Grand Theft Auto V has been with us since 2013 and became one of the most iconic games of all time. With GTA 6 finally confirmed and teased in official trailers, players ask the big question: How does GTA 5 hold up today, and what will GTA 6 bring to the table?

Let‘s dive into graphics, gameplay, story, map and online features — and see which GTA truly rules.

Graphics Evolution – From 2013 to 2025

GTA 5: When it launched, GTA 5 was a technical marvel. Sunsets over Los Santos, detailed cars and vibrant city life set a new bar. Remasters brought 4K textures, better lighting and higher frame rates. Still, compared to 2025 standards, it feels dated. Especially with GTA 5 mods that increase the visual aspect of the game.

GTA 6: Rockstar is using a new version of the RAGE engine. Expect photorealistic water, advanced ray tracing, lifelike NPC animations and environmental detail that rivals real cities. Every leaf, ripple and reflection matters.

With Fivemods mods, GTA 5 can look stunning. But GTA 6 is designed to look next-gen out of the box.

Gameplay Mechanics – What Changed?

Switching between Michael, Franklin and Trevor in GTA 5 was groundbreaking. Heists felt cinematic, car handling improved, and side activities made Los Santos lively. Weak spots? Clunky gunplay, less reactive NPCs.

For those who wait for GTA 6: Expect smarter AI, more immersive police chases, dynamic interiors and possible parkour-style movement. NPCs won‘t just stand around — they‘ll react, adapt and even remember your actions.

Upgrade Factor: GTA 6 takes the sandbox freedom of GTA 5 and makes it deeper, smoother and more responsive.

Map Size – Los Santos vs Vice City

One of the biggest talking points in every GTA release is the map size and world design. Rockstar isn‘t just making cities; they build living, breathing worlds where every street, alley, and countryside road tells a story. GTA 5‘s Los Santos became iconic with its mix of urban chaos and rural landscapes, but after more than a decade, players know it inside out. GTA 6‘s Vice City, on the other hand, promises not only a massive neon-soaked metropolis but also surrounding regions like swamps and small towns.

GTA 5 Map Highlights

• Los Santos + Blaine County = a massive, diverse playground.
• Desert, mountains, and city blend into a seamless world.
• After 10+ years, veterans know it like the back of their hand.

GTA 6 Map Expectations

• Vice City returns, but not just the Miami-style city we remember.
• Surrounding regions include swamps, beaches, small towns and countryside.
• Reports suggest the map may expand with future updates.

GTA 5 is iconic, but GTA 6 promises a world that feels alive and expandable.

Storytelling – Triple Heist vs Dual Drama
Michael, Franklin and Trevor gave us three perspectives in GTA 5. From family struggles to criminal chaos, Rockstar blended comedy and crime perfectly.

GTA 6 enters with Lucia and Jason, a Bonnie-and-Clyde-style duo. For the first time, a female lead takes center stage in GTA. Early footage shows emotional depth, realism, and a narrative that blends love, loyalty and survival.

GTA 5‘s trio remains unforgettable. But GTA 6 could deliver Rockstar‘s boldest and most human story yet.

Key Question – Should You Still Play GTA 5 in 2025?

✅ Why stick with GTA 5:

• Huge modding community (graphics mods, roleplay, total conversions)
• Stable, runs on mid-range and even low-end PCs
• Familiar world and mechanics

🚀 Why wait for GTA 6:

• Revolutionary graphics and realism
• Smarter AI and immersive mechanics
• Expanding Vice City map
• A brand-new online ecosystem

Pros & Cons Table – Quick Overview

Feature	GTA 5	GTA 6 (expected)
Graphics	Strong, moddable	Next-gen realism
Gameplay	Great, slightly dated	Evolved, dynamic
Map	Los Santos + Blaine	Vice City + regions
Story	Three protagonists	Dual, deeper narrative
Online	Established, grindy	New, cross-platform

Final Verdict

GTA 5 isn‘t going anywhere. It still one of the most played open-world games in the world, even over a decade after release. Because of an active community and a huge modding ecosystem, Los Santos feels almost like a brand-new experience in 2025. Visual upgrades like Groove Graphics, West Coast Redux Pro or Miami Wave bring cinematic flair, while gameplay packs such as Nocturnal PvP refresh combat and performance mods keep FPS stable even on older PCs. But then comes GTA 6. From what Rockstar has shown, this isn‘t just another sequel – it‘s a complete reimagining of what an open-world game can be. 

👉 If you‘re enjoying Los Santos, keep playing.
👉 If you‘re ready for the future, Vice City will change everything.

 GTA 5 is the present, GTA 6 is the future. And with mods, you don‘t have to choose. You can enjoy the best of both worlds until Rockstar‘s next masterpiece arrives.