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.