How to get HSW upgrades in GTA 5 Online (2025)

Modified Apr 19, 2025 13:09 GMT

How to get HSW Upgrades in GTA 5 Online is one of the questions that players often look for answer to, and there's a good reason behind it. The HSW upgrades boost the performance of certain vehicles to an extreme level, making it an important aspect of the gameplay. While long-time players of the game already know about it, some may need assistance in figuring out what exactly it is and how to get it.

This article aims to guide you on how to get HSW upgrades in GTA 5 Online in 2025 and beyond.

How to get HSW upgrades in GTA 5 Online in 2025? (PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X)

Before being able to access the HSW upgrades in GTA 5, one must first complete a specific time trial. Once inside a multiplayer lobby, players must visit Hao's Garage (marked on the map as HSW), and enter the yellow corona. This will initiate a small cutscene where players will get an HSW variant of the Grotti Turismo Classic to complete the time trial.

Completing the time trial successfully will unlock the HSW upgrades. Here’s how to get HSW upgrades in GTA 5 Online afterward:

Open the map.
Look for the LS Car Meet sign.
Set a waypoint for the location.
Go to the destination.
Enter the property.
Hao and his HSW shop can be found at the same place where a standard mod shop used to be.

Keep in mind that only select vehicles are compatible with the HSW upgrades. It is highly recommended to check the complete GTA 5 HSW cars list.

Also Check: How to get a free Karin S95 car (HSW)

Why is it important to know how to get HSW upgrades in GTA 5 Online?

The HSW upgrades in GTA 5, otherwise known as Hao's Special Works upgrades, have been a highlight for the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Enhanced PC version. As the name suggests, it is run by Hao, a character that appears in the story mode during street races.

In the lore of Grand Theft Auto Online, Hao has now established his customization shop in Los Santos, replacing the standard mod shop available on the Legacy version. With the help of Hao, players can boost the performance of select cars and vehicles.

In simpler terms, if a car has a top speed of 113.5 mph, Hao can upgrade its top speed to 139.25 mph. This makes the HSW upgrades cars, or GTA 5 HSW cars, some of the fastest ones in the game.

It won't be surprising if Rockstar Games brings forward the HSW upgrades to the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6.

About the author

Neeraj, a Grand Theft Auto writer, has penned over a thousand articles for Sportskeeda in the last two years, amassing an impressive 5+ million views. His dedication to the craft has earned him the title of a content specialist under the Esports & Gaming division. Previously, he was a senior analyst at media software company Cision, where he worked on projects for clients like Sony PlayStation.

With a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (PGJMC), and drawing inspiration from video game streamers like Ryukahr, Neeraj is committed to delivering top-notch content and setting a high standard for his team. He verifies information using both primary and secondary sources to ensure reader satisfaction.

Grand Theft Auto was Neeraj’s entry point into the world of video games, and he is still devoted to Rockstar Games' beloved franchise. He has played multiple generations of the series’ titles, from the 3D Universe entries to the modern HD classics. Neeraj believes that GTA Vice City is ideal for beginners looking to get familiar with the open-world genre.

Away from gaming, Neeraj finds delight in the comedic escapades of TV series like The Big Bang Theory.

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Edited by Aatreyee Aich