PC gamers, your cries have been heard. Rockstar Games has officially announced a groundbreaking update for GTA Online that will bring the PC version in line with its PS5 and Xbox Series counterparts. This long-anticipated update, set to launch on March 4th, promises to bridge the gap between platforms, much to the delight of the dedicated PC gaming community.
In a detailed blog post, Rockstar unveiled that the update includes a plethora of enhancements. Among the highlights are access to all new vehicles and performance upgrades at Hao’s Special Works, the addition of animal encounters, and the opportunity to purchase a GTA+ Membership. Furthermore, gamers can expect improved graphics, faster loading times, and the ability to transfer both Story Mode and Online progress to this revamped version.
PC players, who have long felt overshadowed by the console experience, can now revel in the equal footing this update offers. This upgrade not only introduces kernel-based anti-cheat systems and proactive voice chat moderation, aligning PC with console security standards, but also shows Rockstar’s commitment to its diverse player base.
While this update marks a significant milestone, Rockstar assures there’s room for all. Support continues for the older GTA 5 version for hardware that doesn’t meet the new specs, with FiveM modding rights maintained. However, it’s worth noting that interaction between upgraded and old version players will be segregated.
The timing of this update is as strategic as it is exciting, aligning with Rockstar’s roadmap towards the eagerly anticipated GTA 6, slated for a fall release. Although PC players face a temporary exclusion from GTA 6’s confirmed console release, the assurance of support for “legacy titles” suggests that GTA Online will persist as a vibrant community hub for the foreseeable future.
For PC players who’ve felt left out in the cold, this update offers a warming embrace and a timely advantage in the midst of the series’ evolution. With Rockstar’s pledge to nurture legacy games, the future for GTA Online is not just bright—it’s exhilarating. Stay tuned for more updates as the March 4th date approaches.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Connect with her on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a scoop? Email rvalentine@ign.com.