Grand Theft Auto V Remastered: 5 Key Features You Need to Know About

Grand Theft Auto V is set to release for a third time on March 15, 2022, meaning a few additional enhancements are en route for Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 users. The question we're left to ask, of course, is how many of the new features will be thrown through the blender, and how many will likely improve a game that's already been through the motions twice already?

Grand Theft Auto V has been a well-oiled machine ever since it launched back in 2013, meaning, besides upgrading the visuals for newer generations of consoles, very little has been needed to flesh out the overall experience. And so, it begs the question of whether or not a Remastered edition is really all that necessary. Or, is it just a cash-grab for Rockstar while ironing out the kinks for the long-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI? Whatever the case, we're still keeping it on our radar. But should you? Well, here's all the major features Grand Theft Auto V Remastered will implement on March 15. You be the judge.

5. Visual Enhancements

First and foremost, it's the graphics, which is undeniably the bread and butter of any remastered game ever. Similar to the time Rockstar launched the game on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, the 2022 edition will feature several layers of visual overhauls. These include improvements to the texture, draw distance, and ray tracing. The game will also run at 60fps, according to Rockstar.

As well as the standard visual upgrades, Rockstar has also confirmed the loading times will be cut down, and 3D audio will be implemented. All in all, three graphics modes will be available on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5: Fidelity Mode, Performance Mode, and Performance RT Mode.

4. Graphic Modes

As mentioned, Grand Theft Auto V Remastered will introduce three graphic modes, two of which can already be accessed on all console generations. These three modes, being Fidelity Mode, Performance Mode, and Performance RT Mode, will each favor different display settings, though only Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 will be able to access Performance RT Mode.

Fidelity Mode thrives for the highest visual quality at 30fps, having 4K resolution and ray-tracing enabled. Performance Mode aims to hit 60fps, whereas Performance RT Mode offers “a hybrid of the Fidelity and Performance modes supporting upscaled 4K resolution with ray tracing enabled and targeting 60FPS.”

3. Saved Data Transfers

It's a minor thing, for sure. But the simple fact is, Grand Theft Auto V Remastered will allow for you to transfer saved online data and stories from previous editions of the game over to the latest one. Rockstar confirmed this a little ways back, so you can go ahead and expect things to run a little smoother when picking up where you left off.

Whether it's a half-completed story from an Xbox One, or a maxed out saved game from a PlayStation 4, the latest version will give you the opportunity to continue your journey across San Andreas without any unnecessary hassle. Simple, yet effective.

2. New Radio Stations

The self-proclaimed father of rap, Snoop Dogg, mentioned on social media a little while back about working on new material for “the new GTA video game.” This was, of course, initially believed to be related to the Grand Theft Auto Trilogy that was remastered a few months back. And, well, it was.

Of course, the online counterpart is forever seeing new upgrades, both visual and audible. And so, it goes without saying that Grand Theft Auto V Remastered will feature some new tracks and possibly even a few new stations. It's unclear at this point, though it is looking increasingly likely as we narrow in on the launch date. As for who will potentially host the new shows or the artists that will fill the soundtracks out—that's really anybody's guess.

1. Digital & Physical

Grand Theft Auto V Remastered, also known as Grand Theft Auto V Expanded & Enhanced, is set to release on March 15, 2022. Although the game is launching as a digital version, Rockstar has confirmed physical copies will be releasing in April. But that's about as much as the devs have let on. A release date, of course, is imminent.

It is, however, slightly concerning that neither Rockstar nor any major retailer has opened the doors for pre-orders yet. As it stands, there isn't an option to do such a thing. Even with a week left in the diary before launch, Rockstar has failed to let slip a pre-order announcement. So, if you're wanting to pick up the latest and greatest model, then you'll have to wait until March 15.

You can pick up Grand Theft Auto V Remastered on Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5 on March 15, 2022. For more information on the game and all its patch notes, you can follow Rockstar over on the official social handle here.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

Looking for more content? You could always take a look at one of these lists:

Bully 2: 5 Things Rockstar Should Consider

5 Best Subscription Platforms Like Xbox Game Pass