Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Hao’s Special Works (HSW) is a vehicle upgrade service inside the Los Santos Car Meet. It is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Enhanced edition of GTA V for PC. On PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, Rockstar says Hao’s Intro Race is no longer required to access HSW upgrades; if the service is still locked, follow Hao’s phone-call and time-trial prompts.
Check that you’re playing a supported edition
HSW is documented for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and GTAV Enhanced on PC. Rockstar distinguishes the Enhanced PC edition from GTAV Legacy, so check that you are running Enhanced if you play on PC. Rockstar’s PC announcement lists HSW among the features brought to Enhanced: Rockstar’s PC Enhanced announcement.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Grand Theft Auto V: Premium Edition (Xbox One) | $24.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
IRIPLEZO Grand Theft Auto V | $24.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Grand Theft Auto V - PlayStation 4 (Renewed) | $16.08 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Grand Theft Auto V - Xbox 360 | $34.27 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Grand Theft Auto V | $47.00 | Buy on Amazon |
HSW is not a general upgrade option for every vehicle or every edition. It applies to selected vehicles, and HSW races are also documented for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC Enhanced.
Recommended Free Tools
Check for HSW at the Los Santos Car Meet
- Go to the Los Santos Car Meet (LS Car Meet).
- Check whether Hao’s Special Works service is available. On PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, you can check without first completing Hao’s Intro Race: Rockstar’s Title Update 1.64 notes say players on those consoles no longer need to complete the race to access HSW upgrades and mods.
That exemption is explicitly stated for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The cited update notes do not establish whether it applies to PC Enhanced.
#1 Best Overall
- Includes the complete grand Theft Auto V story experience
If HSW is still locked, take Hao’s call and complete the time trial
- Wait for and answer Hao’s phone call, then follow the in-game prompt to the HSW time trial.
- Use an HSW-modified vehicle for the time trial.
- Beat the trial’s par time. Xbox Wire’s November 2025 guide describes completing this time trial as the route that makes Hao’s shop available.
Rockstar’s console exemption refers specifically to the Intro Race, while Xbox Wire’s later guide describes a phone call and time trial. The cited sources do not explain how those steps relate. If the service is unavailable in-game, the call-and-time-trial route is the practical next step; do not assume the Intro Race is always mandatory on Xbox Series X|S or PS5.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use the service with an eligible vehicle
Once HSW is available, bring a supported vehicle to Hao at the LS Car Meet and check the in-game service for eligibility before planning an upgrade. HSW upgrades are for selected models, not every car. Rockstar describes the service as offering high-performance upgrades; Xbox Wire also mentions improved acceleration and Chameleon Paint.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Used Book in Good Condition
Rank #4
- The biggest, most Dynamic and most diverse open world ever created and now packed with layers of new detail
- Grand Theft Auto V blends storytelling and gameplay in new ways as players repeatedly jump in and out of the lives of the game's three lead characters, playing all sides of the game's interwoven story
- Grand Theft Auto V also comes with Grand Theft Auto Online, the Dynamic and ever evolving Grand Theft Auto universe for multiple players
Rank #3
- Grand Theft Auto V blends storytelling and gameplay in new ways as players repeatedly jump in and out of the lives of the game's three lead characters, playing all sides of the game's interwoven story.;Number of Players: Multiplayer; ESRB Content: Blood and gore|Intense violence|Mature humor|Nudity|Strong language|Strong sexual content|Use of drugs and alcohol; Genre: Action and Adventure
Rank #2
- STUNNING VISUALS — Enhanced levels of fidelity and performance with new graphics modes featuring up to 4K resolution, up to 60 frames per second, HDR options, ray tracing, improved texture quality, and more
- FASTER LOADING — Quicker access to the action as the world of Los Santos and Blaine County load in faster than ever before.
- ADAPTIVE TRIGGERS AND HAPTIC FEEDBACK — Feel every moment through the DualSense controller, from directional damage to weather effects, rough road surfaces to explosions, and more.
- TEMPEST 3D AUDIO — Hear the sounds of the world with pinpoint precision: the throttle of a stolen supercar, the rattle of neighbouring gunfire, the roar of a helicopter overhead, and more.
- Please note that although this game is Region Free or Region Unlocked and will work on all systems, this is the European version and may differ from the local version in age rating, labeling or instructions.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
