Short Answer: If you are playing the story mode or GTA Online on a mid-to-high-end PC from the last three years, Update 164/166 is objectively superior. It fixes the engine's ancient stuttering problems and makes Los Santos feel like a modern game.
Long Answer: Rockstar is clearly preparing for the future (likely the final PC port of GTA V to match the E&E console features). Build 164 and 166 are foundation updates. They are better for stability, but they sacrifice the wild west freedom of modding that kept GTA V alive for a decade.
If you want a stable 60 FPS without tweaking files for three hours, click update. If you want to fly a Thomas the Tank Engine jetpack, stay on Build 160.
Final Score for "Better" factor:
Have you updated to Build 166? Did you notice the pop-in fix? Let us know in the comments below.
The city of Los Santos never slept, but in the back room of a modding forum, it was 3:00 AM and sleep had long since fled. Three users—known only by their handles: Hex_V, GlitchPunk, and OldSchool_Racer—were locked in a digital war. The prize? Bragging rights over which version of Grand Theft Auto V was truly "better."
The debate had raged for weeks. Update 164, the "San Andreas Mercenaries" patch, had brought stability and a host of new career-builder missions. Update 166, the "Chop Up" patch, had introduced chaotic vehicle-to-vehicle combat and the infamous Coil Cyclone II.
The thread title was simple: "GTA 5 Update 164 vs 166: Which is better?"
Hex_V typed first, his fingers a blur.
"164 is the peak of optimization. No random crashes during heist finales. The Avenger's new autopilot doesn't drift into the Alamo Sea. Plus, the Mercenary attack choppers actually spawn with logic. It's clean. 166 introduced the 'Sticky Rain' glitch where sticky bombs clip through car floors. That's not content—that's a mess."
GlitchPunk fired back instantly, a gif of a flying Oppressor MKII exploding mid-air attached.
"Clean is boring. 166 gave us CHAOS. Remember the Scramjet launch pads in the sewers? Remember the railgun ammo drop rate increase? 164 felt like a work simulation. 166 feels like a Michael Bay movie you control. Also, the Cyclone II's boost recharges in 0.8 seconds. That's not a vehicle—that's a middle finger to traffic laws. I choose the middle finger."
OldSchool_Racer, who had been playing since the PS3 days, finally chimed in. He didn't type fast, but when he did, people listened.
"You're both wrong. 'Better' isn't about stability or chaos. It's about feel. Update 164 made the police AI smart—too smart. They flank, they coordinate. It turned a rampage into a tactical puzzle. Update 166? They added the 'Old Gen' handling flag back for 20 classic cars. The Banshee finally understeers like it used to. The Futo drifts like a shopping cart again.
Better is the version where you smile. For me? That's 166. Because I missed spinning out on a curb and laughing instead of flipping the table."
The debate spilled into the servers. Crews split. A user named Nexus_One organized a "Versus Weekend" event: Saturday on 164, Sunday on 166. Thousands joined.
By midnight, a new post appeared. It wasn't from Hex, GlitchPunk, or OldSchool.
@Rockstar_Dev_Frank (Verified)
"We see you. 164 vs 166. The truth? Neither is 'better.' 164 is the scalpel. 166 is the sledgehammer. You need both to build Los Santos.
But if you want the real answer? Update 170 drops next month. We're putting the stability of 164 into the soul of 166. You'll get the railgun ammo AND the police AI. You'll get the Cyclone II AND the server fixes.
Until then? Flip a coin. You'll have fun either way."
The thread went silent for a full ten seconds. Then GlitchPunk replied:
"...Did a dev just tell us to flip a coin?"
And OldSchool_Racer, smiling at his screen for the first time in years, typed one last line: gta 5 grand theft auto v update 164 166 better
"Yeah. And that's exactly why GTA V is still better than anything else out there."
The city slept. But the debate? That would live on—at least until Update 170.
The Latest Update for GTA 5: Grand Theft Auto V Update 1.64/1.66 - What's New and Improved?
Grand Theft Auto V, one of the most iconic and beloved games of all time, continues to receive updates and support from Rockstar Games, the developer behind the GTA series. The latest update, version 1.64/1.66, has been rolled out for GTA 5, and players are eager to know what changes and improvements it brings. In this article, we'll dive into the details of the update and explore what's new and better in GTA 5.
