GTA 5 and GTA Online are getting next-gen versions exclusively for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. They are “Expanded and Enhanced.” The release is in March 2022. We show you here everything we know about the new version and what players on PC can expect.
What is this about? Grand Theft Auto V has been successful on various consoles and on PC for years. There is currently no dedicated version for the latest consoles, which is now planned for March 2022. The single-player mode of GTA 5 is set to feature improved graphics and better gameplay.
In this overview, we show you everything we know about the release of the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S version of GTA 5 and GTA Online.
Update from March 4: In a new blog post, Rockstar Games discusses the graphic performance of the next-gen version, character transfers, and more. We have updated the article with the latest information for you.
GTA 5 on PS5 and Xbox Series X – The essentials at a glance
- What kind of version is this? A remaster version of GTA 5, being released on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
- What is the release date? March 15, 2022.
- When does the preload start? From March 8.
- Are there physical versions as well? Yes, they will be available in stores from April.
- What else is changing? GTA Online will become a standalone title on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
- How much does the standalone cost? The price is not yet clear. The standalone version of GTA Online is free on PS5 for the first three months after release.
- What is new in the PS5/Xbox SX|S version? New graphics, improved gameplay, and performance boosts for select vehicles in GTA Online.
Trailer for the PS5 version and Xbox Series X version of Grand Theft Auto V
We embed the only trailer from Rockstar Games for the new version of GTA 5 and GTA Online here:
Mood after the trailer: After YouTube’s changes, it’s hard to tell how the trailer is received in the community now. However, just one day after the release on September 10, there were about 12,500 likes against 21,000 dislikes with 346,000 views.
- In the meantime, there are about 37,000 likes with almost 3.2 million views on the trailer on PlayStation’s YouTube channel
- and about 65,000 likes on the trailer with 3.8 million views on Rockstar Games’ YouTube channel (as of January 12, 2022)
Players have already expressed criticism regarding the release, stating that the graphics hardly differ from the PS4 version. Many comments say that the video is disappointing.
3 different graphic modes on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
These are the modes: You can choose between three graphic modes on the new story version of Grand Theft Auto V.
- Fidelity Mode – Here you get the best graphics with a target of 30 FPS. In this mode, the PS5 and the Xbox Series X support native 4K resolution with ray tracing enabled. The Xbox Series S supports a upscaled 4K resolution.
- Performance Mode – Here you likely play the smoothest with a target of 60 FPS. The PS5 and the Xbox Series X support an upscaled 4K resolution. The Xbox Series S uses 1080p.
- Performance RT Mode – This mode is only available for PS5 and Xbox Series X. It is a mix of fidelity and performance, providing an upscaled 4K resolution with a target of 60 FPS.
What changes does the new version bring to GTA 5 and GTA Online?
The technical improvements include:
- A resolution of up to 4K and up to 60 FPS
- Texture and visibility improvements
- HDR options
- Ray tracing
- Faster loading times
- Immersive 3D audio
- Platform-specific features like improved haptic feedback for PS5 players
What changes in GTA Online? If you play GTA Online on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, you can now skip the prologue of the GTAV story mode for the first time. Additionally, there is a completely new tutorial in GTA Online. Players who are new to GTA Online can choose one of four criminal paths directly in the Career Builder: Biker, Executive, Nightclub Owner, or Arms Smuggler. These are all criminal paths that already exist in current GTA Online. Rockstar Games makes it easier for new players to get established and earn a lot of money quickly. But returning players can also create a new character and then use the Career Builder.
The new auto shop Hao’s Special Works is also part of the improvements for GTA Online. You can find it at the LS Car Meet. There you can performance-tune five new and five existing vehicles that “fully utilize the stronger console hardware.” How exactly this will show in the performance of the vehicles is unclear.
Hao’s workshop: New in GTA Online with the new versions is “Hao’s Special Works.” Here you should get the best tuning for your vehicles. There will also be new race classes where modified vehicles compete. Additionally, there will be a weekly rotation of time trials, along with a premium test drive where you can try out the new modified vehicles.
This is what Rockstar Games says: The new versions are supposed to bring technical and graphical improvements. There will also be performance boosts for selected vehicles in GTA Online. How exactly the vehicles will change is unclear.
Rockstar Games postponed the release of the new version to further polish the game and give it the final touches.
Appropriately for the release, GTA Online will also be available in March as a standalone version for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. There is still no concrete release date for this. It is only clear that the standalone version will be free for PS5 three months after its release. You do not need the base version of GTA 5 to play GTA Online.
For PC players: The improvements for GTA Online will likely be received by PC players just like the versions for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. No further details are known yet.
Character transfer
Can I transfer characters from PS4 and Xbox One? Yes. Players coming from PS4 and Xbox One can transfer their story progress from GTAV and their character and game progress from GTA Online once to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Update from March 4: From today, you can start transferring your story progress by uploading a save file to the Rockstar Games Social Club.
How does this work? Open GTA V on your current console and go to the “Game” tab in the pause menu. There, use the option to upload your save file. You can only save one save file per platform. You can then download it for up to 90 days.
You can also bring your progress from GTA Online to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. You just need to start the game on the new console. You will then take all characters, your GTA Dollars, progress, stats, vehicles, properties, weapons, clothing, and player-created jobs with you.
