GTA 5 is a game that, despite being released over 10 years ago, remains alive and is still widely played by gamers. Over the years, it has been released on various platforms, including PC and seventh, eighth, and ninth-generation consoles.
On March 4, 2025, another edition was released: the Enhanced Edition – a refreshed and improved version for PC. How does it differ from the previous version, now called GTA 5 Legacy?
Has any new content been added? Today, we’ll tell you all about the most important changes and help you decide whether it’s worth playing!
What’s new & better?
| Feature | GTA 5 Legacy (Standard Edition) | GTA 5 Enhanced Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 2015 (PC), 2013 (Consoles) | March 2025 |
| Platforms | PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X | PC (Enhanced Edition) |
| Graphics Quality | Decade-old visuals, standard textures, basic shadow quality | Upgraded textures, refined shadows, improved environmental details |
| Resolution & Frame Rates | Locked to lower resolutions and frame rates depending on platform | Supports higher resolutions and frame rates for smoother gameplay |
| Hardware Optimization | Limited support for modern GPUs and processors | Optimized for modern PCs with better CPU & GPU utilization |
| Loading Times | Longer loading times due to HDD reliance | Faster loading times with SSD & DirectStorage support |
| Ray Tracing Support | Not supported | Ray-traced shadows, reflections, ambient occlusion, global illumination |
| AI & NPC Behavior | Basic AI and NPC behavior | More advanced AI & NPC interactions |
| New Vehicles & Customization | Limited vehicle updates, no exclusive new fleet | New vehicles with enhanced performance, additional customization options |
| New Weapons | No additional weapons introduced | Introduces new weapons and upgrade options |
| GTA Plus Subscription | Not available on PC, only for PS5 & XSX | Now available for PC, includes in-game cash, bonuses, and perks |
| Exclusive Content | No exclusive properties or perks | Exclusive access to The Vinewood Club garage and unique in-game items |
Improved Visuals
The first and most noticeable difference is the upgraded graphics. Originally, GTA 5 for PC was released alongside its eighth-generation console versions in 2015.
Grand Theft Auto V
Until recently, we had to make do with decade-old visuals, which, while still decent, left much to be desired by modern standards.
Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced
In the Enhanced Edition, we can expect graphics comparable to those seen on PS5 and XSX. Characters, maps, and all their elements (including plants and animals) have been improved – textures have been upgraded, shadows refined, and overall visual quality enhanced.
The game supports higher aspect ratios, frame rates, and resolutions than GTA 5 Legacy, all of which contribute to a much better experience, better suited to modern standards (and hardware capabilities).
Support for More Advanced Hardware
Speaking of capabilities… another key improvement in this edition is support for more advanced hardware. What does this mean? Simply put, the game can now fully utilize the potential (not just graphically) of modern computers.
This translates into significantly improved sound effects, taking full advantage of 3D audio capabilities, whether you’re using stereo speakers or headphones. The use of SSD and DirectStorage technology enables faster loading, greatly improving gameplay comfort. The Enhanced Edition also introduces full controller support, allowing, for example, for the use of all features of the DualSense controller and adaptive triggers.
Technical Enhancements
Sounds good already, right? But that’s not all! Besides better textures and resolutions and improved utilization of modern hardware power, the Enhanced Edition update also brings a series of technical upgrades, most of which pertain to GPU.
These include ray-traced shadows and reflections, ambient occlusion, global illumination, as well as support for AMD FSR1 and FSR3, and NVIDIA DLSS 3. All these enhancements contribute to improved graphics and greater game smoothness. Interestingly, some players using the Legacy Edition previously relied on mods to replicate these effects, but now they come fully integrated into the game, eliminating the need for additional modifications.
Any New Content? Yes!
If improved audiovisuals and smoother gameplay aren’t enough for you, we have good news! The new Enhanced Edition isn’t just about upgrades and refreshes – it also brings a lot of brand-new content. And that includes what GTA fans love the most – new cars!
Yes! The game introduces an entire fleet of new vehicles – faster, better equipped, and more stylish than those available in the Legacy Edition.
Many of them will feature upgrades from Hao’s Special Works Performance Upgrades, and older vehicles can also be enhanced using these modifications. Customization options will be expanded as well.
Of course, new weapons and upgrades will also be introduced in the game.
GTA Plus
Another addition is GTA Plus… Well, not entirely new, as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X players have already had access to this subscription. However, it is now available for PC players as well (something that was not possible in Legacy).
For a small fee, players will gain access to a range of bonuses that undoubtedly make the game easier and more exciting:
- In-game cash of $500,000.
- One free vehicle every month.
- Increased monetary values on Shark Card purchases.
- Free access to older video game titles from Rockstar Games.
Additionally, this subscription grants access to The Vinewood Club vehicle garage – an exclusive property available only to GTA Plus members.
Conclusion
The Enhanced Edition of GTA 5 brings significant improvements in graphics, technical performance, and content, making it a worthy upgrade for both longtime fans and new players. With all these upgrades, it offers a refreshed experience that aligns with modern gaming standards.
Whether you’re revisiting Los Santos or exploring it for the first time, this edition ensures that the journey is more immersive and enjoyable than ever before!