Grand Theft Auto 5 has been around since 2013, and it has been available on PS and Xbox consoles since its initial release. It has also seen the introduction of GTA Online, a popular version of the game where GTA fans from across the world can make their own character for Los Santos.
Rockstar has been working on an update to make versions of the game for the newest generation of consoles, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The update focuses on upgrading the existing game to ensure that you can make the most out of the technology on offer in the next-gen consoles. From enabling ray tracing to offering a cross-console transfer, it seems that the update has a lot to offer.
In this guide, we're going to break down everything we know so far about the next-gen update.
GTA 5 Next-Gen Update Release Date
The next-gen versions will be available on March 15, 2022. You can pre-load the game from March 8, but you will not be able to access it until the official release date.
What Does the Next-Gen Console Update Include?
As detailed in this newswire post, the next-gen update will include a lot of high-quality improvements to various areas of GTA 5 and GTA Online. Across all of the consoles, you can expect faster loading times, higher traffic density, and a larger population to deal with. Also, there will be significant lighting improvements, anti-aliasing options, and motion-blur.
We've detailed some of the large improvements and additions below.
Fidelity Mode
This mode is designed to give you the highest visual quality possible on your chosen platform. With this mode enabled, PS5, and Xbox Series X consoles will be able to support a 4K resolution with ray tracing enabled. If you have an Xbox Series S, it will only be able to support upscaled 4K resolution without ray tracing. Also, it's targeted at performing best at 30 FPS. It's definitely a mode focused on visual quality, so perhaps it's not one for you if you prefer to focus on the game experience.
Performance Mode
Performance Mode is designed to significantly improve your overall in-game experience. If you choose to use this mode, the PS5, and Xbox Series X can support upscaled 4K resolution. The Xbox Series S will only be able to support 1080p. However, the important aspect of performance mode is that it's made for 60 FPS. In a game where shooting accurately, and driving fast can save your life, having 60 FPS enabled can put you ahead of others (especially online)
Performance RT Mode
If you like the sound of both Fidelity and Performance mode, then Performance RT is the one for you. This mode is the best of both worlds. You get the ability to support 4K resolution with ray tracing enabled and 60 FPS. However, this mode is only available on PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Haptic Feedback
The next-gen versions of GTA 5 will make the most of the PS5's responsive controllers. The Haptic Feedback from the adaptive triggers on the controllers will respond to things that happen in the game. This includes explosions, gunfights, and the unpredictable weather of Blaine County.
Changes to GTA Online
GTA Online lets you create your own character in Los Santos and you can live your life in the city however you'd like. You can run a criminal empire or become one of the best thieves L.S has ever seen. The popular game is also receiving upgrades and new additions as part of the next-generation update.
Here's everything we know that will be included so far:
- A new introduction into the game for new players
- A new menu that lets you directly jump into your desired mode (including weekly events)
- Career Builder Feature
- New Vehicles
- Hao's Special Works will be added to the Los Santos Car Meet.
We suspect that the online version of the game will also receive the same settings and quality of life upgrades as the main game.
After March 15, 2022, GTA Online will be available as a standalone game. If you have a PS5, then from March 2022 to June 2022, you can download GTA Online for free (and you can keep it!).
Can You Transfer Your Progress to the Next-Gen Versions?
Yes, you can transfer your game progress from both story mode and GTA Online to the next-gen versions. You can transfer your progress to the next-gen console in the same family, or you can do it cross-platform if you want to. However, it's a one-time transfer, so you need to think carefully about the transfer.
- Learn More: Read how to transfer your progress to the next-gen versions of GTA 5.
Is the Next-Gen Update Free?
It still hasn't been confirmed yet if the upgrade will be free to those who already own a copy of the game. However, it could be safe to assume that you will have to pay for it as the upgrade from PS3 to PS4 was also paid.
Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online let you explore Los Santos and create chaos as you do. If you're currently playing the online game, you should take a look at our guide on how to make money this week. It shows you handy hints and tricks to fill your bank account quickly. We also have a guide on how to turn off voice chat, in case you don't want to hear other people in the session.
Contributions from Lloyd Coombes.