Modifications: Difference between revisions

 
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[[File:HelitoursMaverick-GTASA-modification.png|thumb|A Helitours Maverick from GTA IV, in GTA San Andreas.]]
[[File:Policecar-GTASA-modification.jpg|thumb|A popular car to mod, particularly in San Andreas, is the police cars.]]
{{also|''This article is about modifying game files. For the garages that modify vehicles in [[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]], see [[Mod Garages]].''}}
{{also|''This article is about modifying game files. For the garages that modify vehicles in [[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]], see [[Mod Garages]].''}}


A '''modification''' is an alteration to a game. [[Grand Theft Auto]] modifications are created by fans after the game's release, and are not authorized or endorsed by [[Rockstar Games]]. Modifications can be obtained from many Grand Theft Auto websites and fansites.
[[File:IVMaverick-GTASA-modification.jpg|thumb|A Maverick from GTA IV, in GTA San Andreas.]]
[[File:SCPDMcLarenP1-GTAV-modification.png|thumb|A popular car to mod, particularly in GTA V, is the police cars.]]
[[File:BugattiVeyron164SuperSport-GTAV-modification.png|thumb|Car modifications that put real-life cars into the game (for example, [[wp:Bugatti_Veyron#Bugatti_Veyron_16.4_Super_Sport.2C_World_Record_Edition_.282010.E2.80.932011.29|Bugatti Veyron Super Sport]]) are among the most common and popular modifications throughout the entire GTA series.]]
A '''modification''' (known as a '''mod''' for short) is an alteration to a game. [[Grand Theft Auto]] modifications are created by fans after the game's release, and are normally not authorized or endorsed by [[Rockstar Games]]. Modifications can be obtained from many Grand Theft Auto websites and fansites.


Almost all modifications are entirely free, and may be downloaded and used by anybody. However, there are restrictions on editing and distributing the modification, so always ask permission from the author.
Almost all modifications are entirely free, and may be downloaded and used by anybody. However, there are restrictions on editing and distributing the modification, so always ask permission from the author.


Modifications are mainly only used on [[Personal Computer|PC]] versions of [[Grand Theft Auto]] games. There are methods of modifying console versions, but these are complex and usually break the license agreement of the game and the game console.
Modifications are mainly only used on [[Personal Computer|PC]] and, recently, mobile ([[iOS]] and [[Android]]) versions of [[Grand Theft Auto]] games, although the latter two require jailbreaking (iOS) or root access (Android). There are methods of modifying console versions, but these are complex and usually break the license agreement of the game and the game console.


==Different Types of Modifications==
Modifications are applicable for:
Modifications in special websites usually are distributed on several categories, depend on aspect of game they changes:
* [[Grand Theft Auto 1]] (PC)
* [[Grand Theft Auto: London 1969]] (PC)
* [[Grand Theft Auto: London 1961]] (PC)
* [[Grand Theft Auto 2]] (PC)
* [[Grand Theft Auto III]] (PC, iOS, Android)
* [[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City]] (PC, iOS, Android)
* [[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]] (PC, iOS, Android)
* [[Grand Theft Auto IV]] and expansions (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
* [[Grand Theft Auto V]] (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One)


'''Maps''' - Modifications of this type add buildings, islands, towns and other objects to an existent landscape of the GTA game. They consist of the added model description with corresponding textures and collision data. Examples are Pleasure Island mod for [[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City|GTA Vice City]] and WTC Modification for [[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas|GTA San Andreas]].
== Different Types of Modifications ==
Modifications in special websites usually are distributed on several categories, depending on the aspect of the game that they change:


'''Missions''' - Modifications of this type alter or replace the mission script (''main.scm'' in all of the [[GTA III Era]] games) of GTA game. These could alter details of missions or even add entirely new missions. The mission script file is responsible for what-happens-when, so modifying it can achieve almost any effect.
; Maps
[[File:ProjectAlderneyMansion-GTAV-modification.png|thumb|An example of a map mod in GTA V, which spawns objects that transforms a house in Mad Wayne Thunder Drive to a party-like house.]]
Adds buildings, islands, towns, and other objects to an existent landscape of the GTA game. They consist of the added model description with corresponding textures and collision data. Examples include:
* Pleasure Island (GTA VC)
* Liberty City (GTA VC)
* WTC (GTA SA)


'''Patches''' (Fixes) - Modifications of this type do not change anything appreciable but only correct errors present in the original GTA game, like [[DFT30]] missing rear wheel in [[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas|GTA San Andreas]] and wrong placed [[Little Havana Streetwear & Tattoo Parlour|Cuban Outfit]] in [[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City|GTA Vice City]]. Some of modifications attempt to restore hidden features in game: [[Ghost Town]] in [[Grand Theft Auto III|GTA III]], [[Hot Coffee Modification|scenes for adults]] in [[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas|GTA San Andreas]].
; Missions
Alters or replaces the mission script (''main.scm'' in all of the [[GTA III Era]] games) of the GTA game. These could alter details of missions or even add entirely new missions. The mission script file is responsible for what-happens-when, so modifying it can achieve almost any effect.


'''Player''' - Modifications of this type change [[protagonist]] model in game, add or replace available clothing items, sometimes also offer new animation or voice data for the player. Creation of modifications of the given type began after release of the [[Grand Theft Auto III|GTA III]], the first GTA game contained appreciable protagonist model. [[Pedestrians]] modifications also often appoint to the given category.
; Patches / Fixes
Modifications of this type do not change anything appreciable but only correct errors present in the original GTA game, including but not limited to:
* The [[DFT-30]]'s missing rear wheel in GTA San Andreas.
* The [[Little Havana Streetwear & Tattoo Parlour|wrongly placed]] [[Havana]] outfit in GTA Vice City.
Some patches or fixes attempt to restore hidden/removed features in the game, such as the [[Ghost Town]] in GTA III and [[Hot Coffee|scenes for adults]] in GTA San Andreas.


'''Vehicles''' - Modifications of this type add a new cars, boats, planes & helicopters to a GTA game, or change existent vehicles colors and handling, sometimes even replace certain cars with new ''hi-poly'' modeled and textured version of them. This is a most popular kind of modifications (as also the lungs for realization), often united in large thematic packages.
; Player / Pedestrians
[[File:Bodyguardsmod-GTAV-modification.png|thumb|An example of a player mod. The player (green striped shirt in the center) is changed with an NPC skin and were also surrounded with his bodyguards.]]
Basically changes the model of the [[protagonist]] or other NPCs in the game, adds new clothing items, or even adds new sound/animation data. These began after the release of GTA III, which contained an appreciable alternate skin for [[Claude]]. Examples include:
* [[Niko Bellic]] player model (GTA SA)
* ''A Series of Unfortunate Events'' pedestrians models (GTA SA)


'''Weapons''' - modifications of this type alter weapons models and data, like accuracy or rate of fire, and sound of shooting. They also usually provided as thematic packages.
; Vehicles
[[File:2013AstonMartinVanquish-GTAV-modification.png|thumb|An example of a vehicle mod, an [[wp:Aston_Martin_Vanquish#Second_generation_.282012.E2.80.93.29|Aston Martin Vanquish]] which replaces the [[Massacro]].]]
Changes vehicles in the game. It can range from simply replacing vehicle [[carcols.dat|colors]] or tweaking the performance stats to adding new vehicles, replacing them with a ''hi-poly'' modeled and textured version, or even replacing them with a brand new vehicle altogether. This is the most common type of mod in the GTA series.


