Grand Theft Auto 5’sPC players have been saddled with a subpar version of the game, at least when compared to their console counterparts. Fortunately, the PC version, which has long since been behind in comparison to the next-gen console versions, has finally been updated, making it the definitive experience. Rockstar has re-released GTA 5 on PC as theGrand Theft Auto 5: Enhanced Edition, which comes with numerous upgrades that the console versions have enjoyed for some time, as well as a handful of PC-specific ones that those on PS5 or Xbox Series X/S don’t get to experience.
However, after the heavilycriticized next-genGTA 5remaster, people are wondering whether the PC edition is even worth the money. Rockstar has been re-releasingGrand Theft Auto 5for a long time now, almost as much asSkyrim, so it is understandable that players have reservations when it comes to the brand-new “Enhanced Edition” and the supposed changes that it brings. Fortunately,despite a fairly mixed reception, it looks like PC players have at least a little to look forward to.
GTA 5 Enhanced Editions' Changes & Differences
Adds New Content, Ray Tracing, And More
Grand Theft Auto 5 Enhanced Editionon PC is ostensibly the same as thenext-genGTA 5remasterthat was released back in 2022. It comes with all of the improvements that it has, both visually and mechanically, so fans who are stuck on PC or haven’t been able to try out the next-gen console versions aren’t missing out on anything. This means thatthe PC version now has improved visuals - including multiple graphical modes - and support for AMD FSR and NVIDIA DLSS. It also has much faster loading times, DualSense controller support, improved audio, and ray-traced shadows and reflections.
It also comes with a handful of additional improvements to gameplay, including new vehicles and upgradable ones in theGrand Theft Auto Onlinemode,GTA+membership support, new challenges, an improved landing page, and more.The only PC-exclusive feature is the inclusion of ray-traced ambient occlusion and global illumination, as this remains absent from the otherwise identical console version. Crucially, it also doesn’t restore thecontent cut fromGTA 5in the original next-gen remasters, although that is probably for the best as it was deemed offensive. You can see all the changes below:
Career Progression Tracker (GTA Online)
DualSense Controller Support
Of course, these improvements have also increased the recommended specs to run the game. Theminimum system requirements now need players to have at least an Intel Core i7-4770 or AMD FX-9590 processor, 8 GB of RAM, a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1630 (4GB VRAM) or AMD Radeon RX 6400 (VG VRAM), and 105 GB of storageavailable. These requirements - bar the storage space - are naturally much higher than the original and now renamedGTA 5 Legacy Edition.
How Much GTA 5 Enhanced Edition Costs
It Is Free For Most
TheGrand Theft Auto 5 Enhanced Editionis completely free for anyone who already owns a PC copy ofGTA 5. This applies to those who have it on Steam and the Epic Games Store. TheEnhanced Editionshould have been added to those players' libraries immediately, althoughissues withGTA 5 Enhanced Editionhas seen the process be delayed for a handful of people. Importantly, the original version of the game - which, as aforementioned, has been renamedLegacy Edition- will still be accessible in players' libraries.
Rockstar will continue to support the Legacy edition along with the newEnhanced Edition, despite the fact that it has been taken down. This is because Rockstar wants to make the upgrade mandatory, presumably in an effort to enable those whose PCs can’t run theEnhanced Editionor those who can’t migrate their account for whatever reason, to continue playing the game.
For those who don’t own a copy ofGrand Theft Auto 5on PC,theEnhanced Editioncosts $29.99 at full price. This is a decrease from the original game’s $59.99 price, which is no longer available via digital storefronts. At launch, it received a 50% discount, bringing it down to just $15, which falls in line with the original version’s typical price point during Steam sales. While not cheap, especially for a game that came out in 2013, it is worth mentioning that theEnhanced Editioncomes withGTA Onlineand theCriminal Enterprise Starter Packincluded.
Is GTA 5 Enhanced Edition Worth It?
GTA 5 Is Always Worth It
GTA 5 Enhanced Editionis absolutely worth it, especially for those who already own a copy ofGTA 5and can therefore get it completely for free. Its improvements are mostly noticeable - more so for those who can benefit from theGTA Onlinegameplay additions - and theridiculously fast load timeshelp a lot, all of which makes it the definitive experience. Everyone who already ownsGTA 5can migrate their account from theLegacy Editionto theEnhanced Editiononce, which makes picking up right where you left off very easy.
It is very important to note thatthere is separate matchmaking between theLegacyandEnhancededitions of the game. While people still playingGTA 5 Legacycan accesstheGTA Onlinemode and will continue to receive updates, they will not be able to play with those playing theGTA 5 Enhanced Editionversion. Therefore, to continue playing with friends who do upgrade, it is essentially mandatory to play theEnhancedversion. Additionally, it is worth taking into account the game’s technical problems at launch, although Rockstar will likely quickly iron them out.
Even GTA 6 Won’t Be Able To Take Down GTA 5
Grand Theft Auto 5 may remain as popular as ever even after the release of GTA 6 in 2025, as players have a decade of time and money invested.
Of course, for those considering gettingGTA 5for the first time, or who want to buy it on PC after playing the console versions, the $30 price tag is harder to swallow. However, it is stillGTA 5at the end of the day, one of the best games ever made, just with improved visuals and more gameplay additions. While Rockstar has been slow to get this version to PC players, and while it may not be substantial enough for some, the improvements it makes toGrand Theft Auto 5are good enough to make theEnhanced Editionworthwhile.
