Is GTA Better on PS4 or PS5? A Comprehensive Comparison
The short answer is unequivocally yes, GTA is significantly better on the PS5. While the PlayStation 4 version of Grand Theft Auto V is still playable and enjoyable, the PlayStation 5 edition offers a dramatically enhanced experience. The jump in performance, graphics, and features makes the PS5 the superior platform for playing GTA V. This isn’t simply a matter of preference; the PS5 version provides tangible upgrades that elevate the gameplay to another level. Let’s break down why.
Performance and Graphics: A Night and Day Difference
Frame Rate and Resolution
The most immediate and noticeable difference between the PS4 and PS5 versions of GTA V is the frame rate. The PS4 version struggles to maintain even a stable 30 frames per second (FPS), often fluctuating between 17 and 25 FPS. This can lead to a less smooth and sometimes jarring gameplay experience. The PS5, on the other hand, can achieve a consistent 60 FPS and even offers 120 FPS on compatible displays, providing buttery-smooth action and a much more responsive feel. This leap in frame rate is transformative, making the game feel far more fluid and modern.
Coupled with the enhanced frame rate is the resolution upgrade. The PS5 version of GTA V boasts up to 4K resolution, significantly sharpening the visuals and providing a much clearer and more detailed picture. The PS4, limited to a maximum of 1080p (unless you have a PS4 Pro, which also outputs 4K), simply cannot compete with the visual fidelity offered by the PS5. This improved resolution brings Los Santos to life with greater clarity and depth.
Graphics Enhancements
Beyond just frame rate and resolution, the PS5 version benefits from additional graphic enhancements like ray tracing. Ray tracing adds more realistic lighting and reflections, making the game world look more immersive and believable. This is a feature that is not available on the PS4. The enhanced lighting and shadows contribute to a more visually stunning and engaging experience on the PS5.
Loading Times and Storage
Another significant improvement with the PS5 is the reduced loading times. The PS5’s powerful solid-state drive (SSD) allows the game to load significantly faster than the PS4’s traditional hard drive. This means less waiting between missions, when switching characters, and when entering online sessions. These shorter load times lead to a more seamless and enjoyable experience, allowing you to spend more time playing and less time waiting.
Exclusive Content and Features
The PS5 version of GTA V also includes exclusive content and features. One of the most notable is HSW (Hao’s Special Works) upgrades. These upgrades are only available for certain vehicles on the PS5 (and Xbox Series X/S) and allow for significant performance enhancements, and visual customizations. This content adds a fresh layer of gameplay depth and customization that PS4 players cannot access. Additionally, the PS5 version fully utilizes the Dualsense controller’s adaptive triggers, making the experience more immersive and interactive, providing a more realistic feeling while driving vehicles.
Backward Compatibility and Cross-Play
It’s important to note that the PS4 disc of GTA V is backward compatible on the PS5. However, playing the PS4 version on a PS5 does not give you the enhancements of the dedicated PS5 version. If you do that, you would still be playing the game with its limitations. More importantly, PS4 and PS5 players cannot play together on the enhanced PS5 version of the game. If you are playing the PS4 version on the PS5 using a PS4 disc, you can play with other PS4 players.
Conclusion: The PS5 is the Clear Winner
While the PS4 remains a capable console, when it comes to GTA V, the PS5 delivers a superior experience in almost every aspect. From the smoother gameplay enabled by the 60 FPS, to the enhanced visual fidelity of 4K resolution and ray tracing, along with exclusive content like HSW upgrades, the PS5 version is definitively better. The reduced loading times only further solidifies the PS5 as the ideal platform for playing Grand Theft Auto V. If you have the option, playing GTA V on a PS5 is the optimal choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can PS4 players play with PS5 players on GTA V?
No, PS4 and PS5 players cannot play together if both are using the enhanced PS5 version of GTA V. However, PS5 players can play with PS4 players if the PS5 player is playing the PS4 version of the game, typically using a PS4 game disc.
2. Does GTA V look better on PS5 than PS4?
Yes, GTA V looks significantly better on PS5 due to higher resolution (up to 4K), improved frame rate (up to 60 FPS), and graphics enhancements like ray tracing.
3. Is the PS5 version of GTA V worth the upgrade?
Yes, the PS5 version of GTA V is worth the upgrade, especially if you value smoother gameplay, better graphics, and faster loading times. The exclusive content and Dualsense features also add value.
4. Can I transfer my GTA V progress from PS4 to PS5?
Yes, you can transfer your GTA V save data from PS4 to PS5 using the Rockstar Games Social Club. This includes your story mission progress, weapons, and cars.
5. What are HSW upgrades in GTA V?
HSW (Hao’s Special Works) upgrades are exclusive vehicle customizations and performance enhancements available only on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of GTA V.
6. Is GTA V still a good game to play in 2023?
Yes, GTA V is still a worthwhile game to play in 2023. It receives regular updates and new content, keeping the online experience fresh.
7. Which console is GTA V better on, PS5 or Xbox Series X?
Both PS5 and Xbox Series X offer similar enhanced experiences for GTA V, with comparable graphics and performance. The choice between them usually comes down to your console preference.
8. Can I use my PS4 GTA V disc on my PS5?
Yes, the PS4 GTA V disc is backward compatible with the PS5. However, you will be playing the PS4 version of the game, not the enhanced PS5 version, unless you buy the digital version of the game designed for the PS5.
9. Does the PS5 version of GTA V run at a consistent 60 FPS?
Yes, the PS5 version of GTA V typically runs at a consistent 60 FPS, providing a much smoother gameplay experience than the PS4 version.
10. Is GTA V an endless game?
GTA V does feature a very active modding community. With modding, the lifecycle of a game can become an endless, sporadic adventure, with new constructs and concepts popping up all the time.
11. Which GTA game is the best in the series?
While subjective, many consider Grand Theft Auto V to be the best in the series due to its massive open world, engaging story, and the constantly evolving online mode.
12. Is GTA V still the most popular GTA game?
Yes, GTA V remains the most popular GTA game, with over 185 million copies sold.
13. What are the main differences between the PS4 and PS5 versions of GTA V?
The main differences include improved graphics (up to 4K resolution and ray tracing), higher frame rate (60 FPS), faster loading times, HSW content, and Dualsense controller integration on the PS5.
14. Why is GTA V so expensive on PS5?
The PS5 version of GTA V is essentially an enhanced port, not a remaster. Unlike some other publishers, Rockstar did not provide free upgrades to returning players.
15. When will GTA VI be released?
While an official release date has not been announced, it is expected that GTA VI is currently under development, but no official release date or timeframe has been announced.