Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced Edition Hits PC: A Next-Gen Upgrade for Original Owners

Rockstar Unleashes a Long-Awaited Update Exclusively for Steam and Rockstar Launcher Players

Aaron Bernstein (Vet Gaming)

Roanoke, VA -- March 04, 2025 – After years of anticipation, Rockstar Games has finally delivered the Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced Edition to PC players, aligning the decade-old classic with the next-gen upgrades previously exclusive to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. Released today, this free update brings a slew of cutting-edge features, graphical enhancements, and new content to the iconic open-world title—but there’s a catch. This upgrade is only available to players who already own the original Grand Theft Auto V through Steam or the Rockstar Games Launcher. Sorry, Epic Games Store users—you’re left out of this one.

For those eligible, the Enhanced Edition is a transformative update that breathes new life into Los Santos, offering a richer, faster, and more visually stunning experience. Available for pre-load since late February, the update officially went live at midnight GMT today, marking a significant milestone for PC gamers who’ve been patiently waiting to catch up with their console counterparts.

What’s New in the Enhanced Edition?

The Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced Edition isn’t just a facelift—it’s a full-on overhaul packed with features that leverage modern PC hardware. Here’s what original owners can expect:

• - Ray Tracing Galore: Say hello to breathtaking visuals with ray-traced global illumination, ambient occlusion, reflections, and shadows. Los Santos has never looked so lifelike, with dynamic lighting that enhances everything from neon-lit streets to sun-scorched deserts.
• - Microsoft’s DirectStorage for SSDs: A standout feature exclusive to PC, DirectStorage slashes loading times by optimizing data streaming from SSDs. If you’ve got a solid-state drive, you’ll be zipping into missions faster than ever before.
• - New Vehicles and Hao’s Special Works: Car enthusiasts rejoice! The update introduces a fleet of new vehicles, including high-performance beasts like the Cyclone II and Arbiter GT, alongside upgrades at Hao’s Special Works—a customization shop previously locked to next-gen consoles.
• - Enhanced Performance: Support for NVIDIA DLSS 3 and AMD FSR 3 ensures smoother frame rates and higher resolutions, while improved particle effects add extra flair to explosions and weather.
• - Immersive Audio: Dolby Atmos support brings a 3D soundscape to your headset or speakers, making every gunshot and engine roar pop.
• - GTA Online Goodies: The multiplayer mode gets a hefty boost with exclusive content like the Wildlife Photography Challenge, a 100-car garage, and GTA+ membership perks (previously console-only), including monthly rewards and access to classic Rockstar titles.
• - DualSense Controller Support: PC players with a PS5 controller can now enjoy adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, adding a tactile edge to driving and combat.
• - Career Builder and Progress Tracking: Newcomers can kick off GTA Online with $4 million in-game cash via Career Builder, while veterans can transfer their Story Mode and Online progress to the Enhanced Edition—though it’s a one-way trip from the Legacy version.

Rockstar has also streamlined the experience with a revamped landing page and anti-cheat improvements, ensuring a smoother ride for all. Notably, the Enhanced Edition weighs in at a leaner 92GB compared to the original’s 114GB, proving that more power doesn’t always mean more bloat.

Exclusive to Steam and Rockstar Launcher Owners

Rockstar’s decision to limit this update to Steam and Rockstar Launcher owners has raised some eyebrows. While Epic Games Store players received GTA V for free during a 2020 promotion, they’ll need to purchase the game on one of the supported platforms to access the Enhanced Edition. This exclusivity mirrors Rockstar’s approach to maintaining distinct ecosystems for its launcher and Steam, leaving Epic users to either sit this one out or double-dip.

For those who qualify, the update is seamless. If you’ve got GTA V in your Steam library or Rockstar Launcher, you’ll find the original renamed to Grand Theft Auto V Legacy, with the Enhanced Edition appearing as a separate download. Pre-loading began days ago, so many players are ready to jump in right now.

A Next-Gen Leap Three Years in the Making

The Enhanced Edition first debuted on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in March 2022, leaving PC players in the dust despite the platform’s robust modding community and hardware potential. Three years later, Rockstar has closed the gap, delivering what feels like a love letter to its loyal PC fanbase. The inclusion of DirectStorage—a Microsoft innovation—adds a PC-exclusive twist, making this more than just a console port.

