A bold new direction in open-world freedom, storytelling, mission-based gameplay and online multiplayer, Grand Theft Auto V focuses on the pursuit of the almighty dollar in a re-imagined, present day Southern California.

Los Santos: a sprawling sun-soaked metropolis full of self-help gurus, starlets and fading celebrities, once the envy of the Western world, now struggling to stay afloat in an era of economic uncertainty and cheap reality TV. Amidst the turmoil, three very different criminals plot their own chances of survival and success:  Franklin, a former street gangster, now looking for real opportunities and serious money; Michael, a professional ex-con whose retirement is a lot less rosy than he hoped it would be; and Trevor, a violent maniac driven by the chance of a cheap high and the next big score. Running out of options, the crew risks everything in a series of daring and dangerous heists that could set them up for life.

The biggest, most dynamic and most diverse open world Rockstar Games has yet created, 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.

All the classic hallmarks of the series return, including attention to detail and Grand Theft Auto’s darkly humorous take on modern culture, alongside a brand new and ambitious approach to open world multiplayer.

The update includes two new vehicles, the Sovereign motorcycle and the super-sized and extremely tough Liberator monster truck, perfect for riding roughshod over smaller and weaker vehicles. The update also includes the high-powered Musket, deadly and efficient over long distances. Also included is the new Firework Rocket Launcher.

The update also brings seven new properties to purchase including locations in Paleto Bay and Vinewood Hills.

The ability to place and set off fireworks has been added to the Interaction Menu. Players can purchase 4 different types from Ammu-Nation and then access them in their inventory. Use up to 12 varieties of fireworks with different fuse lengths to create your own fireworks shows.

In addition, down on Pleasure Pier you can now ride the Ferris Whale and the Leviathan Roller Coaster.

This limited-time update also features an overabundance of patriotic flare: show off nationalistic pride with a "Made in the U.S.A." t-shirt, a backwoods mullet or let the eagle soar with an animal mask featuring this great nation's most fearsome and majestic creatures.

A few of the many changes implemented in this updated include:

• A player’s Mental State will no longer increase when killing hostile mercenaries. Also, the increase rate for killing Cops who are chasing the player as a result of being wanted has been reduced.
• Mental state will no longer increase for killing players who have a Bounty on their head or for a player defending themselves when they have a Bounty on them.

For the complete list of all the fixes and tuning updates, visit the Rockstar Support site.

This special seasonal content will be available to redeem in-game until Mid-July (a specific redemption expiration date will be announced soon). 

To download the Independence Day Special, fire up your online-connected PS3 or Xbox 360 and start GTAV. You'll be prompted to download the automatic update (1.15) and Xbox 360 players will also be required to download an additional compatibility pack upon entering GTA Online.

And look for details about the upcoming celebratory 4-day Independence Day Weekend Event tomorrow.