GTA Online on PC Is Finally Catching up With Console Versions

ign.com:

Grand Theft Auto 5 players on PC are in for a treat, as Rockstar has just announced they'll be getting a free update March 4 that brings their version of the game up to speed with the PS5 and Xbox Series versions of GTA Online.

In a blog post from Rockstar today, the studio revealed that the update would include "all the latest vehicles and performance upgrades available at Hao’s Special Works, animal encounters, and access to purchase a GTA+ Membership — along with improved graphics options, faster loading times, and more."

The update will also allow players to migrate their Story Mode and Online progress to the new version, and will include kernal-based anti-cheat protection and proactive voice chat moderation, again bringing the PC version to parity with console.

Those who want to remain on the previous version of GTA 5 need not worry, as Rockstar says it will continue to support the old version for those whose hardware does not meet the minimum requirements. First-time purchasers will also have the option to choose between versions. Support for mod platform FiveM will also continue on the old version while Rockstar works to upgrade it to the new PC version as well. However, players on the old version of GTA 5 will not be able to play online with those who upgrade - the two instances will be separated.

This update comes as Rockstar prepares for the imminent planned release of GTA 6 this fall. Though we don't have details yet on what online component, if any, GTA 6 will include, most are speculating it will have a similar online component either at launch or shortly after.

However, GTA 6 is thus far only announced for consoles and has yet to receive a PC announcement (though it probably will eventually), making this update an appealing one for PC players feeling left out. Recently, publisher Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick affirmed support for "legacy titles" as long as a community wants to remain engaged with them, further suggesting that GTA Online via GTA 5 will be