If you are playing the version associated with this update number (The Drug Wars DLC), here is a guide on the new content available:
Update 1.38 was a major content patch, primarily introducing the Smuggler’s Run update to GTA Online. It focused on aerial combat, smuggling operations, and owning a personal hangar. For single-player (Story Mode), changes were minimal (mostly bug fixes and background data).
If the update gets stuck or fails:
Players installing this update via disc (or legacy download) should be aware of temporary issues that were later hotfixed, though some persist if you play offline: Gta V Update 1.38 Ps4
In the long and storied history of Grand Theft Auto V on the PlayStation 4, few update numbers carry as much weight with the hardcore fanbase as Update 1.38. While newer patches have added futuristic vehicles and massive heists, version 1.38—often referred to as the Smuggler’s Run update—represents a golden era of GTA Online. Released in late summer 2017, this patch fundamentally changed how players approached air combat, business management, and solo grinding.
For those returning to Los Santos after a long break, or for new players wondering why their console is suddenly downloading a 5+ GB patch, here is everything you need to know about GTA V Update 1.38 on PS4.
For a player still on GTA V v1.38 (unpatched PS4 disc, no internet): If you are playing the version associated with
For a modern player looking back:
Before following any steps, you must identify which version of the game you are playing, as the numbering systems are different:
Scenario B: You are on PlayStation 4 (Legacy Version) Players installing this update via disc (or legacy
For PS4 players digging into GTA V Update 1.38, the vehicle list was the true star. Rockstar finally added the long-requested Hunter Attack Helicopter and the V-65 Molotok jet. Here is the complete vehicle roster introduced in patch 1.38:
| Vehicle Name | Type | Price (Trade Price) | Key Feature | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Rogue | Plane | $1.2M ($900k) | 2-seater prop plane with explosive cannons | | LF-22 Starling | Plane | $2.75M ($2.06M) | Rocket-boosted WW2-style glider | | V-65 Molotok | Jet | $3.6M ($2.7M) | Airbrakes + missile barrage | | P-45 Nokota | Plane | $2.6M ($1.95M) | WW2 dogfighter with machine guns | | Tula | VTOL | $3.7M ($2.77M) | Tri-purpose: plane/helicopter/boat | | FH-1 Hunter | Heli | $3.1M ($2.32M) | Co-pilot missile barrage + cannon | | Havok | Heli | $1.5M ($1.125M) | Ultra-light attack chopper | | Howard NX-25 | Plane | $1.1M ($825k) | Racing prop plane | | Alpha-Z1 | Plane | $1.5M ($1.125M) | World’s fastest small plane | | Mogul | Plane | $1.5M ($1.125M) | Dual-propeller utility aircraft | | Bombushka | Heavy Plane | $4.5M ($3.38M) | Massive cargo plane with turrets | | Ultralight | Glider | $500k ($375k) | Stealth propeller (off-radar) | | Seabreeze | Plane | $950k ($712k) | Amphibious dive bomber |
Why this mattered: Prior to 1.38, the Hydra and Savage dominated the skies. The Hunter introduced a co-pilot missile barrage that was unstoppable against ground targets. The Starling used rocket boost for insane acceleration, making dogfights skill-based again.