Before GTA 6, Rockstar Reinvigorates GTA 5 with a Free Upgrade

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Thirteen years after its initial release, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) continues to endure. As attention shifts to Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), Rockstar Games has surprised players with a free upgrade to the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X/S versions of GTA 5 for existing owners of the PS4 and Xbox One versions. This move addresses a criticism that arose when players had to purchase the new-generation versions separately upon their 2022 release, despite an initial discount. This free upgrade is available to digital owners of GTA 5 on PS4 and Xbox One, allowing them to transfer their Story Mode and GTA Online progress to their PS5 or Xbox Series X/S. The upgrade includes enhanced visuals, technical improvements, new content, and support for the latest hardware. Players will gain access to features such as Hao’s Special Works for high-performance vehicle upgrades and Career Progress rewards. Rockstar Games announced that the free upgrade for GTA 5 on current-generation consoles would be available from June 18, 2026, and is a permanent offering. This announcement came shortly before the scheduled release of GTA 6 on November 19, 2026.

Grand Theft Auto V Enhancements on Current-Gen Consoles + New GTA Online Content for Summer

On current-generation consoles, GTA 5 offers a 60 frames per second display, significantly reduced loading times, various graphical enhancements, and exclusive GTA Online features like Hao’s Special Works. While not revolutionary, these improvements offer a more enjoyable experience compared to the PS4 and Xbox One versions. This free upgrade coincided with the announcement of “The Kortz Center Heist,” a new GTA Online content update scheduled for July. This update was designed to maintain player engagement throughout the summer and sustain interest in the game leading up to the GTA 6 release. The future of GTA Online following the launch of GTA 6 remains uncertain. Rockstar Games has not yet revealed whether GTA 6 will feature an evolution of GTA Online or an entirely new multiplayer experience, or if players will be able to carry over their accumulated progress from the past thirteen years.

In Case You Missed It

In the gaming world, there’s plenty to keep you excited! Sophie Laurent has just published two insightful pieces that you won’t want to miss. First up, she reveals all the latest on ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’, with Rockstar Games officially opening pre-orders for this highly anticipated title set for November 2026. The official game cover is out too, showcasing Lucia and Jason amidst GTA’s signature chaos. Head over to discover more about special editions, reservation bonuses, and potential pricing info Grand Theft Auto VI: Official Game Cover Revealed, Pre-orders Now Open. Also from Sophie, she dives into the latest developments surrounding Xbox Studios’ RPG ‘Fable’, which has been delayed until February 2027. She compares its new release date with other heavy hitters like Halo: Campaign Evolved – don’t miss this update Fable Delayed Until February 2027. Meanwhile, Ahmed Hassan takes us on a deep dive into the storage space marathon that is ‘Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’, set to release next month. This epic RPG for Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S requires over 100GB of space, dwarfing even Cyberpunk 2077’s Special Edition. Fans eager to play on the go will need some serious SD card real estate – check out Ahmed’s insightful analysis here Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for Nintendo Switch 2 to Occupy Over 100 GB.