The previous upgrade to GTA 5 also brought new advancements to the game, but with such a long time having passed since that upgrade first dropped, the story of GTA 5 may not be as fresh in the minds of players. This should provide a great excuse to replay its events again - or even to experience it for the first time, for those players who may not have played it yet.
Having the opportunity to play through it once more, but in a cleaner and more technically impressive environment, may not be one for fans to pass up if they have a next-gen console. The stories of GTA 5's three respective protagonists are familiar to most by now. However, revisiting them in time for more news surrounding GTA 6 may be a great way of riding out the wait for the next installment in the series.
How GTA 5 Enhanced Will Change GTA Online
GTA 5's single-player isn't the only thing being upgraded with its move to the PS5 and Xbox Series X, as GTA: Online will also be receiving improvements on next-gen systems. For the first time ever players who aren't interested in playing the story mode of GTA 5 can finally purchase the online mode as a standalone title. While the price of GTA Online's standalone edition hasn't been confirmed, if it follows the pricing of Red Dead Online, it'll be cheaper than GTA 5 and mean that those players only interested in the online component may save money. Rockstar is also adding the option to skip the story mode prologue in order to jump straight into the action.
A tutorial will now be given to players upon first loading into GTA Online, which will introduce them to features such as how to run businesses such as Biker, Executive, Nightclub Owner, or Gunrunner. They are also given instant access to one of those four along with a large sum of cash. While it remains to be seen if this will put a dent in the Shark Card-induced inflation of GTA Online, it's a nice bonus for new and returning players. As it can be a bit overwhelming when coming into the game mode for the first time, this cash-injection should also help make the opening stages of GTA Online a more player-friendly experience for newcomers. If desired, returning players can also restart their character for free and take advantage of all these benefits listed. In a way, this can create an equal playing field which can take away the pay-to-win aspect of the online mode as developed over the years.
Along with the new additions, Hao’s Special Works auto shop also gets added into the online game mode, which will allow players to upgrade select vehicles. These upgrades to the cars will plan to take full advantage of next-gen capabilities allowing players a smooth and exciting experience when driving around or just exploring all of Los Santos. This is another step to GTA Online’s evolution as a multiplayer experience.
The Future For Next-Gen Grand Theft Auto 5
As GTA 5 and GTA Online prepare to move to the next-gen of consoles, players who aren't planning on upgrading yet may feel a little anxious. GTA Online has shown no signs of slowing yet, and the new additions coming to the next-gen update may mean that more updates are on the way. This also can bring a concern to last-gen users pertaining to if their version of the title will end up being obsolete and stop receiving content updates. If Hao’s Special Works auto shop doesn’t make it to the Xbox One or PlayStation 4, then the answer will be crystal clear. GTA Online already doesn't work on PS3 or Xbox 360 anymore, as servers for those consoles were shut down in 2021, and it may be that a similar move eventually happens once player numbers on the Xbox One and PS4 begin to decline.
In any case, GTA 5: Enhanced is set to bring a number of new updates to GTA 5 when it releases March 15 this year. Some fans may begrudge the game's near decade-long lifespan and how it may have impacted on the wait for GTA 6, but hopefully, these new updates will breathe fresh life into the title for those who may not have played the single-player or GTA Online in a while. Grand Theft Auto 5 was one of the previous generation's most impressive games, and with these next-gen updates, it could continue to thrive for years to come.
Source: Rockstar