Rockstar Games is giving Grand Theft Auto 5 owners a free upgrade to the current-generation versions of the game, dropping the previous $10 fee just months before GTA 6 arrives.
The Free Upgrade Is Now Live
Starting June 18, 2026, those who own the PS4 or digital Xbox One version of GTA 5 can upgrade to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version at no additional cost. PC players can also move from the older Legacy version to the Enhanced version for free.
Before this announcement, that same upgrade cost $10. Rockstar first released the PS5 and Xbox Series versions in March 2022, but players who already owned the game had to pay rather than receive a free update.
What the Upgrade Includes
The current-gen and Enhanced versions of GTA 5 deliver meaningful technical improvements over the last-gen builds:
- Better visuals and overall graphical fidelity
- Ray tracing on PC (ray traced ambient occlusion and global illumination)
- Modern hardware support, including SSD optimization
- DualSense controller compatibility on PS5
- Improved audio
Players who upgrade also unlock features that were exclusive to the newer versions:
- Hao’s Special Works for high-performance vehicles and upgrades
- Career Progress rewards
- Expanded GTA Online content available only on current-gen platforms
How to Transfer Your Progress
Players do not lose their existing saves when upgrading. Rockstar provides dedicated migration guides for both platforms. Console players can follow the guide for migrating your GTA Online profile from PlayStation 4 or Xbox One to PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S. PC players can use the guide for migrating your Online profile from GTA V Legacy to GTA V Enhanced on PC. Both Story Mode and GTA Online progress carry over between versions.
The Kortz Center Heist Is Coming in July
The free upgrade timing connects directly to Rockstar’s upcoming content roadmap. The Kortz Center Heist launches as a new GTA Online update on July 14. The heist centers on the world-famous Kortz Center museum in Pacific Bluffs, letting players raid its prestigious art collection.
Running the heist requires players to add the Art Studio to their Mansion property, then scope out the complex before choosing an approach. Rockstar plans to build toward the launch with bonus GTA$ events, heavy discounts, and exclusive rewards through the Fine Art Collector program.
GTA+ Members can look forward to a GTA$2,000,000 discount on lavish properties from Prix Luxury Real Estate. All players can take advantage of 40% bonus GTA$ on qualifying Shark Cards during the lead-up period. GTA+ Members also gain access to GTA 5’s Story Mode as part of the GTA+ Games Library, in addition to GTA Online.
Why Rockstar Is Pushing the Upgrade Now
The move makes clear that Rockstar wants its entire player base running on the latest version of GTA 5 before GTA 6 ships. The company may have plans to carry over GTA Online progress when the new game launches, making the upgrade a practical step for long-term players.
GTA Online has generated enormous revenue since its October 2013 launch. Players have spent real money on Shark Cash Cards for more than a decade. A financial report leaked by a hacker group in April showed GTA Online earning over $1 million per day between September 2025 and April 2026.
GTA 6 launches on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. GTA 6 pre-orders go live on June 25. Rockstar has not confirmed a PC version or a Switch 2 port. For full details on the upgrade process, visit Rockstar Support.
