How to hsw upgrade gta 5 pc

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Last updated: April 4, 2026

Quick Answer: To "HSW upgrade" a vehicle in GTA 5 PC, you need to own a Nightclub and purchase the Workshop upgrade for it. Then, you can bring eligible Benny's Original Motor Works vehicles to the Nightclub Workshop to apply the HSW upgrade, which significantly enhances performance.

Key Facts

HSW upgrades are exclusive to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of GTA Online, but can be applied to vehicles brought to the Nightclub Workshop on PC.
You must own a Nightclub to access the HSW upgrade feature.
The Nightclub requires a separate Workshop upgrade to facilitate HSW modifications.
Not all vehicles are compatible with HSW upgrades; typically, Benny's Original Motor Works vehicles are the ones that can be modified.
HSW upgrades offer substantial performance boosts, affecting top speed, acceleration, and handling.

What are HSW Upgrades in GTA 5 PC?

HSW upgrades, named after the renowned tuner Hao's Special Works, represent the pinnacle of vehicle performance enhancements in Grand Theft Auto V. Initially introduced to give players on the latest generation consoles (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S) a unique advantage, these modifications offer unparalleled boosts to speed, acceleration, braking, and handling. While the full Hao's Special Works experience, including the exclusive races and time trials, is tied to the next-gen consoles, PC players can still benefit from the performance enhancements by applying these upgrades to their vehicles.

How to Access HSW Upgrades on GTA 5 PC

The process of applying HSW upgrades to your vehicles on the PC version of GTA 5 involves a few key steps and prerequisites. It's important to understand that you won't be accessing Hao's Special Works directly in the same way as next-gen console players. Instead, you leverage a specific in-game property to facilitate these advanced modifications.

Step 1: Own a Nightclub

The first and most crucial requirement is owning a Nightclub. Nightclubs are expensive properties that serve multiple purposes in GTA Online, including acting as a hub for various business operations and, importantly for this context, housing specialized workshops. You can purchase a Nightclub from the Dynasty 8 Executive website in-game.

Step 2: Purchase the Nightclub Workshop

Once you own a Nightclub, you need to purchase the relevant upgrade: the 'Workshop'. This upgrade is integrated within the Nightclub customization options. When you are customizing your Nightclub (either through the Dynasty 8 Executive website or by visiting your Nightclub in-game and interacting with the planning computer), look for the option to add a Workshop. This workshop is specifically designed to accommodate and install the HSW performance upgrades.

Step 3: Bring Compatible Vehicles to the Nightclub Workshop

Not every vehicle in GTA Online can receive an HSW upgrade. The vehicles that are eligible are typically those that can also be modified at Benny's Original Motor Works. These are often older, classic, or more niche vehicles that have been given a modern performance overhaul by Benny. You'll need to transport these compatible vehicles to your Nightclub. You can do this by calling your Mechanic to deliver the vehicle to your Nightclub, or by driving it there yourself.

Step 4: Apply the HSW Upgrade

Upon arrival at your Nightclub, head to the Workshop area. You'll be able to interact with the upgrade station within the Workshop. If the vehicle you brought is compatible, you will see the option to apply the HSW upgrade. These upgrades come at a significant in-game cash cost, but the performance benefits are substantial.

Benefits of HSW Upgrades

HSW upgrades fundamentally transform the performance characteristics of a vehicle. Expect dramatic improvements in:

Top Speed: Vehicles will achieve much higher maximum speeds, making them ideal for races and quick traversal across Los Santos.
Acceleration: The rate at which a vehicle reaches its top speed is drastically improved, providing quicker getaways and faster lap times.
Handling: Steering response and cornering ability are enhanced, allowing for more precise control at high speeds.
Braking: Stopping power is significantly increased, crucial for navigating tight turns and avoiding collisions.

These enhancements make HSW-upgraded vehicles incredibly potent in races and competitive modes, providing a distinct edge over non-upgraded counterparts. It's worth noting that the visual modifications available through HSW are distinct from the performance upgrades, though many vehicles will also receive cosmetic changes.

Important Considerations

While PC players can apply HSW performance upgrades, it's crucial to remember the origin of these modifications. They were designed as a next-gen exclusive feature. The implementation on PC relies on the Nightclub Workshop as a workaround. This means that while you get the performance benefits, you won't have access to the HSW-specific races or time trials that are exclusive to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players. Furthermore, always ensure your game is updated to the latest version to access all features and potential bug fixes related to vehicle customization.