Rockstar's latest update to Grand Theft Auto 5, known as GTA 5 Enhanced, has not been well-received by the Steam community since its launch on March 4. This new version boasts a 'mixed' user review rating, with only 54% of the 19,772 reviews being positive. This stands in stark contrast to the original GTA 5 on Steam, which, despite being unlisted at Rockstar's request, enjoys a 'very positive' rating.
Surprisingly, GTA 5 Enhanced holds the title of the least favorably reviewed GTA game on Steam, with Grand Theft Auto III – The Definitive Edition trailing behind at a 66% positive review rate. GTA 5 Enhanced offers a free upgrade for existing PC players, bringing features from the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S versions of GTA Online. These include access to new vehicles, performance upgrades at Hao’s Special Works, animal encounters, and the option to purchase a GTA+ Membership. It also promises enhanced graphics and quicker loading times, with the ability to transfer both Story Mode and Online progress.
Every Celebrity in GTA 5 and GTA Online
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However, the process of migrating accounts has been a significant pain point for many users, leading to the bulk of the negative feedback. Frustrated players have reported issues with account migration, with one stating, “‘The GTA Online profile associated with this Rockstar Games account is not eligible for migration at this time.’ If you think I'm throwing away nearly 700 hours of gameplay on one character so that you can make a few more bucks off me, then you can lick my anal orifice clean. This is an objective downgrade from the ‘old’ version. Gonna pretend this was never released and continue to enjoy Legacy version until the new game comes out when I'm 60.”
Another review highlighted the arbitrary nature of account migration issues, saying, “I'm leaving a negative review mainly due to Rockstar deciding that some accounts should arbitrarily not be able to migrate, and if you ask for help from support, they just say they can't do anything about it.” A third user lamented, "I can't migrate either of my two accounts. R* support is completely useless and can't help. With the game being over 10 years old, I am sure as hell not going to completely restart all my progress in Online just to get marginally better graphics (if that) and HSW and whatever other minuscule stuff they added."
Despite these challenges, GTA 5 Enhanced continues to attract a substantial player base on Steam, reaching a peak concurrent player count of 187,059 since its launch. However, the rocky reception has raised concerns among PC gamers about the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6, fearing similar issues might arise.
GTA 6 is slated for a fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, leaving PC players waiting longer for their version. A former Rockstar developer attempted to clarify the delayed PC release in December 2023, urging PC gamers to trust the studio despite the controversy.
For more insights on GTA 6, including comments from Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick about the future of GTA Online post-GTA 6, check out our related articles. Additionally, Take-Two has initiated legal action against PlayerAuctions, claiming the marketplace hosts thousands of unauthorized GTA 5 content listings, including modified accounts and in-game assets obtained through hacking.
In other developments, Rockstar has recently acquired Video Games Deluxe, the developer behind Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, and renamed it Rockstar Australia.
