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Which GTA Should I Buy for PS5? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of which Grand Theft Auto (GTA) to buy for your PlayStation 5 (PS5) might seem straightforward, but it’s layered with nuances. The simple answer is: you need to buy Grand Theft Auto V: Expanded and Enhanced Edition to fully experience the game on the PS5. This isn’t just a simple port; it’s a tailored experience designed to leverage the PS5’s power, and it’s the definitive version of GTA V for the console.

However, that’s just the starting point. Let’s dive into what this entails and why it’s the right choice, followed by answers to many of the common questions you might have.

GTA V: Expanded and Enhanced – Why It’s the PS5 Choice

The Expanded and Enhanced edition of GTA V isn’t just a prettier version of the game you might have played on the PS4. It offers significant improvements that make it worthwhile for new and returning players. Here’s why it’s the only version you should be considering for your PS5:

Enhanced Graphics and Performance: This version takes full advantage of the PS5’s hardware. You get sharper visuals, ray tracing, and a smooth 60 frames per second (FPS). This elevates the game’s visual fidelity and makes the chaotic open-world action much smoother.
Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers: The PS5’s DualSense controller is utilized to its fullest potential. You will feel every car crash, gunshot, and explosion through the controller, adding a new layer of immersion. The adaptive triggers provide resistance that changes based on the weapon or vehicle you are using, making the gameplay even more engaging.
HSW Upgrades: This version features Hao’s Special Works (HSW) upgrades, which provide access to unique modifications and performance boosts for select vehicles. These enhancements are exclusive to the new-generation versions of the game.
Exclusive Cosmetic Items: The Expanded and Enhanced edition comes with unique cosmetic items that are not available in the older versions of the game, allowing you to personalize your character and vehicles further.
Future-Proofing: The old-gen versions will eventually stop receiving updates, making the PS5 version the only way to experience future content additions. If you want to stay up to date with the game’s ongoing evolution, the PS5 version is the only option.

The key takeaway is that the PS5 version is not just a visual upgrade; it’s an overall enhanced experience that you can’t achieve with the PS4 version.

GTA V vs. GTA Online: Understanding the Difference

Before making your purchase, it’s crucial to understand the relationship between GTA V (story mode) and GTA Online:

GTA V: This is the single-player story mode where you play as three different protagonists – Michael, Trevor, and Franklin – in an open-world narrative. It’s a deep, character-driven experience.
GTA Online: This is the multiplayer mode, a completely separate world where you create your character and engage with other players in a vast open world. It features heists, races, and numerous other activities, with a constant stream of updates.

Crucially, you can’t buy GTA Online separately. It’s bundled with GTA V in the Expanded and Enhanced Edition. When you buy the game for your PS5, you are getting both the single-player experience and the online component.

Making the Purchase: Considerations

While the Expanded and Enhanced Edition is the right choice for PS5, here are a few things to consider:

Price: Unlike some remasters, this isn’t a free upgrade for those who owned the PS4 version. It’s a new purchase. The price may vary, so check different retailers and the PlayStation Store for the best deal. Note that it is often cheaper on PS5 compared to Xbox.
Starter Packs: You may encounter bundles, most notably the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack. This offers a substantial amount of in-game content and currency to give you a head start in GTA Online. If you are new to the online experience, this bundle can be worth the investment.

Now that you have a clear understanding of what version to buy, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to address common concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to buy GTA 5 again for PS5 if I owned it on PS4?

Yes. The GTA 5 Expanded and Enhanced Edition for PS5 is not a free upgrade. You need to purchase it separately even if you have the PS4 version.

2. Is GTA 5 different on PS5 than on PS4?

Yes, significantly. The PS5 version has better graphics, ray tracing, 60fps performance, HSW upgrades, exclusive cosmetic items, and makes extensive use of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. It offers a far superior experience.

3. What’s the difference between GTA 5 and GTA Online?

GTA 5 is the single-player story mode where you play as three characters.
GTA Online is the multiplayer mode where you customize your own character and play in an open world with other players. You can not buy GTA Online on its own. It is bundled with the single-player GTA 5.

4. Is GTA 5 better on PS5?

Absolutely. The PS5 version is visually sharper, smoother, and more responsive than the PS4 version, even when the PS4 version is played on a PS5. It comes closer to the visuals of a maxed-out PC version of the game.

5. What are the different versions of GTA 5?

Original Versions: Released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2013.
Mid-Gen Versions: Released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2014.
PC Version: Released for Windows in 2015.
Current-Gen Versions: Released for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2022 (the Expanded and Enhanced Edition).

6. Why is GTA 5 so expensive on PS5?

The price is mainly because it’s not a free upgrade or a traditional remaster but a complete port with significant improvements. Rockstar decided not to offer this as a free update, citing the enhancements and new content it included.

7. Do I have to pay for GTA Online on PS5?

No, not separately. You only need to purchase the GTA V: Expanded and Enhanced Edition, and GTA Online is included as part of that purchase. However, you need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online.

8. Can I transfer my PS4 GTA 5 save to PS5?

Yes. You can transfer your PS4 save data to PS5 using the Rockstar Games Social Club. This includes story progress, weapons, cars, and more.

9. Can PS5 players play with PS4 players in GTA Online?

Yes, PS5 players can play the older PS4 version of GTA Online with PS4 players. However, you must be running the same (PS4) version of the game to do this. If you are running the PS5 version of GTA Online, then you will only be able to play with others who are also using the PS5 version of the game.

10. Is it worth playing GTA Online in 2023?

Yes. Despite being released in 2013, GTA Online continues to receive regular updates and new content, making it still a vibrant and engaging experience.

11. Can I play GTA 5 online for free?

No, not without buying the game. GTA Online is included with every purchase of GTA V. However, you will also need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to play online.

12. If I get banned in GTA Online, do I need to buy the game again?

No, you do not need to buy the game again. However, you will need to create a new account to continue playing, losing all your progress and items from your banned account.

13. Which GTA V version is best?

For the PS5, the ** Expanded and Enhanced Edition is the best and only option**. It offers the most complete and advanced experience of the game.

14. Which GTA game is best in the series overall?

Many players and critics consider Grand Theft Auto 5 the best GTA game overall, although there is ongoing debate. San Andreas and Vice City are also considered high points in the series.

15. What’s the difference between old-gen and new-gen GTA 5 in terms of players?

The PS5 version of GTA V allows for up to 30 players on the server, compared to the older PS4 version which only supported up to 22. New-gen also has better graphics and matchmaking.

Final Thoughts

To fully enjoy Grand Theft Auto V on your PS5, the Expanded and Enhanced Edition is the only choice you should consider. It delivers an experience tailored for the console’s capabilities, providing enhanced graphics, smooth performance, immersive haptics, and future-proofing for ongoing content. While not a free upgrade, the improvements and additional content make it a worthwhile purchase for both veterans and newcomers to the franchise. So, get ready to explore Los Santos in its most impressive form yet!

Which GTA do I buy PS5?