Some modifications encompass many of these features at once - these are known as '''Total Conversions''' (TCs). TCs generally change everything in that GTA game, including the map, vehicles, pedestrians, players and missions. A few TC mods been made, and there have been many more planned that have never reached a release. Most of TCs made for the [[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas|GTA San Andreas]], that is explainable by the time of occurrence of ready tools for development in all aspects and growth of a community. Examples are notorious Grand Theft Auto: Great Britain, [[Grand Theft Auto: Criminal Russia]] and [[GTASA: Liberty City]], all are still in development for the [[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]].
As a side note, the majority of vehicle mods are real-life vehicles, usually ripped from other games with vehicles (e.g. racing games, although other Grand Theft Auto games are also applicable).


'''Gameplay''' - Sometimes known as script mods, these mods change the way players play the game. These mod usually have their own custom script but don't interfere with the main.scm script file. Script mods are also sometimes known as "for fun" mods because they are often used to spawn so-called "myths" in certain places, giving players special weapons, the ability to control the weather, etc. Script mods usually start the player off with maxed-out muscle, a wad of cash, all cities/bridges unlocked and sometimes with an entire arsenal of weapons to use. Sometimes these mods are just simple, such as modifying the game's clock to last up to 24 hours.
In the case of Grand Theft Auto V, only texture mods for the in-game vehicles are currently available, while there are modifications that can make the cars behave mostly like, if not exactly like their real-life counterparts in terms of performance.


'''Physics''' - Another popular mod is fixing the physics. Originally, the physics engine was unrealistic. However, because of CLEO mods, some gamers have been able to change the physics engine by importing the RAGE engine into GTA: San Andreas/Vice City. A popular mod is the "GTA San Andreas Rag-doll" mod. In Grand Theft Auto III this is much harder to do since limbs come off in the PC version.
; Weapons
Alters weapon models and data, like accuracy or rate of fire, and shot sound.


'''Cosmetics''' - Another popular modification is simply cosmetic use. For example, there are mods that replace fictional brands into real ones (Example: Burger Shot now Burger King) or replaces cars with their real-life counterparts. Sometimes, these even replace district names to match their real ones. An example is the GTA San Andreas real mod.
; Total Conversions (TC)
[[File:Gtaunited-gtasa-modification.jpg|thumb|An example of a total conversion mod in GTA San Andreas, the GTA United, which replaces the state of San Andreas with [[Vice City]] and [[Liberty City]] maps.]]
Total Conversions encompass many of these features at once. TCs generally change everything in that GTA game, including the map, vehicles, pedestrians, player, and missions. A few TC mods been made and completed (e.g. GTA Long Night, a zombified Vice City total conversion mod for GTA Vice City), and there have been many more planned that have never reached a release.


==Non-Modifications==
; Gameplay
Some third-party programs wrongly count as modifications. The basic criterion for modification is changing the original game 'content' files, and these programs actually do not touch that files.
Sometimes known as script mods, gameplay mods change the way players play the game. These mod usually have their own custom script but don't interfere with the main.scm script file. Script mods are also sometimes known as "for fun" mods because they are often used to spawn so-called "myths" in certain places, giving players special weapons, the ability to control the weather, etc. Script mods usually start the player off with maxed-out muscle, a wad of cash, all cities/bridges unlocked and sometimes with an entire arsenal of weapons to use. Sometimes these mods are just simple, such as modifying the game's clock to last up to 24 hours.


'''Trainers''' - Trainers are programs that run alongside the game and manipulate the game's data stored in memory. These programs can change many different things, ranging from the player's health, armor, weapons, skill and even location; to being able to spawn vehicles, modify the current vehicle (e.g. color, damage etc) and edit vehicles stored in garages; to modifying the time, game speed and weather.
; Physics
Another popular type of mod is fixing the physics. Originally, the physics engine was unrealistic. However, because of CLEO mods, some gamers have been able to change the physics engine by importing the RAGE engine (Rockstar Advanced Game Engine) into GTA San Andreas and GTA Vice City. A popular mod is the "GTA San Andreas Rag-doll" mod. In GTA III, this is much harder to do since limbs come off in the PC version.


'''[[Multiplayer]]''' - As all [[PC]] versions of the [[GTA III Era]] games lacks multiplayer capabilities, gamer community start creation of unofficial multiplayer clients & servers. These programs allow to play online with other players on public servers, or offer 'head-to-head' competitions between directly connected players. Types of gameplay provided may differ between different realizations, but usually are versions of FPS-like deathmatch/CTF or rally/street races. Examples are [[Multi Theft Auto]], [[Vice City Multiplayer]] and [[San Andreas Multiplayer]].
; Cosmetics
Another popular type of mod is cosmetic replacement. For example, there are mods that replace fictional brands into real ones (e.g. [[Burger Shot]] changing into [[wp:Burger King|Burger King]]) or replace vehicles with their real-life counterparts (e.g. the [[Super GT]] from GTA IV changing into an [[wp:Aston Martin DB9|Aston Martin DB9]]). Sometimes, these even replace district names to match their real ones. An example is the GTA San Andreas real mod.


'''Enhancers''' - are additional programs/libraries which remove or increase certain GTA game engine limits and restrictions, like maximum draw distance and number of objects in scene. Display of these restrictions are well known drops of road texture, delays of LOD textures on buildings when moving fast and traffic unification with current protagonist car driven. Some of enhancers also apply modern shader post-processing effects to game graphics. Noted enhancers are [http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=295783 SA Limit Adjuster] and [http://boris–vorontsov.narod.ru/index_en.html ENBSeries tweakers].
== Non-Modifications ==
Some third-party programs wrongly count as modifications. The basic criterion for modification is changing the original game 'content' files, and these programs actually do not touch the game files.


==Creating Modifications==
[[File:MenyooTrainerSP-GTAV-modification.png|thumb|An example of a trainer, the Menyoo Trainer in GTA V.]]
[[File:GravityGun-GTASA-HalfLife2-modification.jpg|thumb|An example of GTA San Andreas CLEO mod. Shown here is the Gravity Gun from Half Life 2.]]
; Trainers
Some things, like car colors and handling, weapons characteristics, ped relations, can be changed easily because all the data necessary stored in plain-text files, with basic guidelines for their usage from game developers in file headers. However, creating more advanced modifications (such as entire buildings or cars) are trickier, and usually requires some advance experience in creating models for games. Google [[:wp:SketchUp|SketchUp]] is a good program for creating building models. [[3ds Max]], [[:wp:Lightwave|Lightwave]] and [[Zmodeller]] are also used. Textures are less complex, but still tricky. Textures must be the same size as its original, because bigger ones may cause the game to lag depending on FPS, as those are much more HD. Also, some textures may contain an alpha texture.
Trainers are programs that run alongside the game and manipulate the game's data stored in memory. These programs can change many different things, ranging from the player's health, armor, weapons, skill, and even location; to being able to spawn vehicles, modify the current vehicle (e.g. color, damage etc), and edit vehicles stored in garages; to modifying the time, game speed, and weather.


