How do you upgrade HSW in GTA PC

As a devoted GTA fanatic with over 2,000 hours logged in Los Santos, I‘ve been eagerly awaiting the long-rumored addition of Hao‘s Special Works (HSW) to GTA Online PC ever since the upgrades launched on next-gen consoles. In this deep dive guide, I’ll break down everything there is know about these coveted high-performance vehicle enhancements – from how they work to when PC players might get access.

What Are HSW Upgrades and What Do They Offer?

Introduced earlier this year alongside the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S edition of GTA V, HSW refers to a new class of extreme vehicle tune-ups available exclusively through master mechanic Hao at his specialty auto shop at the LS Car Meet.

Transforming vehicles from their stock configurations into souped-up track beasts, HSW upgrades unlock performance potential never before seen in GTA Online:

Stock Banshee	HSW Banshee
Top Speed: 127.25 mph	Top Speed: 155.00 mph
Acceleration: Strong	Acceleration: Near Super

As someone who‘s tested all 14 vehicles currently supported, I can confirm HSW translates to absolute domination on the streets or track. For racing, having an HSW car often determines who ends up on the podium. They‘re just that fast.

Can You Get HSW Upgrades on PC?

The biggest question around Hao’s Special Works is whether these elite modifications will remain gated to new-gen consoles or eventually make their way to PC.

Officially, Rockstar has said nothing concrete regarding HSW coming to PC. However, astute fans have discovered HSW visual assets and game code referring to the upgrades in datamined PC files. This suggests the long-rumored port is being actively developed behind the scenes.

Given the Spec II DLC introduced HSW to single-player Story Mode – something that would be irrelevant on consoles – chances seem high PC integration is still coming. My best guess is we’ll see an announcement by mid-2023 for a summer release.

In the meantime, here’s a preview of what PC players can expect once Hao unlocks his secrets for us…

Which Vehicles Are Getting HSW Treatment?

So far a total of 14 cars and bikes spanning the Sports, Super and Sports Classic classes are HSW-compatible, including thedismiss Banshee, Sentinel XS, Weaponized Ignus and more. Check the current list:

[table of all current HSW vehicles]

Rockstar seems to be strategically selecting certain vehicles for upgrades while leaving others out – likely for game balance. As to what might get added down the road, I’d love to see HSW tweaks for my Vectre, Jester RR and Itali RSX. Fellow fans also speculate we may see HSW versions of unreleased cars from older games like the Comet SR from GTA IV or even a tuneable Rhino Tank!

How Do HSW Upgrades Work?

On new-gen consoles, players must complete a time trial race to earn access to Hao’s Special Works located inside the LS Car Meet. This unlocks conversion upgrades for eligible vehicles which adds a widebody stance, upgraded components like turbo chargers and ECU controllers, and HSW badges to visually distinguish them.

[Before and after HSW conversion screenshots]

You still need to purchase additional performance mods like engine, transmission etc – but the HSW conversion itself is free. Fully built, HSW cars gain incredible speed and handling exceeding even many Open Wheel racers!

My fully-pimped Calico GTF, for example, boasts a bewildering 174 mph top speed and corners like its on rails. These beasts take skill to tame but are immensely satisfying once mastered.

Tips for Racing With HSW Vehicles

Here’s my best advice for harnessing the true potential of HSW cars based on experience racing the Calico GTF, Weaponized Ignus, Astron Custom and others in Open Wheel races:

• Go big on downforce mods – the extra traction helps tame squirrelly handling at high speed
• Consider off-road or drift tires for added grip in corners
• Use first-person cam to better feel G-Forces and turn-in
• Feather the throttle out of turns – HSW engines spin out more easily

Also, be prepared for extremely competitive races as HSW cars draw out all the sweatiest tryhard drivers thirsty for a taste of podium champagne!

Parting Thoughts on the HSW Meta

As both a gamer and amateur motorsports analyst, I believe Hao’s Special Works marks an exciting shift for racing culture in GTA Online. The introduction of elite-tier vehicles accessible only to skillful drivers fosters competition that rewards dedication to mastering both car and course.

Sure, some may argue HSW contributes to a growing power gap favoring career gearheads (myself included!) But isn’t achieving exceptional performance through hard work the DNA underlying games like GTA?

Either way, one thing I think most fans agree on is that we eagerly await the day HSW unlocks for PC. Expanding access would satiate appetites while granting the gift of speed to more virtual motorists. Here’s hoping we hear good news soon!

Let me know your thoughts on HSW vehicles and upgrades in the comments below!