Alexander "peter bjorn" Fadin
After years of anticipation, Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced has finally arrived on PC, bringing a suite of graphical and technical upgrades that elevate the aging open-world masterpiece to modern standards. While console players have enjoyed some of these enhancements since the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S releases, PC gamers are getting even more polish with advanced ray tracing, support for upscalers like DLSS and FSR, and other optimizations. Let’s dive into what’s changed, how it impacts gameplay, and whether this update is worth your time.
What’s New in GTA 5 Enhanced?
The update focuses heavily on technical improvements, many of which were exclusive to consoles until now. Here’s a breakdown of the key features:
- Advanced Ray Tracing: The PC version introduces cutting-edge ray-traced ambient occlusion, global illumination, shadows, and reflections. These enhancements make light and shadow interactions far more realistic, particularly in nighttime scenes or reflective environments.
- DLSS and FSR Support: NVIDIA’s DLSS 3 and AMD’s FSR 1/3 are now available, allowing players to boost performance without sacrificing visual fidelity. DLSS, in particular, ensures smooth frame rates even at higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K.
Image: reddit.com
- DirectStorage Integration: Load times are significantly faster on SSDs thanks to DirectStorage, a feature that streamlines asset loading.
- Improved Compatibility: The game now supports ultrawide monitors, high refresh rates (up to 120 FPS), and resolutions beyond 4K.
- Audio Enhancements: Dolby Atmos adds an immersive audio layer, making every car engine roar and explosion feel more impactful.
- For GTA Online, additional content includes new vehicles, Hao’s Special Works upgrades, and the introduction of wildlife to the online mode. Subscribers to GTA+ also gain access to monthly bonuses.
Are the Changes Noticeable?
Image: reddit.com
While the core textures remain unchanged—Rockstar didn’t overhaul the base assets or migrate the game to a newer engine—the addition of ray tracing and upscaling technologies makes a noticeable difference. With ray tracing enabled, Los Santos transforms into a visually stunning cityscape where reflections shimmer off cars, glass buildings glow with accurate lighting, and shadows dynamically shift based on environmental conditions.
However, these enhancements come with slightly higher system requirements. The minimum specs now call for a GTX 1630 instead of the ancient GTX 9800GT, and RAM requirements have doubled from 4GB to 8GB. Still, these updates are fairly modest given the leaps in graphical fidelity.
On my RTX 3070 Ti, I achieved a steady 60 FPS at 1440p with all settings maxed out, including high-quality ray tracing and DLSS set to "Quality." GPU usage hovered around 80%, and VRAM consumption stayed under 6GB—a testament to how well-optimized the update is for mid-tier hardware.
Nighttime Los Santos Looks Stunning
Image: reddit.com
One of the standout improvements is the nighttime visuals. Ray-traced reflections and ambient occlusion bring out details previously hidden in the dark. Streetlights cast realistic glows, neon signs reflect accurately on wet surfaces, and distant lights create natural halos through foggy air. It’s a subtle but transformative change that breathes new life into one of gaming’s most iconic cities.
Reflections on vehicles and windows are particularly impressive, though there are still quirks—mirror views inside car cabins remain wonky, as they did in the Legacy version.
Performance Gains and Optimization
Rockstar hasn’t just focused on visuals: they’ve also addressed longstanding performance issues. For instance, dense vegetation used to cripple framerates during outdoor sequences, dropping them below 50 FPS on even high-end GPUs. In GTA 5 Enhanced, this problem is largely resolved, making countryside drives smoother than ever.
Switching from MSAA to DLAA and relying on upscalers like DLSS has reduced aliasing ("stair-stepping") and sharpened textures. Even minor tweaks like adjustable depth-of-field settings add flexibility for players seeking the perfect balance between performance and aesthetics.
Image: reddit.com
Minor Flaws in an Otherwise Stellar Update
Despite its many strengths, GTA 5 Enhanced isn’t flawless. Some players may notice occasional artifacts caused by DLSS, particularly with text or fine details. Additionally, the game caps at 120 FPS, which might disappoint those with high-refresh-rate monitors. And while the updated shadows and lighting are objectively superior, longtime fans accustomed to the original aesthetic may need time to adjust.
That said, these criticisms are minor compared to the overall package. Free and optional, the update offers significant value to both newcomers and veterans alike.
Why Did It Take So Long?
The real question lingering over this release is simple: why did we have to wait so long? Console players received similar upgrades years ago, yet PC gamers had to endure outdated graphics despite having capable hardware. Regardless, GTA 5 Enhanced delivers exactly what fans wanted—a prettier, smoother, and more immersive experience.
Whether you’re revisiting Los Santos or exploring it for the first time, this update proves that Rockstar’s flagship title still has plenty of life left in it. Now, with ray tracing and DLSS, the city feels more alive than ever.
Main image: reddit.com
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