The mission modifications are even harder to produce. First, mission script for a game must be presented in compiled form, which require use of special compiler/decompiler tools for any changes. Second, script language is not officially documented, and worse, each script editor has their own interpretation of it. Finally, many script features depend on hardcoded functions in the game executable, which can lead to unexpected troubles with different usage approaches, game region versions, official patches and even depends on end-user hardware. These results with mission modifications are usually simple gameplay missions. The most often used mission script editor is ''Mission Builder'' by ''Barton Waterduck'' and its derivative, [http://sannybuilder.com/ Sanny Builder]. Recently, however, a tool called Design Your Own Mission, or DYOM, specifically for San Andreas, makes making missions less complex, but these are usually simple.
; [[Multiplayer]]
As all [[PC]] versions of the [[GTA III Era]] games lack multiplayer capabilities, gamer communities started creating unofficial multiplayer clients & servers. These programs allow to play online with other players on public servers, or offer 'head-to-head' competitions between directly connected players. Types of gameplay provided may differ between different servers, but usually are versions of FPS-like deathmatch/CTF or rally/street races. Examples include:
* [[Multi Theft Auto]] (MTA)
* [[Vice City Multiplayer]] (VCMP)
* [[San Andreas Multiplayer]] (SAMP)


For Total Conversions, there are even more specific tools needed, like ped & traffic paths editor, [[GXT]] (texts) editor, interface (menu) editor and so on. It is strongly advised that you do not attempt to do more than you are capable of. Do not expect to be able to recreate your favorite car in a few hours, many modifications take months.
; Enhancers
[[File:Timecyc-gtasa-modification.jpg|thumb|Screenshot taken with ENB Series mod installed.]]
Additional programs/libraries which remove or increase certain GTA game engine limits and restrictions, like maximum draw distance and number of objects in scene. Display of these restrictions are well known drops of road texture, delays of LOD textures on buildings when moving fast, and traffic unification with current protagonist car driven. Some enhancers also apply modern shader post-processing effects to game graphics. Notable enhancers include:
* [http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=295783 SA Limit Adjuster]
* [http://boris–vorontsov.narod.ru/index_en.html ENBSeries tweakers]


===Vice City Mod Manager===
== Creating Modifications ==
'''Vice City Mod Manager''' or '''VCMM''', is a tool for modifying objects in [[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City]]. VCMM uses its own file format ''VCM'', and mods can be downloaded in this format from many different websites.
[[File:Credits-GTASA-modification.jpg|thumb|An example of [[GTA San Andreas]] CLEO mod, which makes the player able to made the credits appear anytime they want.]]
Some things, like car colors and handling, weapons characteristics, and ped relations, can be changed easily because all the data necessary stay in plain-text files, with basic guidelines for their usage from game developers in file headers. However, creating more advanced modifications (such as entire buildings or cars) is more difficult, and usually requires some advance experience in creating models for games. Google [[:wp:SketchUp|SketchUp]] is a good program for creating building models. [[3ds Max]], [[:wp:Lightwave|Lightwave]], and [[ZModeler]] are also used. Textures are less complex, but still tricky. Textures normally should be the same size as their originals, because bigger ones may cause the game to lag depending on FPS, as those appear in higher resolution. Also, some textures may contain an alpha texture.


===San Andreas Mod Manager===
The mission modifications are even harder to produce. First, mission script for a game must be presented in compiled form, which require use of special compiler/decompiler tools for any changes. Second, script language is not officially documented, and worse, each script editor has their own interpretation of it. Finally, many script features depend on hardcoded functions in the game executable, which can lead to unexpected troubles with different usage approaches, game region versions, official patches, and even depends on end-user hardware. These results with mission modifications are usually simple gameplay missions. The most often used mission script editor is ''Mission Builder'' by Barton Waterduck and its derivative, [http://sannybuilder.com/ Sanny Builder]. Recently, however, a tool called Design Your Own Mission (DYOM), specifically for San Andreas, makes making missions less complex, but these are usually simple.
There is another mod manager for [[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas|GTA: San Andreas]]. It does the same thing as the Vice City Mod Manager.


==Installing Modifications==
For Total Conversions, there are even more specific tools needed, like ped & traffic paths editor, [[GXT]] (texts) editor, interface (menu) editor, and so on. It is strongly advised that you do not attempt to do more than you are capable of. Do not expect to be able to recreate your favorite vehicle in a few hours. Many modifications take months.
[[File:Modification-GTASA-inprogress.jpg|thumb|A Modification on construction for GTA San Andreas.]]
Vehicles, player and weapons modifications are usually constructed on replacement of already present game objects, because there are limits to number of objects of such kind in game engine, often already filled up by developers, and addition of the new model will require a lot of 'precision' editing in many game files. Therefore, a new car, weapon or clothes will replace the existing one and all installation is reduced to work with [[IMG]] archives and little editing of one or two game files in text editor. Always do backup of files touched before any changes occurs.


Installation of larger modifications, such as maps, depends on a method chosen by the developer of mod. Some mods are made as file replacements, mod comes in form of archive which you must unpack to original game`s directory. This simplified installation cost large files to download. Other mods come with special installers (''mod installers''), which automates work with IMG archives and text-files editing. Both methods usually uncompatible with other mods present, so you must install them over special fresh installation of the original game.
; Vice City Mod Manager
'''Vice City Mod Manager''' (VCMM) is a tool for modifying objects in GTA Vice City. VCMM uses its own file format ''VCM'', and mods can be downloaded in this format from many different websites.


==Considerations==
; San Andreas Mod Manager
Some gamers consider modifications to spoil the integrity and theme of the game - for example, they don't think a 2005 Lamborghini belongs in a fictitious 1990s world, although you can make your own decisions on these matters.
'''San Andreas Mod Manager''' (SAMM) is a mod manager for GTA San Andreas. It does the same thing as Vice City Mod Manager.


Most modifications do not alter the status of your game. However, if you install a modification that edits or replaces the mission script file, you will have to begin a new game (except in rare cases), or use a provided savegame created for that specific modification. The game will crash immediately if tried to load an old savegame file.
== Installing Modifications ==
[[File:OpenIVmod-GTAV-modification.png|thumb|A GTA V mod being previewed with OpenIV.]]
Vehicle, player, and weapon mods are usually constructed on replacement of already present game objects, because there are limits to number of objects of such kind in game engine, often already filled up by developers, and addition of the new model will require a lot of 'precision' editing in many game files. Therefore, a new vehicle, weapon, or character model will replace the existing one and all installation is reduced to work with [[IMG]] archives and little editing of one or two game files in text editor. Always do backup of files touched before any change occurs.


Modifications that were badly coded (mainly missions) or contain many hi-quality textures and models may results with game performance degradation, jerky framerate and various graphical glitches, especially on old hardware.
Installation of larger modifications, such as maps, depends on a method chosen by the developer of mod. Some mods are made as file replacements, where the mod comes in the form of an archive which you must unpack to the original game's directory. This simplified installation costs large files to download. Other mods come with special installers ("mod installers"), which automate work with IMG archives and text-files editing. Both methods are usually incompatible with other mods present, so you must install them over special fresh installation of the original game.