Overview of GTA 5 Update 1.64/1.66
The update 1.64/1.66 for GTA 5 was released on July 13, 2022, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Rockstar Games Launcher). The update is relatively small, weighing in at around 200-300 MB, depending on the platform. As with previous updates, Rockstar Games has focused on improving the game's stability, performance, and online functionality.
Improvements and Fixes
According to the official patch notes, update 1.64/1.66 for GTA 5 includes several key improvements and fixes:
Better Online Experience
One of the primary focuses of update 1.64/1.66 is to enhance the online experience for GTA 5 players. The update includes improvements to matchmaking, making it easier for players to join and create online sessions. Additionally, the update addresses issues related to player interactions, such as improved handling of player chat and reduced instances of players being kicked from sessions.
New Features and Content
While update 1.64/1.66 is primarily a maintenance update, it does include some new features and content. Players can expect:
Comparison to Previous Updates
To understand the significance of update 1.64/1.66, let's briefly look at previous updates for GTA 5:
Compared to these previous updates, update 1.64/1.66 seems more focused on fine-tuning the game's core mechanics and online features. While it may not include as much new content as previous updates, it demonstrates Rockstar Games' continued commitment to supporting and improving GTA 5.
Conclusion
The latest update for GTA 5, version 1.64/1.66, may not be a massive overhaul, but it still brings several welcome improvements and fixes to the game. Players can expect a more stable and smooth gaming experience, along with some new features and content. As Rockstar Games continues to support GTA 5, we can anticipate more updates and improvements in the future.
What's Next for GTA 5?
While there's no official word on a potential GTA 6 game, Rockstar Games has confirmed that they are working on a next-generation version of GTA 5, optimized for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. This updated version, which launched in March 2022, includes improved graphics, performance, and new features.
Additionally, Rockstar Games has announced that they are working on a standalone expansion for GTA Online, the game's online multiplayer component. This expansion, titled "GTA Online: The Contract," was released in December 2021 and introduced new content, including a new character, missions, and gameplay mechanics.
In conclusion, update 1.64/1.66 for GTA 5 may not be a revolutionary update, but it's a step in the right direction. As Rockstar Games continues to support and improve GTA 5, players can look forward to a better gaming experience and potentially new content in the future.
You're looking for information on the updates 1.64 and 1.66 for Grand Theft Auto V. Here are some key points:
Update 1.64 (PS4, Xbox One, PC) - "The Doomsday Heist" Short Answer: If you are playing the story
Released on December 12, 2017, this update added:
Update 1.66 (PS4, Xbox One, PC) - "After Hours"
Released on April 10, 2018, this update added:
Other improvements
Both updates brought various performance improvements, bug fixes, and stability enhancements.
Notable bug fixes in 1.66
To ensure you get the best experience, make sure to install these updates and any subsequent patches.
Would you like to know more about a specific aspect of GTA V or its updates?
Update 1.64 ( Los Santos Drug Wars) was a massive content drop, Update 1.66
was a critical "betterment" patch that prioritized the game's health, security, and stability. The "New Content" Giant: Update 1.64
Released in December 2022, 1.64 brought the first half of the Los Santos Drug Wars
. It focused on expanding the world and giving players new ways to play and make money: Rockstar Games New Business: Introduced the , a mobile drug business housed in the MTL Brickade 6x6. Visual Overhaul: Ray-Traced Reflections
to Fidelity Mode for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, making water and shiny surfaces far more realistic. Quality of Life: Phone Contact Favorites:
Allowed players to hide annoying contacts from their in-game phone. Solo Casino Missions:
Enabled all Agatha Baker Casino Story Missions to be played solo. Bicycle Request: Added the ability to request bicycles through the Mechanic. Rockstar Games The "Security & Stability" Hero: Update 1.66
Released in February 2023, 1.66 didn't add new cars or missions but is considered "better" by many for making the game safe to play again, especially on PC: Major Security Patch:
Implemented a new data protocol to fix a massive exploit where third parties could corrupt player accounts, kick them from sessions, or crash their games. Anti-Cheat Improvements:
Addressed issues where some accounts were blocked due to modified stats from third-party "mod menus". Crash Fixes:
Focused heavily on game stability, fixing several common crashes across all platforms. Specific Bug Fixes:
Fixed a prominent issue that prevented players from modifying certain heavy vehicles like the TM-02 Khanjali in their facilities. Which is "Better"? 1.64 is better for players looking for new things to do
, better graphics on consoles, and streamlined gameplay features. 1.66 is better longevity and safety
of the game, particularly for PC players who were facing account-breaking exploits. Rockstar Games specific new vehicle or heist from the Los Santos Drug Wars era? GTAV Title Update 1.64 Notes (PS5 / PS4 / Xbox Series X
There has been some confusion in the community regarding version numbers, specifically with the recent 1.69 (PS5/Xbox Series) / 1.66 (PC/PS4/Xbox One) update. Many players feel that the jump from the "Criminal Enterprises" (1.64) to the recent "Chop the Dog" (1.66) content represents a step backward in terms of content density. Have you updated to Build 166
Here is a detailed post analyzing whether Update 1.64 or Update 1.66 is "better" for the average player.
