GTA 5 Enhanced vs Legacy: Which is the best (and why)

Gamers often look for a GTA 5 Enhanced vs Legacy comparison, and for good reason. Earlier in 2025, Rockstar Games released a brand new version of Grand Theft Auto 5 for PC - the Enhanced Edition. This made the previous PC version the Legacy Edition. However, one may wonder what the difference is between the two.

While both Enhanced and Legacy versions function online and are supported by the developers, it is recommended to know which is the best among the two. This article shares a brief comparison of GTA 5 Enhanced vs Legacy and explores the best version among the two.

Note - Some parts of this GTA V Legacy vs Enhanced article are subjective and only reflect the writer's opinions and analysis.

GTA 5 Enhanced vs Legacy (or GTA V Legacy Vs Enhanced): All you need to know

Before going to the GTA V Enhanced vs Legacy comparison, let's quickly check what each of them exactly means:

GTA 5 Legacy is the original PC port of Grand Theft Auto V, released in 2015. It includes both the story mode and the incredibly popular multiplayer — Grand Theft Auto Online.

GTA 5 Enhanced, on the other hand, is the newest version released for PC gamers on March 4, 2025. It also includes story mode, multiplayer, and everything else from the Legacy version, but with many technical enhancements and extra features.

Without further ado, let's quickly start the GTA 5 Enhanced vs Legacy comparison below:

1) GTA 5 Enhanced vs Legacy: Technical Capabilities

GTA 5 Enhanced vs Legacy: A screenshot of the technical improvements mentioned in the Grand Theft Auto 5 Enhanced newswire (Image via Rockstar Games)

When it comes to technical stuff, GTA 5 Enhanced has improved graphics options like ambient occlusion, global illumination, ray-traced shadows, AMD FSR1, FS3, and Nvidia DLSS 3 support, faster loading times, higher resolution and framerate, and enhanced audio.

None of these features is available in the Legacy version, making the Enhanced version superior in terms of technical performance.

Also Check: GTA 5 Enhanced Edition system requirements for PC

2) GTA 5 Enhanced vs Legacy: Features

GTA 5 Enhanced vs Legacy: Another picture used in the Enhanced version's newswire post (Image via Rockstar Games)

In terms of features, GTA 5 Enhanced has HSW performance upgrades, five exclusive cars, HSW cars and vehicles, Career Builder, Career Progress, as well as ambient animals, to name a few. Players can even access the GTA+ subscription service on PC with the Enhanced version, which was previously available for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S users.

All this extra content gives the Enhanced version a serious edge in the GTA V Legacy vs Enhanced debate.

GTA 5 Enhanced vs Legacy: Final Verdict

GTA V Enhanced vs Legacy: A picture used in the announcement newswire post of Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced (Image via Rockstar Games)

Among the two, the GTA 5 Enhanced can be considered the best version of the game on PC. Not only does it look and work better, but it also has all the bells and whistles of PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions.

If you own a copy of Grand Theft Auto 5 Legacy on PC, you should be able to upgrade to the Enhanced version for free. If you don't want to upgrade, you can still enjoy the Legacy edition without any issues, including Grand Theft Auto Online, as Rockstar Games has promised support for it too.

Also Check: How to migrate GTA 5 story mode save game to Enhanced version

FAQs:

What is the difference between GTA 5 Legacy and Enhanced?

The GTA 5 Enhanced version is the superior and complete version on PC, while the Legacy Edition is the classic version of the game.

Should I download Enhanced or Legacy GTA?

The GTA 5 Enhanced vs Legacy comparison clearly indicates that the Enhanced version is the best among the two. You should download it and experience the virtual world of Los Santos in the best possible manner on PC.

Is Enhanced or Legacy better?

The GTA 5 Enhanced Edition is better than the Legacy version, simply because of all the current-gen features it offers on PC.

Is GTA 5 Enhanced better than Legacy?

Yes, the GTA 5 Enhanced is the better version on PC than the Legacy edition.

About the author

Suyash is an Esports and Gaming journalist at Sportskeeda who specializes in Rockstar Games' GTA franchise. Suyash uses in-depth research and knowledge of his immense experience with the game series to ensure readers have access to the most reliable information. His insightful content pieces have raked in more than 5 million views in just a little over a year's time.

Suyash holds a B.Tech degree and ventured into the world of gaming at a young age through the Prince of Persia Sands of Time trilogy. However, upon encountering GTA Vice City’s 1980s aesthetic, music, and vintage cars, he became enamored with the game, leading him to explore the rest of the franchise.

Suyash prefers solo titles to multiplayer, especially ones with a well-crafted story and character arcs. He admires journalist Jason Schreier for the respect he commands in the industry and the reliability of his news pieces. To ensure the accuracy of his own pieces, he checks multiple reputable sources and insiders.

If he were to recommend a game to a skeptic, it would be Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series. When he’s not roaming the streets of Los Santos in GTA V, you can find him playing football, watching movies, or working out.

Know More

Edited by Ritoban "Veloxi" Paul