==Modding on GTA IV==
== Considerations ==
* Some gamers consider modifications to spoil the integrity and theme of the game — for example, they don't think a Lamborghini Gallardo, BMW M5 F10 or even a 2015 Ford Mustang GT belongs in GTA San Andreas which took place in 1992, although you can make your own decisions on these matters.
* Most modifications do not alter the status of your game. However, if you install a modification that edits or replaces the mission script file, you will have to begin a new game (except in rare cases), or use a provided savegame created for that specific modification. The game will crash immediately if you try to load an old savegame file.
* Modifications that were badly coded (mainly missions) or contain many hi-quality textures and models may result with game performance degradation, jerky framerate, and various graphical glitches, especially on old hardware.
* Also, most modifications are made for PC, while the rest are made for iOS/Android. Attempting to install the mods cross-platform (iOS/Android on PC, and vice versa) may result in either graphical oddities or even game crashes.
* Usually, when installing new vehicle/weapon mods, the game will still display the original vehicles' or weapons' names. To correct this, modify the GXT file of the language you are using.
* Except for the iOS/Android version of GTA III, the iOS/Android versions of GTA III Era games no longer use [[TXD]] files, instead putting all textures in a [[gta3.txt]] file, along with pvr (gta3.pvr.dat, gta3.pvr.tmb, gta3.pvr.toc) and gta3.unc.tmb files.
 
== Modding on GTA IV ==
As with the previous GTA games, modding continues to be prominent on [[Grand Theft Auto IV]].
As with the previous GTA games, modding continues to be prominent on [[Grand Theft Auto IV]].


While most players mod the PC version of Grand Theft Auto IV, many players also mod the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of GTA IV. One of the most predominantly used mods on the console versions of GTA IV will give the player the ability to shoot rockets out of guns other than rocket launchers. Many modders will also use a "speedup" mod that allows them to drive vehicles at incredibly fast speeds, sometimes fast enough to make the vehicle start flying. Modders also spawn cars that are not available in multiplayer with an array of unofficial paintjobs. Modders will also spawn story mode characters as bodyguards. Many people feel angry and annoyed to see a modder in a Free Mode game, usually because they are killing the other players with their modified weapons. Often times a modder will be kicked out of the game or trash-talked to. Despite modding being relatively annoying to some, others find modding fun and use it as a way to obtain various abilities or vehicles for their own personal enjoyment or for the players in the current multiplayer game.
While most players mod the PC version of Grand Theft Auto IV, many players also mod the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of GTA IV. One of the most predominantly used mods on the console versions of GTA IV will give the player the ability to shoot rockets out of guns other than rocket launchers. Many modders will also use a "speedup" mod that allows them to drive vehicles at incredibly fast speeds, sometimes fast enough to make the vehicle start flying. Modders also spawn cars that are not available in multiplayer with an array of unofficial paintjobs. Modders will also spawn story mode characters as bodyguards. Many people feel angry and annoyed to see a modder in a Free Mode game, usually because they are killing the other players with their modified weapons. Often times a modder will be kicked out of the game or trash-talked to. Despite modding being relatively annoying to some, others find modding fun and use it as a way to obtain various abilities or vehicles for their own personal enjoyment or for the players in the current multiplayer game.


==Disclaimer==
== Modding on GTA V ==
You modify your game at your own risk. There is no guarantee that all modifications you download will work, or whether the instructions will be complete. You should make yourself familiar with simple well-known modifications (such as cars) before attempting to install larger and more complex models.
As with the previous GTA games, modding continues to be prominent on [[Grand Theft Auto V]]. However, Rockstar originally banned any sort of modifications, even in Single Player, due to the presence of [[Grand Theft Auto Online]]. Also, in every game title update, all script mods and game configuration mods will be broken and rendered unusable and an update is required to make the game be able to run again, also the update.rpf file will be reset to the vanilla state meaning the player had to make backups before updating the game.


'''Always read the instructions thoroughly, and always backup files before you edit'''
== Disclaimer ==
You modify your game at your own risk. There is no guarantee that all modifications you download will work, or whether the instructions will be complete. You should make yourself familiar with simple well-known modifications (such as vehicles) before attempting to install larger and more complex models.


==Gallery==
<font color="red">'''Always read the instructions thoroughly, and always backup files before you edit!'''</font>
 
== Gallery ==
<center>'''You can post your modifications here!'''
<center>'''You can post your modifications here!'''
;GTA III
; GTA III
<gallery captionalign="center" widths="120">
<gallery captionalign="center" widths="120">
File:Protagonist&GhostTown-GTAIII-modification.jpg|[[Protagonist]] Mod/[[Ghost Town]] Mod
File:2016AudiR8-GTAIII-modification.png|[[wp:Audi_R8#Second_generation_.282015.E2.80.93present.29|2016 Audi R8]], replacing the [[Stinger]].
File:Dodo-GTAIII-fullwing-modification.jpg|Fullwing Dodo and GTA SA Hud Mods
File:2016BentleyContinentalGT-GTAIII-modification.png|[[wp:Bentley_Continental_GT#Second_generation_.282011.E2.80.93present.29|2016 Bentley Continental GT]].
File:Odie'sStuntPark-GTAIII-modification.png|Odie's Stunt Park and a custom Lamborghini mod on the iOS version of GTA III.
File:MitsubishiEclipseMidnightClub-GTAIII-modification.png|[[wp:Mitsubishi Eclipse|2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse]].
File:Nissan350Z-GTAIII-modification.jpg|[[wp:Nissan 350Z|Nissan 350Z]].
File:Protagonist&GhostTown-GTAIII-modification.jpg|Protagonist/Ghost Town mods.
File:Dodo-GTAIII-fullwing-modification.jpg|Fullwing [[Dodo]] and GTA San Andreas [[Heads-Up Display|HUD]] mod.
File:Odie'sStuntPark-GTAIII-modification.png|''Odie's Stunt Park'' and a custom [[wp:Lamborghini Murciélago|Lamborghini Murciélago]] mod on the iOS version of GTA III.
</gallery>
</gallery>


;GTA San Andreas
; GTA Vice City
<gallery captionalign="center" widths="120">
<gallery captionalign="center" widths="120">
File:HotCoffeeModification-GTASA.jpg|San Andreas [[Hot Coffee Mod]].
File:KoenigseggOne1-GTAVC-modification.png|[[wp:Koenigsegg_Agera#Koenigsegg_One:1|Koenigsegg One:1]].
File:Bigfoot-GTASA-modification.jpg|San Andreas lengendary [[BigFoot]] Mod.
File:Veneno-gtavc-modification.png|A [[wp:Lamborghini Veneno|Lamborghini Veneno]] car mod in GTA Vice City, loaded using ''Maxo's Vehicle Loader''.
File:BMWZ4-GTASA-modification.jpg|San Andreas BMW Z4 Mod
File:Mc12-gtavc-modification.jpg|[[wp:Maserati_MC12|Maserati MC12]].
File:CokeZero-GTASA-vendingmachine-modification.jpg|Coke Zero Vending Mod
FerrariF40Competizione-GTAVC-modification.png|[[wp:Ferrari_F40#Competizione|Ferrari F40 Competizione]].
File:Maverick-GTASA-modification-paintjob.jpg|A Maverick, With the 80s tv show helicopter Airwolf design mod.
File:LamborghiniHuracanLP6104-GTAVC-modification.png|[[wp:Lamborghini Huracan|Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4]].
File:SegaGenesis-GTASA-console-modification.jpg|San Andreas Sega Genesis Mod
File:991-gtavc-modification.png|[[wp:Porsche_991#911_Carrera_S|Porsche 911 Carrera S (991)]], replacing the [[Comet]].
File:Tatra603-GTASA-modification.jpg|A Tatra 603 mod, replacing the [[Glendale]].
File:M6f13-gtavc-modification.jpg|[[wp:BMW_M6#F12.2F13_M6_.282012.E2.80.93present.29|BMW M6 (F13)]].
File:LanciaDeltaS4-GTASA-modification.jpg|Lancia Delta S4 parked on Grove Street (GTA San Andreas).|link=File:LanciaDeltaS4 Mod GTA SA 1.jpg
File:Photocam-gtavc-modification.png|A photo [[Camera]] mod in [[GTA Vice City]], similar to the feature in [[GTA San Andreas]]. Also, a [[wp:Ferrari F12|Ferrari F12berlinetta]] in the background can be seen.
File:Pedestrianmodels-GTASA-modification.jpg|[[Niko Bellic]] player model and ''A Series of Unfortunate Events'' character peds.
File:CricketBat-GTAVC-modification.png|Cricket Bat mod.
File:Ammu-Nation-GTASA-freeweapons-modification.jpeg|An "All weapons for free at Ammu-Nation" Mod.
File:Nitro-GTASA-modification.jpeg|A car-nitro mod in GTA San Andreas.
File:Euro-GTASA-modification.jpeg|A Euro mod in GTA San Andreas.
File:Car-GTASA-modification.jpeg
File:Golf-GTASA-modification.jpeg
</gallery>
</gallery>


