Rockstar's latest update to Grand Theft Auto 5, released on March 4 and dubbed GTA 5 Enhanced, has not been well-received on Steam, where it currently holds a 'mixed' user review rating with only 54% of the 19,772 user reviews being positive. This is a stark contrast to the original GTA 5, which, although now unlisted and not searchable on Steam at Rockstar's request, boasts a 'very positive' user review rating.
Among all GTA titles on Steam, GTA 5 Enhanced ranks as the least favorably reviewed, falling below even Grand Theft Auto III – The Definitive Edition, which has a 66% positive review rating. The new version, which is a free upgrade for existing PC owners of GTA 5, brings features previously exclusive to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S versions of GTA Online. These include access to new vehicles and performance upgrades at Hao’s Special Works, animal encounters, the ability to purchase a GTA+ Membership, enhanced graphics, and quicker loading times. Players can also transfer their Story Mode and Online progress to this enhanced edition.
Every Celebrity in GTA 5 and GTA Online
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However, the upgrade process has been marred by significant issues, particularly with account migration. Many players have reported that they are unable to transfer their existing progress, leading to widespread frustration. This problem is a common theme in the negative reviews, with some players expressing their disappointment vehemently.
One player shared their frustration: “‘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 user echoed these sentiments: “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 player added: "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 they added."
Despite these issues, GTA 5 Enhanced continues to attract players, reaching a peak of 187,059 concurrent users on Steam since its launch. However, the rocky reception has raised concerns among PC gamers about the potential release of Grand Theft Auto 6 on PC, with fears that similar problems could arise.
GTA 6 is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, with no confirmed PC release date yet. A former Rockstar developer in December 2023 attempted to ease PC gamers' concerns about the delayed PC release, asking them to trust in Rockstar's plans.
For more on GTA 6, check out Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick’s thoughts on the future of GTA Online once GTA 6 hits the market. Additionally, Take-Two has taken legal action against PlayerAuctions, alleging the sale of unauthorized GTA 5 content, including modified player accounts and virtual currency obtained through cheating.
In other news, Rockstar has acquired Video Games Deluxe, the developer behind Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, and renamed it Rockstar Australia.
