After years of lagging behind next-gen console versions, Grand Theft Auto 5 on PC has finally received its long-awaited Enhanced Edition. This update brings the game up to par with its PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S counterparts, delivering visual and performance upgrades that PC players have been missing out on. However, given Rockstar’s history of re-releasing GTA 5 multiple times—similar to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim—many players are wondering whether this latest iteration is truly worth it.
GTA 5 Enhanced Edition: What’s New?
The Enhanced Edition introduces a suite of graphical and gameplay enhancements that align the PC version with its next-gen console counterparts. Additionally, it includes a handful of PC-exclusive features that set it apart. Here’s what players can expect:
Gameplay & Quality-of-Life Changes
- New vehicles and upgradable customization options (GTA Online)
- GTA+ membership support
- Ambient animal encounters
- Wildlife photography challenges
- Career progression tracker (GTA Online)
Visual & Performance Upgrades
- Multiple graphical modes
- Ray-traced shadows and reflections
- Faster load times
- Updated landing page
- Enhanced 3D audio
- Support for AMD FSR and NVIDIA DLSS
PC-Exclusive Features
- Ray-traced ambient occlusion & global illumination
- DualSense controller support for improved haptic feedback
While these upgrades bring a much-needed facelift to GTA 5 on PC, some players may be disappointed to find that previously cut content remains absent from the game. Rockstar opted to leave out certain controversial elements that were removed in prior remasters, a decision that will likely avoid further backlash.
System Requirements & Compatibility
Unsurprisingly, these improvements come at a cost—higher system requirements. The Enhanced Edition demands more powerful hardware compared to the Legacy Edition:
- Minimum Requirements:
- Intel Core i7-4770 / AMD FX-9590
- 8GB RAM
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1630 (4GB VRAM) / AMD Radeon RX 6400 (4GB VRAM)
- 105GB storage space
These specs reflect the game’s visual overhaul, making it more demanding but also more in line with modern PC hardware capabilities.
Pricing & Upgrade Path
One of the most significant aspects of this release is its pricing structure:
- Free Upgrade: Players who already own GTA 5 on PC via Steam or the Epic Games Store will automatically receive the Enhanced Edition at no extra cost.
- New Purchase: Those who do not already own GTA 5 can buy the Enhanced Edition for $29.99.
- Launch Discount: At release, the game was offered at a 50% discount ($15), bringing it in line with previous Steam sale prices for the older version.
Importantly, while the Legacy Edition has been delisted from digital storefronts, Rockstar has confirmed it will remain accessible in existing players’ libraries. However, the company is encouraging users to migrate to the Enhanced Edition by making it the default option for new purchases.
Is the GTA 5 Enhanced Edition Worth It?
For existing PC players, the Enhanced Edition is an easy recommendation. Since the upgrade is free, players gain access to significant improvements in graphics, performance, and gameplay enhancements at no extra cost.
For new players, the decision is a bit trickier. While $30 is a fair price for an upgraded version of one of the best-selling games of all time, it’s still a game that originally launched in 2013. For those who have already played GTA 5 extensively on other platforms, the Enhanced Edition may not offer enough of an upgrade to justify another purchase.
One key consideration is matchmaking. Rockstar has implemented separate online matchmaking for Legacy Edition and Enhanced Edition players. This means that anyone still using the old version will not be able to play GTA Online with those who have upgraded, making the transition essentially mandatory for active online players.
Final Verdict
While Rockstar may have taken its time bringing this update to PC, the Grand Theft Auto 5 Enhanced Edition does deliver meaningful improvements. Whether it’s worth upgrading depends on individual circumstances, but for those who already own the game, there’s little reason to skip this free enhancement.
As Rockstar continues to keep GTA 5 relevant well into its second decade, this update serves as a reminder of the game’s lasting appeal—but also raises the question: how much longer will fans have to wait for Grand Theft Auto 6?
