Both Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online are set to make their PS5 and Xbox Series X|S debut on March 15 (with updates also making their way to the PC version), and with that Rockstar has outlined all of the next-gen improvements coming. From performance modes to ray-tracing to improved visuals, it's sounding like a substantial upgrade.

As per Rockstar the GTA V and GTA Online update will "introduce high-end PC visuals to the console experience" with a focus on 4K output, 60 frames per second performance, better texture quality, HDR, and ray-tracing. Plus, an update that will take advantage of faster load times thanks to SSD storage, 3D audio, and PS5 DualSense Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers support. On that front Rockstar notes players will enjoy "new sensations to weather effects, directional damage, rough road surfaces, explosions and much more".

There will also be three modes to choose from. Fidelity Mode will target 4K 30fps with the highest visual quality and ray-tracing. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X will support native 4K here, with the Xbox Series S upscaled 4K. Performance Mode will of course support 60fps, 4K upscaled on PS5 and Xbox Series X and 1080p on the Xbox Series S. A third mode called Performance RT will also be available offering ray-tracing and all of the improved visuals but at 60fps. And with that it'll be a upscaled 4K mode for PS5 and Xbox Series X.

In terms of visual improvements Rockstar is noting; faster loading times, increased population and traffic variety, increased vegetation density, improved lighting quality across shadows, water reflections, improved anti-aliasing, motion-blur, highly detailed new explosions, fire, and more.

GTA Online will also benefit from all of the above with PS5 players able to download and keep the standalone GTA Online for free for the first three months. For new players there's a new Career Builder feature that also includes $4,000,000 of in-game currency to kick-start their criminal empire, and a revamped tutorial and front-end to make accessing GTA Online features easier. PS4 and Xbox One players will be able to transfer their single-player and Online saves/progress too.