Atif Qazi
GTA 5 is a game that has lived throw three generations of PlayStation consoles. It was initially released in the final days of the PS3 generation in 2013. It then transitioned smoothly to the PS4, receiving a graphical and performance overhaul that kept it relevant and popular. Now, with the PS5, GTA 5 continues to thrive.
GTA 5 is thus NOT a game that just holds the accolade of being one of the most popular games for a single generation, but one of the most popular games in history.
So for the older console players migrating to PS5, this would beg the question, “Do I need to buy GTA 5 again for PS5?”.
This question has multiple answers. Simply put, if you have a GTA 5 copy you bought on your PS4 console, then no, you DO NOT need to buy GTA 5 again.
But the same cannot be said about PS3.
Additionally, it should be noted that GTA 5 on PS5 is divided into several editions. I will explain all of this below.
GTA 5 on PS5 and Its Different Versions
One of the most important points to note is that GTA 5 on PS5 is available in different versions. If you head over to the PS5 online store, you will see two primary different versions of GTA 5:
- The old PS4 versions (GTA 5 PS4 & PS5)
- GTA Online (PlayStation 5) / GTA 5 (Playstation 5) aka Expanded and Enhanced
Now, these two versions hold two important differences:
Crossplay with PS4 Supported on Older Version Only
If you want crossplay with your PS4 friends, then you need to have the old PS4 version GTA 5.
However, the older version has no graphical enhancements. The PS4 version of GTA 5 will have the same graphical details even if being played on the powerful PS5.
It will, however, have super fast load times thanks to the SSD installed.
The Newer PS5 Version of GTA 5 has Improved Graphics
The newer GTA 5 has far better graphics and native 4K @ 60 FPS cap BUT it does NOT support crossplay with PS4 players.
So Do I Need to Buy GTA 5 Again for PS5?
This depends on three factors, the edition of GTA 5 (PS3 or PS4) you have, whether would you like to have crossplay support with your PS4 friends, and the graphical preference you have.
Edition of the GTA (PS3 or PS4)
If you bought your GTA 5 with PS3, then unfortunately it will NOT work on PS5. PS5 is only backward compatible with games bought on PS4. So if you have a PS3 copy of the game, then yes you will need to buy GTA 5 again for PS5.
So, if you bought your GTA 5 with PS4, then no you do not need to buy GTA 5 again.
Whether You Want CrossPlay Support with PS4
If you would like to have Crossplay support with your PS4 friends, then no you do not need to buy GTA 5 again for PS5. In fact, the newer PS5 version of GTA 5 will NOT support crossplay with PS4.
Your Graphical Preference
The PS4 version on PS5 will not benefit from improved graphics.
If you want to try out GTA 5 in all its new glory on PS5 with 4K graphics pumping out at 60FPS, then yes, you will need to buy the newer PS5 version of the game.
If you are okay with the older graphics of the PS4 generation, then no, you do not need to buy GTA 5 again.
Final Words
If you have a PS4 copy of GTA 5, hold on to it. It can work on your PS5. It may not work at the best graphics, but it will support crossplay with your PS4 friends.
Also Read: Can PS5 Play PS2 Games?
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