This release comes at a pivotal time for Rockstar. With Grand Theft Auto VI looming on the horizon (slated for Fall 2025), the Enhanced Edition keeps GTA V relevant, ensuring that Los Santos remains a playground worth revisiting. Alongside the update, today also marks the arrival of the Oscar Guzman Flies Again GTA Online event, complete with a new airstrip business and gunship heists—perfect timing for players eager to test the enhanced visuals in action.

Personal Take: A Nostalgic Upgrade with a Twist

As someone who’s spent countless hours boosting cars and dodging cops in GTA V, I’m stoked to see this update hit PC. The ray tracing alone has me itching to cruise Vinewood at sunset, watching the light bounce off my freshly modded ride. And DirectStorage? That’s a game-changer for anyone who’s stared at loading screens longer than they’d like to admit. Sure, it’s a bummer Epic folks are sidelined, but for Steam and Rockstar Launcher vets, this feels like a well-earned victory lap. How many of you gamers out there are planning to update to the Enhanced Edition today? Hit me up—I wanna know if you’re as hyped as I am to see Los Santos in all its next-gen glory!

With over 12 years since its initial launch, Grand Theft Auto V proves it’s still got gas in the tank. The Enhanced Edition is more than an update—it’s a testament to Rockstar’s commitment to keeping a classic alive. Whether you’re a veteran heist master or a newbie ready to build your criminal empire, this is one upgrade you won’t want to miss—if you’re on the right platform, that is.

Boosteroid Cloud Gaming Library Welcomes Massive Game Drop Today

Boosteroid Cloud Gaming Library Welcomes Massive Game Drop Today

Dive into a Vastly Expanded Game Selection with New Releases and Xbox Hits

Blasphemous 2: Mea Culpa Edition - A Retro-Fueled Pilgrimage of Penance and Praise

Blasphemous 2: Mea Culpa Edition — A Retro-Fueled Pilgrimage of Penance and Praise

A Gothic Triumph of Pixel Art and Perseverance

By: Aaron Bernstein (Vet Gaming)

Feb 25, 2025 #Xbox #XboxSeriesX #XboxCloudGaming #Team17

Introduction

Blasphemous 2: Mea Culpa Edition emerges as the highly anticipated sequel to the brutal yet beautiful Metroidvania, Blasphemous. Developed by The Game Kitchen and published by Team17, this edition not only delivers the critically acclaimed base game but also includes the Mea Culpa DLC, offering a complete and enriched experience for both newcomers and devoted fans of the series. Set once again in the haunting world of Cvstodia, players are invited to guide the Penitent One on a new pilgrimage, battling monstrous foes and unraveling cryptic mysteries. For Xbox gamers, the timing couldn’t be better, as Blasphemous 2: Mea Culpa Edition is currently on sale and readily accessible via Xbox Cloud Gaming for those who own the title, making this the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in its dark and compelling world.

My Favorite Parts

One of the most immediately striking aspects of Blasphemous 2 is its deliberate embrace of a retro aesthetic. The 2D side-scrolling gameplay is a nostalgic nod to classic titles, instantly appealing to players who appreciate the roots of the Metroidvania genre. This deliberate design choice doesn’t just stop at visuals; it permeates the entire experience. Unlike many modern titles that rely on silent protagonists, Blasphemous 2 breathes life into its world through character dialogue. Every interaction is voiced, adding a layer of depth and personality to the often-obscure denizens of Cvstodia. 

Complementing this is the game’s soundtrack, which perfectly captures the somber and sacred atmosphere. The music is not just background noise; it’s an integral part of the experience, enhancing the exploration and combat with its appropriately gothic and melancholic tones. These elements combined create a truly immersive retro vibe that is both captivating and unique.

Visuals and Audio

Visually, Blasphemous 2 continues the series’ tradition of stunning pixel art. The world of Cvstodia is rendered in exquisite detail, with each location dripping in gothic horror and religious iconography. While not pushing technological boundaries, the game’s artistic direction is uncompromising, creating a world that is both beautiful and grotesque. This baroque visual style, while potentially overwhelming at times, is undeniably distinctive and contributes significantly to the game’s unique identity.

The audio design of Blasphemous 2 is equally noteworthy. While some reviews suggest the soundtrack might not be the most memorable aspect, it is undeniably effective in setting the mood. The soundscape is filled with eerie ambiance, punctuated by impactful sound effects during combat. The voice acting, as mentioned, is a significant step up, providing character to the often-enigmatic NPCs and enriching the narrative experience. The “Flavors of the miracle prayers — chants and quick verses scratched lead sphere — rosary beads weapon memories to unlock” further enhance the audio-visual experience, with each prayer and ability accompanied by distinct sounds and visual effects that are both thematically resonant and impactful in gameplay.