;GTA IV
; GTA San Andreas
<gallery captionalign="center" widths="120">
<gallery captionalign="center" widths="120">
File:Terminator-GTAIV-modification.jpeg|A 'terminator' modification in GTA IV.
File:DevelSixteen-GTAV-modification.jpg|Devel Sixteen Concept Car.
File:BugattiChiron-GTASA-modification.jpg|[[wp:Bugatti_Chiron|Bugatti Chiron]].
File:McLarenP1-GTASA-modification.jpg|A [[wp:McLaren P1|McLaren P1]] mod in GTA San Andreas.
File:Enzo-gtasa-modification.jpg|[[wp:Enzo_Ferrari_(automobile)|Ferrari Enzo]], replacing the [[Turismo]].
File:PaganiZondaCinque-GTASA-modification.jpg|[[wp:Pagani_Zonda#Zonda_Cinque|Pagani Zonda Cinque]].
File:PaganiZondaF-GTASA-modification.jpg|[[wp:Pagani Zonda F|Pagani Zonda F]].
File:Lp7004-gtasa-modification.jpg|[[wp:Lamborghini Aventador|Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4]].
File:McLaren650S-GTASA-modification.jpg|[[wp:McLaren 650S|McLaren 650S]].
File:12c-gtasa-modification.jpg|[[wp:McLaren 12C|McLaren 12C]]
File:13LamborghiniGallardoLP560-4-GTASA-modification.jpg|[[wp:Lamborghini Gallardo|2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4]], replacing the [[Infernus]].
File:RUFRKCoupe-GTASA-modification.jpg|[[wp:Ruf_RK_Coupe|RUF RK Coupe]].
File:EmeraldCasinoRR-GTASA-modification.jpg|[[wp:Rolls-Royce_Ghost|Rolls-Royce Ghost]] and [[wp:Mansory|Mansory]] [[wp:Rolls-Royce_Ghost|Rolls-Royce Ghost]], replacing the [[Elegant]] and [[Stafford]] respectively.
File:MaseratiGhibli-GTASA-modification.jpg|[[wp:Maserati_Ghibli_(M157)|Maserati Ghibli (M157)]], replacing the [[Merit]].
File:2010Nissan370Z-GTASA-modification.jpg|[[wp:Nissan 370Z|Nissan 370Z]], replacing the [[Euros]].
File:VWGolfDesignVisionGTI-GTASA-modification.jpg|[[wp:Volkswagen_Golf_Mk7|Volkswagen Golf Design Vision Concept]], replacing the [[Club]].
File:2016HondaAccord-GTASA-modification.jpg|[[wp:Honda Accord|2016 Honda Accord]], replacing the [[Nebula]].
File:2013ToyotaCamryXLE-GTASA-modification.jpg|[[wp:Toyota Camry|2013 Toyota Camry XLE]].
File:Graphic-gtasa-modification.jpg|Graphic modifications, by modifying the timecyc.dat file and installing ENB Series.
File:Gostown-gtasa-modification.jpg|GTA Gostown Paradise map mod.
File:HotCoffeeModification-GTASA.jpg|The infamous [[Hot Coffee Mod]].
File:Bigfoot-GTASA-modification.jpg|A legendary [[BigFoot]] Mod.
File:Leaning-GTASA-modification.jpg|Leaning mod.
File:BMWZ4-GTASA-modification.jpg|A [[wp:BMW Z4|BMW Z4]] mod, with a [[wp:Nissan 350Z|Nissan 350Z]] visible in the background.
File:Tex-gtasa-modification.jpg|[[wp:M%26M%27s|M&M's]] billboard mod.
File:CokeZero-GTASA-vendingmachine-modification.jpg|[[wp:Coke Zero|Coke Zero]] vending machine.
File:Maverick-GTASA-modification-paintjob.jpg|A Maverick, with an [[wp:Airwolf|Airwolf]] decal.
File:SegaGenesis-GTASA-console-modification.jpg|[[wp:Sega Genesis|Sega Genesis]] mod.
File:Tatra603-GTASA-modification.jpg|A [[wp:Tatra 603|Tatra 603]] mod, replacing the [[Glendale]].
File:LanciaDeltaS4-GTASA-modification.jpg|A [[wp:Lancia Delta S4|Lancia Delta S4]] parked on [[Grove Street]].|link=File:LanciaDeltaS4 Mod GTA SA 1.jpg
File:Pedestrianmodels-GTASA-modification.jpg|A [[Niko Bellic]] player model and ''A Series of Unfortunate Events'' character peds.
File:Ammu-Nation-GTASA-freeweapons-modification.jpeg|An "All weapons for free at Ammu-Nation" mod, achieved by modifying the [[shopping.dat]] file.
File:Nitro-GTASA-modification.jpeg|A [[nitro]] mod in GTA San Andreas.
File:Euro-GTASA-modification.jpeg|A Euro currency mod in GTA San Andreas.
File:Car-GTASA-modification.jpeg|A Mercedes-Benz CLS550 car mod in GTA San Andreas.
File:Golf-GTASA-modification.jpeg|Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk.V.
</gallery>
 
