It’s only taken three years, but the GTA V next-gen update is finally coming to PC. Better still, we’re getting features specific to the PC port including Nvidia DLSS 3, AMD FSR 3, and most importantly, Microsoft DirectStorage for faster loading times.
While many gamers have their eyes set on the GTA 6 release date window, Rockstar is saying ‘not so fast’ and instead delivering a major update to the game on PC on March 4, 2025. This update finally brings modern technologies to the game that will see the game run at faster speeds on PCs equipped with the best graphics cards and best SSD for gaming options.
Having tested many new releases with Nvidia DLSS and AMD FSR included, the mix of resolution upscaling and frame generation can be the difference between a good and great performance.
Given GTA V’s aging visuals and generally less demanding specs compared to modern standards, the addition of DLSS and FSR should see frame rates rocket for most players. However, those with less powerful or older gaming rigs might find that they are simply able to push a more consistent 60fps using upscaling, which is still a win.
However, my eye is firmly fixed on the addition of Microsoft DirectStorage, because loading times in GTA V have been a pain for years, and this is the fix I have been waiting for.
DirectStorage allows your GPU to load data directly from your SSD and this can lead to improved load times of between 20% and 40%, according to Microsoft. The DirectStorage API was released in 2022, and there still aren’t a ton of games using it.
The restrictive nature of DirectStorage’s requirements i.e. Windows 10 or 11 and an NVMe SSD, could be holding back wider adoption, but until more developers implement DirectStorage and start testing its potential, there’s always the risk that the technology stagnates and goes nowhere. Currently, only 27 games list it as a feature on Steam.
Implementing DirectStorage in GTA V is great not only for the game right now but also because, to me, it signals that it could be a day-one feature within the GTA 6 PC port, whenever it eventually arrives.
If you’re keen to jump back into Los Santos for more fun, you can check out the best GTA 5 mods and all of the GTA 5 cheats we can find.
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