Rockstar Games recently announced a free upgrade for Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) on PC, bringing next-gen features previously exclusive to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. While PC players are thrilled, the announcement has left some console players feeling overlooked, sparking mixed reactions across the GTA community.
What’s in the Free PC Upgrade?
The update, set to release on March 4, introduces a range of new features and improvements to the PC version of GTA 5 and GTA Online. Here’s what’s included:
1. New Vehicles and Upgrades
- Hao’s Special Works (HSW): Access to high-performance vehicles and upgrades.
- Premium Test Rides, Races, and Time Trials: Test your driving skills with new challenges.
2. Ambient Animals and Wildlife Photography
- Wildlife Encounters: Discover animals across Southern San Andreas.
- Daily Photography Challenges: Snap pictures of wildlife for exclusive rewards.
3. GTA+ Membership Benefits
- Exclusive Perks: PC players can now sign up for GTA+ to unlock special benefits.
4. Career Progress Tracking
- Empire Building: Track your progress across all GTA Online updates as you build your criminal empire.
5. Technical Improvements
- Faster Loading Times: Optimized for SSDs and DirectStorage.
- Enhanced Graphics: Support for higher resolutions and frame rates.
Why Are Fans Divided?
While PC players are celebrating the free upgrade, console players are less thrilled. When the next-gen version of GTA 5 launched for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, players had to pay around $40 for the upgrade. This has led to frustration among console users, who feel they’ve been treated unfairly.
On Twitter, user FriendlyAaron1 commented:
“How come us console users didn’t get it for free?”
Others, like Crowny132, expressed excitement for the update:
“Faster loading times, I could literally die of joy.”
Meanwhile, some fans used the announcement as an opportunity to remind Rockstar about GTA 6. One user joked, “Rockstar, do you know GTA VI is coming out this year?”
Also, Read
- GTA 5’s Final Major Update Before GTA 6 Has Fans Seriously Hyped
- GTA 5 Gets Its Biggest Graphical Overhaul Yet with New PC-Exclusive Update
- GTA 6 Trailer 2 Delay Frustrates Fans: ‘We’ll Be in Nursing Homes by the Time It Drops’
What Does This Mean for GTA 6?
The free PC upgrade shows Rockstar’s commitment to supporting GTA 5 even as GTA 6 approaches. However, it also highlights the challenges of balancing updates across platforms. With GTA 6 expected to release later this year, fans are hopeful that Rockstar will handle its launch more equitably.