; GTA IV
<gallery captionalign="center" widths="120">
File:Trainer-gtaiv-modification.jpg|Simple Native Trainer mod, the most popular mod in GTA IV series.
File:Icenhancer-gtaiv-modification.jpg|ICENhancer graphics mod in [[The Ballad of Gay Tony|Grand Theft Auto IV EFLC: The Ballad of Gay Tony]].
File:KoenigseggCCXREdition-GTAIV-modification.jpg|[[wp:Koenigsegg_CCX#Edition|Koenigsegg CCXR Edition]].
File:BugattiVeyron16.4-GTAIV-modification.jpg|[[wp:Bugatti Veyron|Bugatti Veyron 16.4]].
File:LamborghiniSestoElemento-GTAIV-modification.jpg|[[wp:Lamborghini_Sesto_Elemento|Lamborghini Sesto Elemento]].
File:FerrariEnzo-GTAIV-modification.jpg|[[wp:Enzo_Ferrari_(automobile)|Ferrari Enzo]].
File:MaseratiMC12-GTAIV-modification.jpg|[[wp:Maserati_MC12|Maserati MC12]].
File:LamborghiniAventadorLP7004-GTAIV-modification.jpg|[[wp:Lamborghini Aventador|Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4]].
File:SaleenS7TwinTurbo-GTAIV-modification.png|[[wp:Saleen S7|Saleen S7 Twin Turbo]].
File:SaleenS5SRaptor-GTAIV-modification.png|[[wp:Saleen_S5S_Raptor|Saleen S5S Raptor]].
File:LamborghiniMurcielagoLP640-GTAIV-modification.jpg|[[wp:Lamborghini_Murciélago#Murci.C3.A9lago_LP_640|Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640]], replacing the [[Infernus]].
File:Ferrari458Italiaspider-GTAIV-modification.jpg|[[wp:Ferrari 458|Ferrari 458 Spider]] along with the IV:SA map mod.
File:FerrariF430-GTAIV-modification.jpg[[wp:Ferrari F430|Ferrari F430]].
File:MBSL65AMGBS-GTAIV-modification.jpg|[[wp:Mercedes-Benz_SL-Class_(R230)#SL_65_AMG_Black_Series_.282008-11.29|Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series]].
File:ChevroletCorvetteZ06-GTAIV-modification.jpg|[[wp:Chevrolet_Corvette_(C6)#Z06|Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06]], replacing the [[Coquette]].
File:NissanSkylineGTRR34-GTAIV-modification.jpg|[[wp:Nissan_Skyline_GT-R#Fifth_generation_.281999.E2.80.932002.29|Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)]], replacing the [[Sultan RS]].
File:Terminator-GTAIV-modification.jpeg|A ''Terminator'' modification in GTA IV.
File:Soldier-GTAIV-modification.png|One of the most popular mods for GTA IV is the soldier mod.
File:Soldier-GTAIV-modification.png|One of the most popular mods for GTA IV is the soldier mod.
File:CarColour-GTAIV-modification.jpg|A modification that changes the colours of vehicles.
File:CarColour-GTAIV-modification.jpg|A modification that changes the colors of vehicles.
</gallery>
 
; GTA V
<gallery captionalign="center" widths="120">
File:Trainer-gtav-modification.png|Enhanced Native Trainer.
File:VisualV-GTAV-modification.png|VisualV graphic mod.
File:SouthernSanAndreasExoticTrafficRealCars-GTAV-modification.png|[https://www.gta5-mods.com/misc/southern-san-andreas-exotic-popgroups-ymt-803cba20-ebff-4a21-82a7-b0d70ab9a39a Southern San Andreas Exotic Traffic] mod.
File:Pedplay-gtav-modification.jpg|Play as [[pedestrians]] mod.
File:NikoBellicV-GTAV-modification.png|[[Niko Bellic]] as a playable protagonist in [[GTA V]].
File:StreetRacing-GTAV-modification.png|A street racing mod in [[GTA V]]. Vehicles from [https://www.gta5-mods.com/vehicles/ivpack-gtaiv-vehicles-in-gtav IVPack]] can also be seen.
File:BarbadosScene-GTAV-modification.png|Map Editor mod, which allows players to load custom maps, like this island. A [[wp:Bentley Continental GT|Bentley Continental GT]] car mod can also be seen.
File:Bennys-GTAV-modification.png|Benny's Original Motor Works from [[GTA Online]] modded into [[GTA V]].
File:Nitrous-GTAV-modification.png|[[Nitro|Nitrous]] mod, with a [[wp:Lexus LFA|Lexus LFA]] and a [[wp:Nissan GT-R|2017 Nissan GT-R]] car mod that can also be seen.
File:PortableRadio-GTAV-modification.png|Portable Radio mod.
File:LamborghiniCentenarioLP7704-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Lamborghini_Aventador#Centenario|Lamborghini Centenario LP770-4]].
File:KoenigseggAgeraR-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Koenigsegg_Agera#Koenigsegg_Agera_R|Koenigsegg Agera R]].
File:KoenigseggRegera-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Koenigsegg_Regera|Koenigsegg Regera]].
File:KoenigseggCCXAutovista-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Koenigsegg_CCX|Koenigsegg CCX]], replacing the [[Entity XF]].
File:McLarenP1-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:McLaren P1|McLaren P1]], replacing the [[T20]].
File:FerrariLaFerrari-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:LaFerrari|Ferrari LaFerrari]], replacing the [[Turismo R]].
File:Porsche918Spyder2015-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Porsche_918|Porsche 918 Spyder]], replacing the [[Pfister]] 811.
File:WMotorsLykanHypersport-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:W_Motors|W Motors]] [[wp:Lykan_HyperSport|Lykan Hypersport]].
File:Lamborghiniaventadorlp700-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Lamborghini_Aventador|Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4]], replacing the [[Zentorno]].
File:McLarenMP4-12C-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:McLaren 12C|McLaren MP4-12C]].
File:MercedesSLRMcLarenStirlingMoss-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Mercedes-Benz_SLR_McLaren#Stirling_Moss_.282009.29|Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss]].
File:FerrariF12tdf-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Ferrari_F12berlinetta#Ferrari_F12tdf_.282016.29|Ferrari F12tdf]].
File:Ferrari599GTO-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Ferrari_599_GTB_Fiorano#599_GTO|Ferrari 599 GTO]].
File:FordGT2017-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Ford_GT#Second_generation_.282017.E2.80.93.29|2017 Ford GT]], replacing the FMJ.
File:DodgeChallengerSRTHellcatV3-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Dodge_Challenger#SRT_Hellcat|Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat]], replacing the [[Redwood Cigarettes|Redwood]] [[Gauntlet]].
File:2015NissanGTRR35-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Nissan GT-R|2015 Nissan GT-R R35]] (along with the [[wp:NISMO|NISMO]] version), replacing the [[Elegy RH8]].
File:NissanSkylineGTRR34-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Nissan_Skyline_GT-R#Fifth_generation_.281999.E2.80.932002.29|Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)]].
File:Porsche718CaymanS-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Porsche_Boxster/Cayman#Cayman_3|2016 Porsche 718 Cayman S]].
File:BMW750li2016-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:BMW_7_Series_(F01)#760Li_High_Security_and_750Li_High_Security_.28F03.29|2016 BMW 750li]], replacing the [[Oracle]].
File:2010MercedesBenzE63AMG-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Mercedes-Benz_E-Class_(W212)#E_63_AMG_.282010.E2.80.932017.29|2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG]], replacing the [[Schafter]].
File:MercedesBenzGLE63AMG-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Mercedes-Benz_M-Class#Facelift_.28GLE-Class.29|Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG]], replacing the [[Serrano]].
File:MitsubishiLancerEvolutionIXMRGSR-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Mitsubishi_Lancer_Evolution#Evolution_IX|Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR GSR]], replacing the [[Sultan]].
File:ToyotaAvalon-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Toyota Avalon|2014 Toyota Avalon]], replacing the [[Asterope]].
File:2012HondaAccord-GTAV-modification.png|[[wp:Honda_Accord_(North_America_eighth_generation)|2012 Honda Accord]].
File:PopupHeadlights-GTAV-modification.png|Pop-up headlights script mod, similar to the [[ZR-350]], [[Hakumai]] and Tropos Rallye in [[GTA San Andreas]], [[GTA IV]] and [[GTA V]] respectively. Shown with a [[wp:Ferrari F40|Ferrari F40]] car mod.
File:WindowTint-GTAV-modification.png|Custom green Window Tint color mod on [[GTA V]], applied to a [[Feroci]] from [[GTA IV]]. Can be obtained by modifying the carcols.ymt.
</gallery></center>
</gallery></center>