Final Thoughts

Blasphemous 2: Mea Culpa Edition is a masterful continuation of the series, refining and expanding upon the foundations laid by its predecessor. It successfully captures the essence of classic Metroidvanias while forging its own identity through its unique art style, lore, and gameplay mechanics. The Mea Culpa DLC seamlessly integrates into the main game, adding substantial content and challenges that will test even seasoned players. While the questline within the DLC may require some backtracking, the rewards are well worth the effort, offering a satisfying sense of accomplishment.

For fans of the genre and newcomers alike, Blasphemous 2: Mea Culpa Edition is an essential experience. Its challenging yet rewarding gameplay, combined with its stunning visuals and immersive audio, creates a world that is both captivating and unforgettable. Despite a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with the first game’s control scheme, the overall package is polished, engaging, and deeply satisfying. Final Score: 95/100.

You can check out my First Look/Review here: 

https://www.youtube.com/live/lNKiHO_fEtk

Summary:

Pros:

• Visually stunning on Xbox, showcasing detailed pixel art and a unique baroque style.
• Available to play on Xbox Cloud Gaming, offering flexibility for owners of the game.
• Dark and compelling storyline that explores themes of religion, sin, and redemption without resorting to cheap scares.
• Impressive music and character voicing that enhance the atmosphere and narrative.
• Offers a sense of open-world exploration within its interconnected map.

Cons:

• Gameplay controls may have a slight learning curve, especially for players new to the Blasphemous series.

Xbox Game Pass Revs Up with F1 24 and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader — Available Now!

High-Speed Thrills and Grimdark Tactics Hit Game Pass Today!

Roanoke, VA — February 20, 2025

As of February 20, 2025, Xbox Game Pass is flooring it into the new year with two powerhouse titles hitting the service today, as showcased in the latest promo art. If you’re craving high-octane racing or grimdark tactical RPG action, Microsoft’s subscription lineup just got a serious upgrade. Check out the green wave of Game Pass goodness featuring EA Sports F1 24 and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, both dropping for Ultimate, PC, and cloud play — plus Rogue Trader extending to Standard Xbox Series X|S.

Burn Rubber with F1 24

F1 24 Official Reveal Trailer

First up, rev your engines for EA Sports F1 24, the latest installment in the official Formula 1 racing series. This beauty lands on Game Pass via EA Play, offering Ultimate and PC subscribers a front-row seat to the 2024 F1 season. Expect razor-sharp physics, iconic tracks like Monaco and Silverstone, and a revamped driver career mode where you can rise through the ranks alongside real-world stars like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Whether you’re drifting through corners or battling for podiums, F1 24 delivers heart-pounding action in stunning 4K — perfect for cloud gaming on the go or console showdowns at home.

Dive into the Grim Darkness with Rogue Trader

On the flip side, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader brings the brutal, warp-touched universe of Games Workshop to life. This turn-based CRPG from Owlcat Games lets you step into the boots of a rogue trader, navigating the perilous Koronus Expanse with a crew of Space Marines, xenos, and psykers. Available today on Ultimate, PC, Standard Xbox Series X|S, and cloud, it’s a deep dive into tactical combat, moral dilemmas, and faction rivalries. With its rich lore and punishing difficulty, Rogue Trader is a must-play for fans of Baldur’s Gate or Pathfinder — and now, it’s just a Game Pass login away.

Why It Matters

These additions bolster Game Pass’s already stacked library, catering to both speed junkies and sci-fi strategists. F1 24 taps into the global F1 craze, while Rogue Trader scratches that Warhammer itch for tabletop fans. Both titles are “Available Today,” as the promo screams, making this a banner day for subscribers. Whether you’re tearing up the tarmac or commanding an armada, Xbox’s cloud and console support ensures you can jump in anytime, anywhere.

What’s Next?

With Microsoft’s commitment to dropping fresh titles regularly, expect more bangers to roll into Game Pass soon. Hit up X and let the gaming community know which of these you’re diving into — F1 24’s nitro-fueled races or Rogue Trader’s warp-fueled chaos. Either way, Game Pass keeps the pedal to the metal!

Follow us on X, and leave a comment to let us know if you’re excited about these.