Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for the eagerly anticipated next-gen update of GTA V and GTA Online for PC. This update, which has been in the pipeline since its initial announcement in 2020, has faced several delays. However, PC players will soon be able to enjoy the same enhancements that PS5 and Xbox Series X|S users have experienced for nearly three years, including new content, upgraded graphics, and exciting features.
In a recent Newswire post, Rockstar revealed that the next-gen version will be available on Tuesday, March 4th, just under two weeks away. This confirmation follows hints dropped in a GTA Online feedback survey and during the GTA+ month, suggesting a March release. The anticipation has been building since Rockstar hinted at a 2025 release last November.
The Good News Keeps Coming
In a delightful twist, this upgraded version will be offered free of charge to all existing owners of GTA V on PC. This is a notable departure from the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions, which required a purchase. Players will also have the opportunity to transfer their Story Mode and GTA Online progress, mirroring the migration processes previously available for console users.
Feature Set
For those unfamiliar with the enhancements coming to the PC version, here’s a comprehensive overview of the features included in the next-gen update:
- New vehicles and upgrades at Hao’s Special Works (HSW), offering new automotive performance challenges through Premium Test Rides, HSW Races, and HSW Time Trials.
- Discover Ambient Animals throughout Southern San Andreas and participate in the daily Wildlife Photography Challenge for unique rewards.
- PC players can opt for a GTA+ Membership to unlock special benefits in the upgraded GTA Online.
- Utilize the Career Progress feature to track your criminal activities across all updates while building your empire.
- Experience a revamped Landing Page for easier navigation, along with an improved introductory flow for new players, including a GTA,000,000 windfall for starting as an Executive, Gunrunner, Nightclub Owner, or Biker in the Career Builder.
- Enjoy ray tracing capabilities exclusive to PC, featuring ambient occlusion, global illumination, and ray traced shadows and reflections.
- Support for AMD FSR1 and FSR3, as well as NVIDIA DLSS 3.
- Faster loading times with SSD and DirectStorage compatibility on supported devices.
- Enhanced support for higher resolutions, aspect ratios, and framerates.
- DualSense controller support, featuring adaptive triggers.
- Improved audio experience with Dolby Atmos support and enhanced fidelity for speech, cinematics, and music.
- Ongoing BattlEye Anti-Cheat and Voice Moderation systems, consistent with the current PC version.
Full List Of New Vehicles
Players can look forward to an exciting array of new vehicles in this updated PC version:
Newly Added Vehicles
- Coil Cyclone II (Super)
- Imponte Arbiter GT (Muscle)
- Karin S95 (Sports)
- Pegassi Weaponized Ignus (Super)
- Pfister Astron Custom (SUV)
Newly Upgradable Vehicles
- Super: Principe Deveste Eight, Överflöd Entity MT
- Sports: Bravado Banshee, Bravado Banshee GTS, Grotti Itali GTO Stinger TT, Penaud La Coureuse, Übermacht Niobe
- Sports Classic: Benefactor Stirling GT, Grotti Turismo Classic
- Muscle: Bravado Buffalo EVX, Declasse Vigero ZX, Declasse Vigero ZX Convertible
- Coupe: Annis Euros X32, Übermacht Sentinel XS
- Off-Road: Maibatsu MonstroCiti, Vapid Firebolt ASP
- SUV: Karin Vivanite, Weeny Issi Rally
- Motorcycle: Shitzu Hakuchou Drag
- Compact: Grotti Brioso R/A
Minimum And Recommended Specs
With the enhanced graphics and features, the updated PC version comes with specific hardware requirements:
Minimum Requirements
- OS: Windows 10 (latest service pack)
- CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-4770 or AMD FX-9590
- RAM: 8GB RAM
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 1630 (4GB VRAM) or AMD Radeon™ RX 6400 (4GB VRAM)
- Storage: 105GB, SSD required
- Sound Card and Audio: 100% DirectX 10 compatible
Recommended Requirements
- OS: Windows 11
- CPU: Intel® Core™ i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen™ 5 3600
- RAM: 16GB Dual-Channel Configuration RAM
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce® RTX 3060 (8GB VRAM) or AMD Radeon™ RX 6600XT (8GB VRAM)
- Storage: 105GB, DirectStorage-compatible drive
- Sound Card and Audio: Windows Spatial Sound-compatible audio system; Dolby Atmos support required for a full experience.
What About The Old Version?
Rockstar has confirmed ongoing support for the original version of GTA V and GTA Online on PC. Players whose systems may not meet the requirements for the enhanced version will still receive updates for the original release. The FiveM team has also stated that server owners should maintain their servers on the current version, with future support for the upgraded version to be announced. Importantly, the original version of GTA Online will operate as a separate instance, ensuring that players can only interact with others on the same version.
New Update Content
As a final note, Rockstar is preparing to roll out the next GTA Online update, likely coinciding with the March 4th release. Players can expect a teaser in-game, with a message hinting at the upcoming sale of the McKenzie Field Hangar, alongside new missions related to Oscar Guzman. Stay tuned for further updates and details as they become available.
Images courtesy of Rockstar Games. For ongoing updates regarding GTA Online, enthusiasts are encouraged to visit RockstarINTEL and subscribe to their newsletter for a weekly roundup of all things Rockstar Games.
