More than two decades after its original release, GTA San Andreas is still finding new ways to surprise players. A recently shared gameplay clip shows the classic Rockstar title running with DLSS 5, giving its environments a noticeably more modern and realistic appearance. So, what actually changes when DLSS 5 is applied to GTA San Andreas? The biggest differences can be seen in lighting, surfaces and the overall atmosphere of the world.

How Does DLSS 5 Change GTA San Andreas?

The roughly one-minute clip follows CJ riding a motorcycle through the countryside. The most noticeable improvements appear in the environment itself. Roads, dirt, rocky terrain and vegetation have a much more defined material look, while the overcast weather and distant fog give the scene a more natural sense of depth.

https://twitter.com/gameunlocked26/status/2101174446954623056

Vehicle surfaces and the way light interacts with the road also look very different from the original game. Trees, grass and distant objects blend into the environment more naturally, while smoother color transitions help reduce the flat appearance associated with the 2004 release. At the same time, the recognizable character models, map layout and core structure of San Andreas remain intact.

DLSS 5 goes beyond traditional image upscaling by using NVIDIA's 3D-Guided Neural Rendering technology. The system can work with scene data to influence how lighting, materials and surfaces are represented in the final image. On a game as old as GTA San Andreas, those changes can feel particularly dramatic because of the contrast with the original rendering technology.

You May Also Like: When Will the Galaxy S25 Get One UI 9? What Samsung Has Confirmed So Far

Does GTA San Andreas Officially Support DLSS 5?

No official DLSS 5 support has been announced for GTA San Andreas by Rockstar Games. The footage circulating online appears to demonstrate an experimental implementation rather than an official update released for the game. The post also does not provide a complete list of additional graphical modifications or settings that may have been used.