Table of Contents

How to Upgrade GTA V from PS4 to PS5: The Definitive Guide

So, you’re ready to experience Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online in all their next-gen glory on your PlayStation 5. Excellent choice! The jump in visual fidelity, performance, and overall experience is significant. Here’s the direct answer to how you upgrade:

To upgrade GTA V from your PS4 to the PS5, you’ll need to purchase the PS5 version of the game from the PlayStation Store. While there isn’t a free upgrade path for the base game if you own the PS4 version on disc or digitally, Rockstar Games offered a limited-time promotional price for PS Plus subscribers. This promotion has ended. Now, you can directly buy Grand Theft Auto V (PS5) or Grand Theft Auto Online (PS5) separately or together from the PlayStation Store.

Now, let’s dive into the details and address all your burning questions about upgrading your GTA V experience.

Understanding the PS5 Version of GTA V

The PS5 version of GTA V is far more than just a resolution bump. It’s a significant upgrade designed to take full advantage of the console’s powerful hardware.

Enhanced Visuals and Performance

Expect dramatically improved visuals, including 4K resolution, HDR, and ray tracing. The textures are sharper, the lighting is more realistic, and the overall level of detail is significantly higher. Performance is also a key factor, with the game targeting a smooth and consistent 60 frames per second. This makes the world feel more responsive and immersive.

Faster Loading Times

One of the biggest improvements is the drastically reduced loading times. Thanks to the PS5’s super-fast SSD, you’ll spend less time waiting and more time playing. Switching between characters, starting missions, and loading into GTA Online is significantly faster than on the PS4.

Exclusive Features and Improvements

The PS5 version also includes a number of exclusive features and improvements, such as:

Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers: The DualSense controller is utilized to provide more immersive feedback, with different weapons and vehicles feeling unique.
3D Audio: Experience a more realistic and immersive soundscape with 3D audio support.
Content Updates: Includes all previous content updates released for GTA V and GTA Online.

Purchasing the PS5 Version

Since there’s no direct free upgrade, you need to purchase the PS5 version of the game. Here’s how:

Turn on your PS5 and sign into your PlayStation Network account.
Navigate to the PlayStation Store from the main menu.
Use the search function to find “Grand Theft Auto V (PS5)” or “Grand Theft Auto Online (PS5)”.
Select the version you want to purchase. Note that you can buy them separately.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase.
Once the purchase is complete, download and install the game.

Choosing the Right Version

You have a few options when purchasing the PS5 version:

Grand Theft Auto V (PS5): This includes both the story mode and GTA Online. If you want the complete experience, this is the option to choose.
Grand Theft Auto Online (PS5): This only includes the online multiplayer component. If you’re primarily interested in GTA Online, this might be a more economical option.

Consider your play style and what aspects of the game you enjoy most when making your decision.

Transferring Your Progress

The good news is that you can transfer your GTA Online progress from your PS4 to your PS5. Here’s how:

Load GTA Online on your PS4.
In the GTA Online pause menu, go to the “Online” tab.
Select “Migrate Profile”.
Follow the on-screen instructions to link your Rockstar Games Social Club account and transfer your progress.

Important Notes:

This is a one-time transfer. Once you’ve migrated your profile, you cannot transfer it back to the PS4.
All your characters, progress, stats, in-game money, purchased items, and properties will be transferred.
Any in-game money purchased after the transfer will not be transferred.
Story mode progress cannot be transferred. You’ll need to start a new story on the PS5.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide you with even more information:

Is there a free upgrade for GTA V from PS4 to PS5? No, there is no free upgrade. You must purchase the PS5 version.
Can I use my PS4 disc of GTA V on my PS5 to get the PS5 version? No. The PS4 disc version will only play the PS4 version of the game on your PS5. You still need to purchase the PS5 digital version to experience the enhanced graphics and performance.
Do I need PlayStation Plus to play GTA Online on the PS5? Yes, a PlayStation Plus subscription is required to play GTA Online on the PS5, just like on the PS4.
Can I transfer my GTA Online progress multiple times? No, the character migration is a one-time process. Once your progress is transferred to the PS5, it cannot be transferred back to the PS4.
What happens to my in-game money after the transfer? All your existing in-game money will be transferred. However, any money purchased after the migration won’t be transferred.
Will my saved story mode progress transfer to the PS5? No, only GTA Online progress can be transferred. Story mode progress is console-specific.
Does the PS5 version of GTA V have all the content updates from the PS4 version? Yes, the PS5 version includes all previous content updates released for GTA V and GTA Online.
How much does the PS5 version of GTA V cost? The price varies. Check the PlayStation Store for current pricing. Buying GTA Online separately may be cheaper if you only plan to play online.
Do I need a 4K TV to appreciate the PS5 version of GTA V? While a 4K TV will provide the best visual experience, the PS5 version will still look significantly better than the PS4 version even on a 1080p TV, thanks to improved textures, lighting, and performance.
Will I be playing with other PS5 players in GTA Online? Yes, you will be playing with other PS5 players in a dedicated PS5 version of GTA Online.
Can I play GTA Online with my friends who are still on the PS4 version? No, the PS4 and PS5 versions of GTA Online are separate. You can only play with players on the same console generation.
How long does it take to download the PS5 version of GTA V? The download time depends on your internet connection speed. The game is quite large, so it could take several hours.
Does the PS5 version of GTA V support cross-platform play with PC or Xbox? No, the PS5 version does not support cross-platform play.
What is the file size of GTA V on the PS5? The file size is substantial, typically exceeding 80GB. Make sure you have enough storage space on your PS5.
Will my Social Club account work with the PS5 version of GTA V? Yes, your existing Rockstar Games Social Club account will work seamlessly with the PS5 version. This is essential for transferring your GTA Online progress.

Upgrading to the PS5 version of GTA V is a worthwhile investment for any fan of the series. The enhanced visuals, performance, and features provide a significantly improved experience. Enjoy your return to Los Santos!

How do I upgrade GTA V from PS4 to PS5?