Updates 164–166 may not have added new cars or missions, but they delivered the kind of behind-the-scenes fixes that keep a live game healthy. For players who value reliable sessions, consistent physics, and a cleaner online environment, these patches are a welcome improvement—proof that incremental maintenance can have a big impact on enjoyment.
If you want, I can expand this into a longer review, add patch-note style details, or format it for a specific blog platform.
The transition from Update 1.64 to Update 1.66 in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5)
is primarily a shift from major content expansion to critical security and stability maintenance. While 1.64 added massive gameplay features, 1.66 was essential for PC players' safety. Update 1.64: The "Los Santos Drug Wars" Expansion
Released in December 2022, this was a major content drop that significantly improved the game's depth and visual fidelity on current-gen consoles . New Content & Businesses: The Freakshop: A new social hub for launching missions .
Acid Lab: A mobile business upgrade for the MTL Brickade 6x6 .
Vehicles: Added eight new vehicles and hundreds of new clothing/accessory items . Quality of Life (QoL) Improvements:
Phone Management: Ability to hide contacts via the Interaction Menu .
Solo Missions: Agatha Baker’s Casino Story Missions can now be launched with a single player .
Vehicle Access: Bicycles can now be requested from the Mechanic like standard cars . Visual Enhancements (PS5 & Xbox Series X|S only):
Ray-Traced Reflections: Added to "Fidelity Mode," providing realistic reflections on water and glossy surfaces . Update 1.66: The "Security & Stability" Patch
Released in February 2023, this update was a "mandatory" fix rather than a content expansion. It was particularly "better" for PC players due to a game-breaking security vulnerability . Critical PC Security:
Account Protection: Fixed a dangerous exploit that allowed third parties to modify a player's GTA$ balance, RP level, or even crash/corrupt their account .
Data Protocol: Implemented a new data protocol to improve security for network sessions and player-to-player messaging . Bug Fixes & Refinement:
Vehicle Mods: Fixed an issue where the TM-02 Khanjali, RCV, and Chernobog could not be modified in facilities .
Visual Fixes: Addressed an issue where car windows were missing reflections in certain graphics modes .
Stability: Resolved various crashes occurring in GTA Online across all platforms . Which Update is "Better"?
If you have already updated to Build 164 or 166 and want to ensure you are getting the "better" performance, follow this optimization checklist:
For years, GTA V suffered from a specific issue on high-core-count CPUs (like the Ryzen 7/9 or Intel i7/i9). The game would load one core to 100% while leaving others idle, causing micro-stutters. In Build 164, Rockstar quietly updated the thread scheduler.
Result: Build 164/166 spreads the physics and streaming workload across more logical cores. Users report that the game feels "stickier" and smoother. The frame time graph (which measures the consistency between frames) is significantly flatter in Build 166 than in Build 160.
If 1.64 opened the door for solo play, Update 1.66 (The Los Santos Drug Wars update) kicked it wide open. This update introduced the Dax factory missions, which are widely considered some of the best-written and most enjoyable missions in the game's history.
The biggest "better" factor here is accessibility. Update 1.66 allowed players to manage their Acid Lab business entirely from a private lobby. You can source supplies, manage stock, and sell your product without ever entering a public server. This shift respects the player's time and creates a much more relaxed grinding experience. Add to that the insane new vehicles like the ΩTECHNIQUE (a futuristic hyperbike with unique jump capabilities), and the gameplay loop feels fresher than ever.
If you updated and regret it, you can downgrade to Build 160 using tools like the GTA V Downgrader (available on GitHub). This restores mod compatibility but sacrifices the anti-cheat and texture streaming.