==External links==
== External links ==
*[http://www.gtagarage.com GTAGarage.com] - Large database and warehouse for modifications since GTA III.
* [http://www.gtagarage.com GTAGarage.com] - Large database and warehouse for modifications since GTA III.
*[http://www.gta-downloads.com GTA-Downloads.com] - Another warehouse, keeps also modifications for older GTA games.
* [http://www.gta-downloads.com GTA-Downloads.com] - Another warehouse, keeps also modifications for older GTA games.
*[http://gta-worldmods.t-n-network.de/phpkit/start/ GTA-Worldmods] - German warehouse with many car modifications.
* [http://gta-worldmods.t-n-network.de/phpkit/start/ GTA-Worldmods] - German warehouse with many car modifications.
*[http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?showforum=90 GTAForums.com] - Mod Showroom, to find newest mods and news about existent.
* [http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?showforum=90 GTAForums.com] - Mod Showroom, to find newest mods and news about existent.
*[http://www.gtamodding.com GTAModding] - Wiki with information for mod developers.
* [http://www.gtamodding.com GTAModding] - Wiki with information for mod developers.
*[http://www.steve-m.com Steve`s GTA page] - Many tools for modding and links to other developers of tools.
* [http://www.steve-m.com Steve`s GTA page] - Many tools for modding and links to other developers of tools.
*[http://www.gtainside.com GTAInside] - Large database since GTA III
* [http://www.gtainside.com GTAInside] - Large database since GTA III
*[http://www.gtagaming.com GTAGaming] - Predominatly for general information about GTA. A page exists for downloading mods though.
* [http://www.gtagaming.com GTAGaming] - Predominatly for general information about GTA. A page exists for downloading mods though.
*[http://www.gtapolicemods.com  GTA Police Mods] - Large warehouse for emergency vehicles for GTA San Andreas and GTA IV.
* [http://www.gtapolicemods.com  GTA Police Mods] - Large warehouse for emergency vehicles for GTA San Andreas and GTA IV.


{{modding}}
{{modding}}
[[Category:Modifications]]
[[Category:Modifications]]

Latest revision as of 02:43, 31 October 2016

This article is about modifying game files. For the garages that modify vehicles in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, see Mod Garages.


A Maverick from GTA IV, in GTA San Andreas.
A popular car to mod, particularly in GTA V, is the police cars.
Car modifications that put real-life cars into the game (for example, Bugatti Veyron Super Sport) are among the most common and popular modifications throughout the entire GTA series.

A modification (known as a mod for short) is an alteration to a game. Grand Theft Auto modifications are created by fans after the game's release, and are normally not authorized or endorsed by Rockstar Games. Modifications can be obtained from many Grand Theft Auto websites and fansites.

Almost all modifications are entirely free, and may be downloaded and used by anybody. However, there are restrictions on editing and distributing the modification, so always ask permission from the author.

Modifications are mainly only used on PC and, recently, mobile (iOS and Android) versions of Grand Theft Auto games, although the latter two require jailbreaking (iOS) or root access (Android). There are methods of modifying console versions, but these are complex and usually break the license agreement of the game and the game console.

Modifications are applicable for:

Different Types of Modifications

Modifications in special websites usually are distributed on several categories, depending on the aspect of the game that they change:

Maps
An example of a map mod in GTA V, which spawns objects that transforms a house in Mad Wayne Thunder Drive to a party-like house.

Adds buildings, islands, towns, and other objects to an existent landscape of the GTA game. They consist of the added model description with corresponding textures and collision data. Examples include:

  • Pleasure Island (GTA VC)
  • Liberty City (GTA VC)
  • WTC (GTA SA)
Missions

Alters or replaces the mission script (main.scm in all of the GTA III Era games) of the GTA game. These could alter details of missions or even add entirely new missions. The mission script file is responsible for what-happens-when, so modifying it can achieve almost any effect.

Patches / Fixes

Modifications of this type do not change anything appreciable but only correct errors present in the original GTA game, including but not limited to:

Some patches or fixes attempt to restore hidden/removed features in the game, such as the Ghost Town in GTA III and scenes for adults in GTA San Andreas.

Player / Pedestrians
An example of a player mod. The player (green striped shirt in the center) is changed with an NPC skin and were also surrounded with his bodyguards.

Basically changes the model of the protagonist or other NPCs in the game, adds new clothing items, or even adds new sound/animation data. These began after the release of GTA III, which contained an appreciable alternate skin for Claude. Examples include:

  • Niko Bellic player model (GTA SA)
  • A Series of Unfortunate Events pedestrians models (GTA SA)
Vehicles
An example of a vehicle mod, an Aston Martin Vanquish which replaces the Massacro.

Changes vehicles in the game. It can range from simply replacing vehicle colors or tweaking the performance stats to adding new vehicles, replacing them with a hi-poly modeled and textured version, or even replacing them with a brand new vehicle altogether. This is the most common type of mod in the GTA series.

As a side note, the majority of vehicle mods are real-life vehicles, usually ripped from other games with vehicles (e.g. racing games, although other Grand Theft Auto games are also applicable).

In the case of Grand Theft Auto V, only texture mods for the in-game vehicles are currently available, while there are modifications that can make the cars behave mostly like, if not exactly like their real-life counterparts in terms of performance.

Weapons

Alters weapon models and data, like accuracy or rate of fire, and shot sound.

Total Conversions (TC)
An example of a total conversion mod in GTA San Andreas, the GTA United, which replaces the state of San Andreas with Vice City and Liberty City maps.

Total Conversions encompass many of these features at once. TCs generally change everything in that GTA game, including the map, vehicles, pedestrians, player, and missions. A few TC mods been made and completed (e.g. GTA Long Night, a zombified Vice City total conversion mod for GTA Vice City), and there have been many more planned that have never reached a release.

Gameplay

Sometimes known as script mods, gameplay mods change the way players play the game. These mod usually have their own custom script but don't interfere with the main.scm script file. Script mods are also sometimes known as "for fun" mods because they are often used to spawn so-called "myths" in certain places, giving players special weapons, the ability to control the weather, etc. Script mods usually start the player off with maxed-out muscle, a wad of cash, all cities/bridges unlocked and sometimes with an entire arsenal of weapons to use. Sometimes these mods are just simple, such as modifying the game's clock to last up to 24 hours.

Physics

Another popular type of mod is fixing the physics. Originally, the physics engine was unrealistic. However, because of CLEO mods, some gamers have been able to change the physics engine by importing the RAGE engine (Rockstar Advanced Game Engine) into GTA San Andreas and GTA Vice City. A popular mod is the "GTA San Andreas Rag-doll" mod. In GTA III, this is much harder to do since limbs come off in the PC version.

Cosmetics

Another popular type of mod is cosmetic replacement. For example, there are mods that replace fictional brands into real ones (e.g. Burger Shot changing into Burger King) or replace vehicles with their real-life counterparts (e.g. the Super GT from GTA IV changing into an Aston Martin DB9). Sometimes, these even replace district names to match their real ones. An example is the GTA San Andreas real mod.

Non-Modifications

Some third-party programs wrongly count as modifications. The basic criterion for modification is changing the original game 'content' files, and these programs actually do not touch the game files.

An example of a trainer, the Menyoo Trainer in GTA V.
Trainers

Trainers are programs that run alongside the game and manipulate the game's data stored in memory. These programs can change many different things, ranging from the player's health, armor, weapons, skill, and even location; to being able to spawn vehicles, modify the current vehicle (e.g. color, damage etc), and edit vehicles stored in garages; to modifying the time, game speed, and weather.

