In an announcement that surprises absolutely no one, Rockstar has announced that they are bringing GTA V and GTA Online to Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. These new versions of the game are set to release on March 15th, and will feature new graphics modes that take advantage of the more powerful hardware of the next gen systems and include features like 4k resolution, a framerate of 60 frames per second, improved textures, HDR, ray tracing, faster load times and more immersive 3D audio. There will be three graphics options to choose from:
- Fidelity Mode is tuned for the highest visual quality and targets 30 FPS. In this mode the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X support native 4K resolution with ray tracing enabled while the Xbox Series S supports upscaled 4K resolution.
- Performance Mode is tuned for the most responsive gameplay experience and targets 60 FPS. In this mode the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X support upscaled 4K resolution while the Xbox Series S supports a resolution of 1080p.
- Performance RT mode, a hybrid of the Fidelity and Performance modes supporting upscaled 4K resolution with ray tracing enabled and targeting 60 FPS. (PS5 and Xbox Series X only)
In addition to better graphical quality and faster load times, these new versions of the game will also include things like increased population and traffic variety, higher vegetation density, improved lighting quality across shadows, water and other elements. It also includes better anti-aliasing, motion blur, more detailed explosions and fire and more.
Rockstar has also added in haptic feedback and dynamic resistance on the Adaptive Triggers for Playstation 5 DualSense controller. Other platform specific features include the use of Tempest 3D positional audio on Playstation 5 and Spatial Sound on Xbox Series X|S.
This release also includes GTA Online, which not only is being included in GTA V, but also as a standalone title. Next gen console owners will both be able to download the popular online title without having to own GTA V, with Playstation 5 owners being able to download and keep it for free in the first three months following release. Along with all the tons of content already released on GTA Online, this next gen version also includes Hao’s Special Works:
Hao’s Special Works encompasses best-in-class vehicle upgrades, a new class of Races using specially modified vehicles, and a weekly rotation of Hao’s Special Works Time Trials, along with a Premium Test Ride, where you can get behind the wheel of these newly modified vehicles for free.
New players to GTA Online can also access the new Career Builder, which is designed to help players get a “leg up” in San Andreas:
We’re introducing a new Career Builder feature designed expressly for new players – or anyone who wants to reset their character and get a fresh start – to get an introductory leg up in the criminal world of Southern San Andreas. With this system, you get a GTA$4,000,000 windfall to select essentials including Business Properties, Vehicles, and Weapons.
Rockstar has also introduced some quality of life additions to the Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of GTA Online which include a newly designed introduction and tutorial, and a new front-end main menu that allows you to jump directly into a variety of different modes.
Those wishing to port over their story mode and GTA Online characters will be able to transfer their progression to the new versions through the Rockstar Social Club. Story characters are available to be uploaded now, and this can be done by going to the Game tab of the Pause menu, and selecting the Upload Save Game option. Only one saved game can be uploaded per platform and saves will remain available to download for 90 days. GTA Online characters will be eligible for transfer on March 15th upon loading up the game on the Playstation 5 or Xbox Series X|S. All of your characters, in game cash, progression, stats, vehicles, properties, weapons, clothing and player created jobs will transfer over as well, though purchased GTA$ can only be transferred between platforms from the same family (i.e. Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S). All earned GTA$ will transfer regardless of the platform.
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