Rockstar Dishes Out Free GTA 5 Current-Gen Upgrades to PS4 and Xbox One Owners

Rockstar Offers Free Upgrades for GTA 5 on PS4 and Xbox One

If you own a digital copy of Grand Theft Auto V on Xbox One or any version on PlayStation 4, you’re in for a treat. Starting tomorrow, June 18, Rockstar Games is offering a free upgrade to the current-gen versions of the game. This move comes as the studio details the upcoming major update for GTA Online, set to launch in July. The upgrade applies to the digital version on Xbox One and all copies on PS4, including physical editions. It is likely that this upgrade is limited to the same platform family — for instance, PS4 to PS5 — but Rockstar hasn’t confirmed this yet.

What’s Included in the Upgrade?

The current-gen versions of GTA 5 have been available since March 2022, and while the improvements aren’t a dramatic leap from last-gen hardware, they do offer a much smoother experience. Players can expect 60 FPS performance, improved textures, and optimized gameplay. This is a significant boost for those who have been playing on older consoles and want a better experience without paying extra.

Rockstar also mentions that all progress from the previous version will be migrated over. This means that players can take their hard-earned items, money, and progress with them to the current-gen version. This is a big deal for long-time fans who have spent years building their virtual lives in the GTA Online world.

Why Is Rockstar Doing This?

While the upgrade is partly a way to generate interest in the upcoming GTA Online update — which will introduce a new heist — there’s another major factor at play. GTA 6 is set to release this November, and Rockstar is likely trying to keep GTA 5 in the spotlight before it becomes the next big thing. With the release of the next installment on the horizon, sales for GTA 5 may begin to slow, so this upgrade is a way to give the game one final push.

As for GTA 6, Rockstar has yet to reveal details about its online mode. Fans who have spent over a decade in GTA Online are hoping that some of their progress might carry over to the new game. However, it’s possible that everyone will start fresh when GTA 6 launches. The upcoming update for GTA Online might also serve as a way to keep players engaged before the release of the next major title.

What’s Next for Rockstar?

Fans are eagerly waiting for the next look at GTA 6, which is expected to arrive this summer. It wouldn’t be surprising if Rockstar waits until after the release of the GTA Online update in July before revealing more about GTA 6. This way, the studio can ensure that players are fully immersed in the new content before shifting focus to the next big release.

With the free upgrade now available, Rockstar is making it easier for fans to enjoy the current-gen version of GTA 5 without any additional cost. This is a win for players who want to experience the game in its best form and a strategic move for the studio to keep the GTA franchise in the spotlight ahead of the highly anticipated GTA 6 release.