Multiplayer

As all PC versions of the GTA III Era games lack multiplayer capabilities, gamer communities started creating unofficial multiplayer clients & servers. These programs allow to play online with other players on public servers, or offer 'head-to-head' competitions between directly connected players. Types of gameplay provided may differ between different servers, but usually are versions of FPS-like deathmatch/CTF or rally/street races. Examples include:

Enhancers
Screenshot taken with ENB Series mod installed.

Additional programs/libraries which remove or increase certain GTA game engine limits and restrictions, like maximum draw distance and number of objects in scene. Display of these restrictions are well known drops of road texture, delays of LOD textures on buildings when moving fast, and traffic unification with current protagonist car driven. Some enhancers also apply modern shader post-processing effects to game graphics. Notable enhancers include:

Creating Modifications

An example of GTA San Andreas CLEO mod, which makes the player able to made the credits appear anytime they want.

Some things, like car colors and handling, weapons characteristics, and ped relations, can be changed easily because all the data necessary stay in plain-text files, with basic guidelines for their usage from game developers in file headers. However, creating more advanced modifications (such as entire buildings or cars) is more difficult, and usually requires some advance experience in creating models for games. Google SketchUp is a good program for creating building models. 3ds Max, Lightwave, and ZModeler are also used. Textures are less complex, but still tricky. Textures normally should be the same size as their originals, because bigger ones may cause the game to lag depending on FPS, as those appear in higher resolution. Also, some textures may contain an alpha texture.

The mission modifications are even harder to produce. First, mission script for a game must be presented in compiled form, which require use of special compiler/decompiler tools for any changes. Second, script language is not officially documented, and worse, each script editor has their own interpretation of it. Finally, many script features depend on hardcoded functions in the game executable, which can lead to unexpected troubles with different usage approaches, game region versions, official patches, and even depends on end-user hardware. These results with mission modifications are usually simple gameplay missions. The most often used mission script editor is Mission Builder by Barton Waterduck and its derivative, Sanny Builder. Recently, however, a tool called Design Your Own Mission (DYOM), specifically for San Andreas, makes making missions less complex, but these are usually simple.

For Total Conversions, there are even more specific tools needed, like ped & traffic paths editor, GXT (texts) editor, interface (menu) editor, and so on. It is strongly advised that you do not attempt to do more than you are capable of. Do not expect to be able to recreate your favorite vehicle in a few hours. Many modifications take months.

Vice City Mod Manager

Vice City Mod Manager (VCMM) is a tool for modifying objects in GTA Vice City. VCMM uses its own file format VCM, and mods can be downloaded in this format from many different websites.

San Andreas Mod Manager

San Andreas Mod Manager (SAMM) is a mod manager for GTA San Andreas. It does the same thing as Vice City Mod Manager.

Installing Modifications

A GTA V mod being previewed with OpenIV.

Vehicle, player, and weapon mods are usually constructed on replacement of already present game objects, because there are limits to number of objects of such kind in game engine, often already filled up by developers, and addition of the new model will require a lot of 'precision' editing in many game files. Therefore, a new vehicle, weapon, or character model will replace the existing one and all installation is reduced to work with IMG archives and little editing of one or two game files in text editor. Always do backup of files touched before any change occurs.

Installation of larger modifications, such as maps, depends on a method chosen by the developer of mod. Some mods are made as file replacements, where the mod comes in the form of an archive which you must unpack to the original game's directory. This simplified installation costs large files to download. Other mods come with special installers ("mod installers"), which automate work with IMG archives and text-files editing. Both methods are usually incompatible with other mods present, so you must install them over special fresh installation of the original game.

Considerations

  • Some gamers consider modifications to spoil the integrity and theme of the game — for example, they don't think a Lamborghini Gallardo, BMW M5 F10 or even a 2015 Ford Mustang GT belongs in GTA San Andreas which took place in 1992, although you can make your own decisions on these matters.
  • Most modifications do not alter the status of your game. However, if you install a modification that edits or replaces the mission script file, you will have to begin a new game (except in rare cases), or use a provided savegame created for that specific modification. The game will crash immediately if you try to load an old savegame file.
  • Modifications that were badly coded (mainly missions) or contain many hi-quality textures and models may result with game performance degradation, jerky framerate, and various graphical glitches, especially on old hardware.
  • Also, most modifications are made for PC, while the rest are made for iOS/Android. Attempting to install the mods cross-platform (iOS/Android on PC, and vice versa) may result in either graphical oddities or even game crashes.
  • Usually, when installing new vehicle/weapon mods, the game will still display the original vehicles' or weapons' names. To correct this, modify the GXT file of the language you are using.
  • Except for the iOS/Android version of GTA III, the iOS/Android versions of GTA III Era games no longer use TXD files, instead putting all textures in a gta3.txt file, along with pvr (gta3.pvr.dat, gta3.pvr.tmb, gta3.pvr.toc) and gta3.unc.tmb files.

Modding on GTA IV

As with the previous GTA games, modding continues to be prominent on Grand Theft Auto IV.

While most players mod the PC version of Grand Theft Auto IV, many players also mod the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of GTA IV. One of the most predominantly used mods on the console versions of GTA IV will give the player the ability to shoot rockets out of guns other than rocket launchers. Many modders will also use a "speedup" mod that allows them to drive vehicles at incredibly fast speeds, sometimes fast enough to make the vehicle start flying. Modders also spawn cars that are not available in multiplayer with an array of unofficial paintjobs. Modders will also spawn story mode characters as bodyguards. Many people feel angry and annoyed to see a modder in a Free Mode game, usually because they are killing the other players with their modified weapons. Often times a modder will be kicked out of the game or trash-talked to. Despite modding being relatively annoying to some, others find modding fun and use it as a way to obtain various abilities or vehicles for their own personal enjoyment or for the players in the current multiplayer game.

Modding on GTA V

As with the previous GTA games, modding continues to be prominent on Grand Theft Auto V. However, Rockstar originally banned any sort of modifications, even in Single Player, due to the presence of Grand Theft Auto Online. Also, in every game title update, all script mods and game configuration mods will be broken and rendered unusable and an update is required to make the game be able to run again, also the update.rpf file will be reset to the vanilla state meaning the player had to make backups before updating the game.

Disclaimer

You modify your game at your own risk. There is no guarantee that all modifications you download will work, or whether the instructions will be complete. You should make yourself familiar with simple well-known modifications (such as vehicles) before attempting to install larger and more complex models.

Always read the instructions thoroughly, and always backup files before you edit!

Gallery

You can post your modifications here!
GTA III
GTA Vice City
GTA San Andreas
GTA IV
GTA V

External links

  • GTAGarage.com - Large database and warehouse for modifications since GTA III.
  • GTA-Downloads.com - Another warehouse, keeps also modifications for older GTA games.
  • GTA-Worldmods - German warehouse with many car modifications.
  • GTAForums.com - Mod Showroom, to find newest mods and news about existent.
  • GTAModding - Wiki with information for mod developers.
  • Steve`s GTA page - Many tools for modding and links to other developers of tools.
  • GTAInside - Large database since GTA III
  • GTAGaming - Predominatly for general information about GTA. A page exists for downloading mods though.
  • GTA Police Mods - Large warehouse for emergency vehicles for GTA San Andreas and GTA IV.