Grand Theft Auto V PS4 and Xbox One Owners Get Free Next-Gen Upgrade Starting June 18
The free upgrade removes a long-standing barrier for last-gen players who skipped the paid next-gen version, potentially revitalizing the player base for GTA Online ahead of a major heist update.
Key Facts
- Rockstar Games announced on June 17 that owners of Grand Theft Auto V on PS4 and Xbox One will receive a free upgrade to the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions, starting June 18 local time.
- The free upgrade applies to players who own the PS4 version or the digital Xbox One version; physical Xbox One owners must insert their disc into the Series X|S to access the upgrade.
- The upgrade includes reduced load times, unique graphics modes, easier switching between Story Mode and GTA Online, and access to Hao's Special Works vehicle customization.
- The PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of Grand Theft Auto V originally launched on March 15, 2022, with no free upgrade path previously available.
Reporting from 3 sources: Automaton, Denfaminicogamer, Game Spark.
Rockstar Games announced on June 17 that owners of Grand Theft Auto V on PS4 and Xbox One will receive a free upgrade to the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions, starting June 18 local time. The upgrade includes reduced load times, unique graphics modes, easier switching between Story Mode and GTA Online, and access to Hao's Special Works vehicle customization. The announcement was made alongside details of a July update for GTA Online titled "The Kortz Center Heist," which adds a mission to infiltrate an art gallery and steal artwork. Rockstar is also offering discounts on equipment and bonus rewards in the weeks leading up to the heist. Availability for Japanese users has not been confirmed at the time of writing. The PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions originally launched on March 15, 2022, but no free upgrade path was previously available.
The free upgrade applies to players who own the PS4 version or the digital Xbox One version of the game. Physical Xbox One owners must insert their disc into the Series X|S to access the upgrade. The offer begins June 18 local time, matching the date Rockstar posted on its official site.
The PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions originally launched on March 15, 2022. At launch, no free upgrade path existed, though Rockstar offered temporary sales that let players buy the next-gen version at a reduced price. The new policy removes that barrier entirely.
The technical improvements include reduced load times and unique graphics modes. The upgrade also carries over story mode and online progress, and grants access to Hao's Special Works, a vehicle customization shop that offers high-performance upgrades and exclusive vehicles. Career progression rewards are also included.
The July update, "The Kortz Center Heist," adds a mission to infiltrate an art gallery and steal artwork. In the weeks before the heist, Rockstar is offering discounts on equipment and bonus rewards. The game is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Rockstar Launcher, Steam, and Epic Games Store). Availability for Japanese users has not been confirmed.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 3 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- Automaton 『Grand Theft Auto V』PS5/Xbox Series X|S版へのアップグレード無料化へ。PS4/Xbox One版を持っていれば、タダでパワーアップした『GTA5』が遊べるように
- Denfaminicogamer 『グランド・セフト・オートV』PS4・Xbox One版ユーザー向けにPS5・Xbox Series X|S版への「無料アップグレード」提供へ、公式サイトにて発表。『GTAオンライン』“美術品強盗”が目玉の新アプデも予告
- Game Spark 『GTA V』PS4/Xbox One版ユーザー向けにPS5/Xbox Series X|S版への無料アップグレードが提供