You're looking for the Hao's Special Works (HSW) shop in GTA Online to upgrade a vehicle, but the option doesn't exist in your game or stays locked. In most cases the cause is the game version: HSW is only offered on certain platforms. This guide checks compatibility first, then the unlock.
Problem
- The Hao's Special Works shop doesn't appear at the LS Car Meet.
- HSW upgrades aren't offered for your vehicle.
- A friend has access but you don't, even though you play the same game.
What to know first
- Hao's Special Works arrived in GTA Online with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions (March 2022). Hao takes over the LS Car Meet Mod Shop.
- On PC, HSW is part of GTA V Enhanced, released on March 4, 2025. GTA V Legacy doesn't offer it.
- On PS4 and Xbox One, HSW isn't available.
- Only certain vehicles are compatible with HSW upgrades.
- No game file changes or third-party tools are needed (and such tools expose you to online sanctions).
Step 1: check that your version offers HSW
When to use it: always first.
Suggested solution
- Identify the version you launch: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC Enhanced, PC Legacy, PS4 or Xbox One.
- If you're on PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PC Enhanced, go to step 2.
- If you're on PC Legacy: the upgrade to Enhanced is free for GTA V owners on PC. Your GTA Online character doesn't follow automatically, you need to migrate your profile: see GTA Online character missing from GTA V Enhanced on PC: migrate your profile. Before switching, check that your PC is suitable: GTA V Enhanced or Legacy on PC: choosing the version for your hardware.
- If you're on PS4 or Xbox One: HSW requires moving to PS5 or Xbox Series X|S. Character migration is described here: Migrating your GTA Online profile from PS4 or Xbox One to PS5 or Xbox Series: steps and limits.
Expected result: you play a version that includes Hao's Special Works.
Step 2: unlock the HSW shop
When to use it: you're on PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PC Enhanced, but HSW stays locked.
Suggested solution
- Log in to GTA Online and wait for Hao's call on your in-game phone.
- Then complete the HSW Time Trial driving an HSW-modified vehicle, beating the par time.
- Once the time trial is done, go to the LS Car Meet Mod Shop: Hao's Special Works upgrades become available for compatible vehicles.
Expected result: the HSW shop is unlocked and offers upgrades.
Step 3: check vehicle compatibility
When to use it: HSW is unlocked, but no upgrade appears for your vehicle.
Suggested solution
- Bring the vehicle to the LS Car Meet Mod Shop.
- If no HSW option appears, the model is probably not one of the compatible vehicles.
- Try another vehicle that Rockstar lists as HSW-compatible.
Expected result: HSW upgrades appear for a compatible vehicle.
Special cases
- You play with a friend on another version: on PC, Legacy and Enhanced are separate GTA Online instances; a Legacy player won't see Enhanced content, and you can't join the same session.
- Before migrating to Enhanced: profile migration has its own conditions and limits; read the migration guide linked in step 1 before starting it.
Final check
- ☐ You play on PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PC Enhanced.
- ☐ Your GTA Online character is present on that version.
- ☐ Hao's call was received and the HSW Time Trial is completed.
- ☐ HSW upgrades appear for a compatible vehicle.
Sources
- Rockstar Newswire: Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online Out Now on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
- Rockstar Newswire: Free Upgrade for Grand Theft Auto V on PC Coming March 4
- Rockstar Newswire: Free Upgrade for Grand Theft Auto V on PC Now Available
Still having the problem?
Reply in this topic with: your platform and version (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC Enhanced or Legacy), whether Hao's call was received, the vehicle concerned and what the shop shows. Never post your email address, Rockstar ID, gamertag or password.