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Is HSW Only Next-Gen GTA V? The Definitive Answer

The short, direct answer is: Yes, Hao’s Special Works (HSW) upgrades and content are exclusively available on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of Grand Theft Auto Online. This means if you’re playing GTA Online on a PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or PC, you unfortunately cannot access HSW upgrades or vehicles. This exclusivity is a significant difference between the older and newer generations of consoles and the PC port.

HSW: A Deep Dive into Next-Gen Exclusivity

Hao’s Special Works isn’t just another mod shop; it’s a specialized garage that offers a unique set of high-performance upgrades that drastically enhance the speed and handling of certain vehicles. This feature was introduced with the Expanded & Enhanced edition of GTA Online, specifically designed for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles. It leverages the superior processing power and technological advancements of these platforms to deliver a more immersive and performance-driven experience.

The HSW upgrade isn’t just a simple bolt-on performance boost. It includes:

Exclusive Visual Customizations: Unique liveries, spoilers, and body kits designed specifically for HSW vehicles.
Performance Enhancements: Significant upgrades to engine power, acceleration, top speed, and overall handling.
HSW Time Trials: New time trials that challenge players to push their upgraded cars to their absolute limits.

Why the Exclusivity?

The decision to keep HSW content exclusive to next-gen consoles isn’t arbitrary. Rockstar Games designed the Expanded & Enhanced edition to take advantage of the newer hardware’s capabilities. This includes:

Increased Frame Rates: The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles can handle higher frame rates, which are critical for fast-paced driving and high-speed action. The HSW upgrades push the game’s performance to the limit, requiring the additional processing power.
Improved Graphics and Textures: The new-gen consoles feature superior graphics and texture fidelity, enhancing the visual appeal of HSW customizations.
Faster Load Times: The faster SSDs of these consoles result in significantly faster loading times, allowing for a seamless gaming experience.

Due to these technical limitations, the PS4, Xbox One, and PC versions of GTA Online simply cannot handle the demands of HSW upgrades without significant performance issues. This is why HSW is not available on these platforms.

How to Get HSW Upgrades

If you’re on a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, accessing HSW requires a few steps:

Unlock Hao’s Special Works: Upon loading GTA Online, you’ll receive a call from Hao instructing you to pick up his car. Completing this time trial will unlock Hao’s Workshop.
Join the LS Car Meet: You’ll need to be a member of the Los Santos Car Meet, located in Cypress Flats. If you’re not a member, Mimi will help you get set up.
Convert Your Vehicle: With a compatible vehicle, drive to Hao’s workshop. You’ll need to convert it for HSW tuning. This conversion is free, but performance upgrades will cost extra.
Upgrade: Purchase the HSW performance upgrades to get the most out of your ride.

What Cars Are Eligible for HSW Upgrades?

Not every car in GTA Online can receive HSW upgrades. The selection of eligible vehicles is carefully curated by Rockstar Games. Here are some of the popular HSW-compatible vehicles:

Grotti Itali GTO Stinger TT: Known as the fastest HSW car and the overall fastest in the game, reaching speeds of 168.50 mph after HSW upgrades.
Vigero ZX: A powerful muscle car that benefits greatly from HSW tuning.
Benefactor Stirling GT: A classic sports car that receives a significant boost in performance and handling.
Karin S95: Based on the Toyota GT86, this car becomes a real speed demon with HSW modifications.
Bravado Banshee: A long-time fan favorite that gets a new lease on life with the HSW upgrades.
Dewbauchee Deveste Eight: A futuristic supercar that performs even better with HSW tuning.
Entity MT: Another hypercar that is enhanced by the HSW performance upgrades.

HSW Performance Upgrade Costs

While the initial HSW conversion is free, the performance upgrades come at a cost. These usually start at around $375,000 but can be considerably higher depending on the vehicle. The Bravado Banshee, for example, has an HSW upgrade cost of $1,840,000.

No Cross-Gen Play with HSW

It’s crucial to note that because HSW features are exclusive to next-gen consoles, there is no cross-gen play available between PS5/Xbox Series X|S and PS4/Xbox One/PC players. You will only be able to race and play with other users on the same generation of console.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding HSW and its exclusivity to next-gen platforms:

1. Can PC players access HSW upgrades?

No, **PC players cannot access HSW upgrades.** These are exclusive to the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of GTA Online.

2. Why isn’t HSW available on PS4 and Xbox One?

The older generation consoles lack the necessary processing power and technical capabilities to handle HSW upgrades without causing significant performance issues.

3. How do I unlock Hao’s Special Works?

You must receive a call from Hao in GTA Online, pick up his vehicle, and complete the time trial. Afterward, become a member of the LS Car Meet.

4. Is there a specific level requirement to use HSW?

No, there is no specific level requirement. You just need to complete the introductory missions and become a member of the LS Car Meet.

5. Where is the HSW workshop located?

The HSW workshop is located inside the **LS Car Meet in Cypress Flats**, on the southeast side of Los Santos.

6. Can you use HSW upgrades in races?

Yes, you can use HSW upgrades in races, but they will likely be placed in separate lobbies with other HSW cars.

7. Is the HSW conversion always free?

Yes, the initial conversion of an eligible vehicle to be HSW-compatible is **free of charge**.

8. Are all the upgrades free after the conversion?

No, only the conversion is free. Performance upgrades and visual customizations still need to be purchased.

9. What is the fastest HSW car?

The **Grotti Itali GTO Stinger TT** is the fastest HSW car in GTA Online.

10. How much do HSW performance upgrades cost?

The cost of HSW performance upgrades vary depending on the vehicle, typically starting around **$375,000** and going up from there.

11. Can I transfer my HSW upgraded cars to my PS4 account?

No, HSW upgrades are exclusive to the PS5/Xbox Series X|S version, and you **cannot transfer** them to a PS4 account.

12. Is there cross-play between PS5 and PS4 users with HSW cars?

No, there is **no cross-play** between PS5 and PS4 users for HSW-related content.

13. Can I still race against players on PS4 and PC if I have an HSW car?

No, you will only be matched with other **next-gen console players**.

14. Can I preview HSW upgrades before I buy them?

Yes, you can preview the performance and visual upgrades inside Hao’s workshop before making a purchase.

15. Will HSW content ever come to older generations and PC?

Given the technical limitations of those platforms, it’s **highly unlikely** HSW upgrades will ever be available on PS4, Xbox One, or PC.

Conclusion

In summary, HSW upgrades are indeed exclusive to the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of GTA Online. If you want to experience the fastest cars and the enhanced performance that Hao’s Special Works offers, you’ll need to be playing on the newer consoles. While this might be disappointing for players on other platforms, the technical reasons for this exclusivity are valid, and it ensures that the next-gen experience is optimized and smooth.

Is HSW only next gen GTA V?