Rockstar Games has breathed new life into the GTA Online experience for PC users with the recent launch of GTA 5 Enhanced. This upgraded version introduces a collection of exclusive features that were previously available only on current-generation console ports. Alongside this, the game benefits from significant technical enhancements, setting it apart from the original GTA 5 Legacy edition, which debuted in 2015.
Five Features Exclusive to GTA Online Enhanced
1) Installation of HSW Performance Upgrades
One of the standout features of GTA Online Enhanced is the ability to install HSW Performance upgrades on select vehicles. These upgrades offer considerable performance enhancements. For instance, the Bravado Banshee GTS can achieve a remarkable top speed of 172.50 mph with HSW upgrades, a substantial increase over its 138.00 mph speed with standard upgrades, as tested by YouTuber Broughy1322. Players can conveniently apply these upgrades at the LS Car Meet, a feature that is wholly absent in the Legacy version of the game.
Learn more: All 25 HSW vehicles in GTA 5 Online Enhanced PC
2) Rewards from Career Progress Challenges
The Enhanced version features a dedicated Career Progress menu that allows players to track their accomplishments across four tiers of challenges tied to various businesses, Contact Missions, heists, and other activities. Successfully completing these challenges yields rewards in the form of cash, RP, apparel, and even vehicles, creating an additional incentive for engaging in gameplay. This feature, however, is not available in the Legacy edition.
3) Advanced Ray Tracing Technology
Utilizing cutting-edge Ray Tracing technology, GTA Online Enhanced simulates realistic lighting within the game environment. Players can experience features such as Ray Traced Global Illumination, Ray Traced Ambient Occlusion, Ray Traced Shadows, and Ray Traced Reflections, enhancing both the story mode and multiplayer experience. These settings can be easily activated through the pause menu, a luxury not available in the Legacy version.
4) Diverse Wildlife in the Game World
While GTA 5’s story mode features a variety of wildlife, the multiplayer Legacy version has notably lacked these elements since its initial launch. In contrast, the Enhanced version enriches the open world with diverse animal species, allowing players to engage in the Wildlife Photography Challenge. This activity requires players to capture images of various animals, rewarding them with cash and RP for their efforts.
5) Support for New Players with Career Builder
Discover the Career Builder Tool
Newcomers to GTA Online Legacy often find themselves overwhelmed due to the lack of structured guidance, although there are a few beginner-friendly jobs available. The Enhanced version, however, introduces the Career Builder feature, which equips new players with a budget of $4,000,000. This allows them to make informed decisions on essential businesses, vehicles, and weapons, with any leftover funds yours to keep after the initial spending.