As Grand Theft Auto 6 draws nearer to its release, a recent extended showcase from Netflix, coupled with existing leaks, has amplified the excitement within its fanbase. This heightened anticipation has naturally led to numerous comparisons between the upcoming title and its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto 5. Many fans are sharing side-by-side analyses on platforms like X, highlighting the visual advancements.
One area drawing particular attention is character animations, such as the comparison of protagonist Jason diving into the ocean in GTA 6 versus Michael in GTA 5. While most fans express enthusiasm for the updated fidelity, a small contingent suggests that some animations in GTA 5 hold up better, with a few finding Jason's backflip physics in the new game to be less realistic, though potentially more bombastic.
Beyond character animations, the improvements in crowd density and draw distance in Grand Theft Auto 6 are a significant point of marvel. A clip showcasing a parachute descent vividly illustrates the progress in skyline rendering since Grand Theft Auto 5's 2013 launch. Although these graphical enhancements may contribute to the game launching at 30 FPS, the visual upgrade remains impressive.
The most striking graphical improvements are apparent in the character models. While official promotional images for GTA 6 are polished advertising assets, fan recreations of these scenes within GTA 5 highlight the substantial leap in detail. More direct comparisons, such as that of Valentina from Grand Theft Auto Online to her counterpart in GTA 6, reveal a dramatic difference, particularly in facial detail and overall fidelity. Valentina was originally added to GTA Online in June 2025 via the Money Fronts update.
Lighting effects also appear to be a major focus in Grand Theft Auto 6. Comparisons made at night starkly demonstrate the advancements in illumination technology. Even with the high-resolution ray-traced reflections added to Grand Theft Auto 5 following its PC Enhanced release in 2025, the lighting in the older title does not match the atmosphere achieved in GTA 6. Fans are expressing awe at the potential fidelity of the game on a standard PS5, with many attributing the visual quality to the developers’ skill.
