All GTA 5 next-gen graphics modes - Which is best?

Grand Theft Auto V's next-gen version for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles gets unleashed on 15th March 2022. While everyone and their cat is pre-loading GTA 5, expecting great things from Rockstar Games' graphical overhaul, there is something PS5 and Xbox Series X/S owners should know; the GTA 5 next-gen graphics modes.

Choosing which of the GTA 5 next-gen graphics modes is best for you could prove a bit difficult. To make things easier, we've detailed all three GTA 5 next-gen graphics modes in this guide, and share our opinion about which one is best. 

All GTA 5 next-gen graphics modes detailed

GTA 5's next-gen version features three distinct graphics modes on PS5 and Xbox Series X. Each of these modes has its own advantages, so we implore players to test out all of them.

Keep in mind that the new version, no matter which graphics mode you choose, features across-the-board improvements, such as loading times, increased population, traffic variety, vegetation density, improved lighting quality, and even improved anti-aliasing and more. 

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There are also high-detail explosions, fire, improved motion blur and other graphical elements to enjoy.

With that in mind, here are the three graphics modes you can choose from on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S when GTA 5's next-gen version launches.

GTA 5 Fidelity Mode

The highest visual quality possible and targets 30 fps. PS5 and Xbox Series X supports native 4k resolution in this mode with Ray Tracing enabled. Xbox Series S supports upscaled 4K resolution.

GTA 5 Performance Mode:

Performance Mode in targets 60 fps for the most responsive, smoothest gameplay experience yet on PS5 and Xbox Series X, with an upscaled 4K resolution. Xbox Series S, on the other hand, supports a resolution of 1080p in Performance Mode targetting 60 fps.

GTA 5 Performance RT Mode:

The Performance Ray Tracing Mode is only available for PS5 and Xbox Series X, and is not supported on the Series S console. This is a hybrid between the Performance and Fidelity modes. It targets 60 fps with Ray Tracing enabled, with an upscaled 4K resolution to boot.

Which GTA 5 next-gen graphics mode is best?

While all three graphics modes for GTA 5's next-gen version have merit, we believe there is a clear winner.

The best graphics mode for GTA 5 on next-gen consoles is surely the Performance RT Mode. With this mode, players get 60 fps, and Ray Tracing, as well as the other standard improvements available across all three modes.

The only downside, really, is that this mode does not feature native 4K resolution. In our experience, however, it is sometimes hard to tell the difference between Native and upscaled with the naked eye, especially with how well upscaling tech has improved over the years.

For those on Xbox Series X, the best GTA 5 next-gen graphics mode really just depends on if you want 60 fps or increased graphical fidelity. 

So there you have it, all the graphics modes for GTA 5's next-gen version on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. While we did share our opinion on which we think is best, it really depends on what every gamer wants out of the experience. There's no wrong answer, choose the graphics mode you like the most and test them all out!

Featured image courtesy of Rockstar Games.