A newly released mod for Grand Theft Auto 5 is taking visual fidelity to the next level, prompting fans to compare its graphics to the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. Titled Natural Vision Enhanced, the mod completely overhauls the Enhanced version of GTA 5 with a suite of advanced visual upgrades, pushing the game’s aesthetics far beyond its original design.
Natural Vision Enhanced: A Visual Overhaul for GTA 5
Developed by modder Razed, Natural Vision Enhanced is a comprehensive visual revamp tailored for GTA 5 Enhanced, the version that launched on PC earlier this year following its debut on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2022. This mod taps directly into the new ray tracing capabilities, delivering upgraded:
- Weather and lighting systems;
- Ambient color profiles and shadows;
- World textures and 3D models;
- Vegetation and environmental detail.
The result is a photorealistic overhaul that has stunned players and reignited interest in a game now over a decade old. “I’m honestly shocked how much better it looks than even GTA 5 Enhanced,” one Reddit user wrote. “You don’t even need GTA 6 anymore.”
Pushing PC Hardware to the Limit
Even without mods, GTA 5 Enhanced already demands significant GPU horsepower. But Natural Vision Enhanced pushes graphical fidelity even further, requiring top-tier hardware to maintain stable performance with all features enabled. It supports NVIDIA DLSS 3, AMD FSR3, and higher aspect ratios, fully utilizing what modern PCs can offer.
Despite the strain, many users believe the results are worth it. The mod has quickly become one of the most downloaded visual overhauls in the GTA modding community and has earned praise not just for its aesthetics but also for preserving the game’s performance and atmosphere.
No GTA 6 Yet? This Mod Fills the Gap
While Rockstar Games finally released a new trailer and details for Grand Theft Auto 6 earlier this month, the full release is now delayed to May 26, 2026. That leaves a lengthy wait for fans eager to explore Rockstar’s next-generation open world.
In the meantime, Natural Vision Enhanced offers the closest thing to a next-gen experience, breathing new life into GTA 5’s world of Los Santos. With its cinematic lighting and lifelike terrain, the mod is arguably the most impressive way to revisit the game while awaiting its successor.
How to Use the Mod
Natural Vision Enhanced is only compatible with the Enhanced PC version of GTA 5. To install:
- Ensure you’re running the latest Enhanced edition of GTA 5 on PC.
- Download the mod from the official Natural Vision Enhanced website or trusted modding platforms.
- Follow the provided instructions, which typically include installing a mod manager and drag-and-drop file replacements.
- Enable ray tracing and performance settings compatible with your hardware to get the full visual impact.
Be aware that using mods in GTA Online is not permitted and could result in a ban. Natural Vision Enhanced should be used only in single-player mode.
A Taste of Next-Gen, Today
While GTA 6 will almost certainly redefine what’s possible in open-world visuals, Natural Vision Enhanced is a remarkable example of what community-driven development can achieve. For fans looking to refresh their GTA 5 experience — or simply test the limits of their gaming rig — this mod is a must-try.
Until May 2026 rolls around, this might just be the most stunning way to explore San Andreas.
