Twelve years after its release, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) is about to look better than ever—and it’s all thanks to a free mod created by passionate fans. The NaturalVision Enhanced overhaul, developed by modding team Razed Mods, pushes Rockstar’s aging classic into the visual stratosphere, rivaling even GTA 6’s trailer. Forget Rockstar’s official “Enhanced Edition” update—this fan-made project is the real deal. Here’s why it’s turning heads and how you can experience it.
A Visual Revolution for Los Santos
The NaturalVision Enhanced mod isn’t just a slight upgrade—it’s a complete transformation. Modders have rebuilt GTA 5’s lighting, textures, and weather systems from scratch. Sunsets now cast golden-hour glows across the city, raindrops bead realistically on car windows, and distant mountains no longer look like blurry cardboard cutouts. The team shared jaw-dropping before-and-after comparisons on Twitter, showing a Los Santos that feels ripped from a 2024 AAA title.
Even small details get attention: neon signs reflect authentically on wet streets, NPCs have more lifelike facial animations, and palm trees sway with improved physics. It’s the kind of polish that makes you see the game—and its decade-old map—in a whole new light.
How It Stacks Up Against Rockstar’s Official Updates
Rockstar’s 2022 “Enhanced Edition” added ray tracing and 60 FPS support, but players criticized it for being a cash grab (requiring repurchasing the game). NaturalVision Enhanced outshines it in three key ways:
- Cost: Free for existing PC owners
- Scope: Overhauls lighting, textures, weather, and draw distances
- Performance: Early testers report smoother frame rates despite visual upgrades
A Reddit user who tried the beta raved: “This mod makes Rockstar’s official update look lazy. It’s like playing GTA 5 for the first time again.”
How to Download & Install the Mod
Getting the mod is straightforward, but you’ll need the PC version of GTA 5 (Steam, Epic, or Rockstar Launcher). Here’s the process:
- Visit Razed Mods’ website and download NaturalVision Enhanced when it releases.
- Follow the included installation guide—no coding skills required.
- Launch the game and watch Los Santos transform.
The team hasn’t announced an exact release date yet, but joining their Discord server ensures you’ll get immediate updates.
An upcoming mod for GTAV Enhanced – NaturalVision Enhanced will be FREE for everyone and will not be paid mod, the lead mod dev announces @Word.
— ben (@videotechuk_) April 10, 2025
Razed has shared new screenshots and the mod trailer is currently in the works. A public release is expected around this spring. pic.twitter.com/ghriUSfGuz
The Brains Behind the Beauty
Razed Mods isn’t new to GTA 5 overhauls. Their earlier project, NaturalVision Evolved, amassed over 2 million downloads. The new Enhanced version fixes compatibility issues with Rockstar’s 2022 update while adding requested features like dynamic weather cycles and GPU optimizations. Fans are jokingly (but earnestly) begging Rockstar to hire the team for GTA 6.
“These modders understand GTA’s soul better than Rockstar’s current devs,” tweeted a longtime fan.
Why This Mod Matters for Gaming
NaturalVision Enhanced proves that dedicated communities can keep games alive long after studios move on. While Rockstar focuses on GTA 6, modders are ensuring GTA 5 remains relevant—and stunning—without charging a dime. It’s a reminder that player passion often drives innovation more than corporate budgets.
Also, Read
- GTA 6 Release Window Leak Roasted by Fans – Another False Alarm?
- GTA 6 Fans Revolt Over Rockstar’s Silence – “We’re Done Waiting”
- GTA 6 Release Date – Gaming’s Billion-Dollar Gamble Amid Tariffs & Slumps
Whether you’re replaying the story or causing chaos online, this mod makes GTA 5 feel like a brand-new game. And since it’s free, there’s no reason not to try it—unless you’re saving your PC’s power for GTA 6.
Will you install NaturalVision Enhanced? Or are you loyal to vanilla GTA 5? Let’s debate!