GTA 5 Modding Tutorial: Step-by-Step Guide to Install Mods on PC

Since the launch of the widely popular game on PC in 2015, modding has captured the interest of many gamers, yet numerous players have not ventured into this realm yet. Unfortunately, console users are also left out, as third-party applications or scripts are not permitted on officially supported gaming devices. As a result, PC has become the go-to platform for mod enthusiasts.

While a diverse array of mods exists for Grand Theft Auto 5, Rockstar Games does not allow them to function natively within the game. A primary reason for this could be the existence of a multiplayer mode linked to the same game files, as the game originally launched in 2013. Consequently, players resort to various third-party script runners to facilitate mod installations.

This GTA 5 modding guide aims to equip you with the necessary knowledge to install well-known modding platforms like Script Hook V and OpenIV, enabling you to utilize mods on your PC.

GTA 5 Modding Guide: Key Requirements

Exploring modding elevates gameplay opportunities in Grand Theft Auto 5 on PC (Image via Rockstar Games)

Modding involves tweaking certain aspects of the game to enhance enjoyment and functionality. The Grand Theft Auto series is celebrated as one of the most mod-friendly, with players achieving some truly imaginative modifications. Before diving into modding the latest entry, the GTA 5 modding guide strongly recommends that players possess an official version of the game on PC.

Many modders design their modifications to work with the game’s most recent version. Although Rockstar Games has halted updates for the Grand Theft Auto 5 Story Mode, the game version still undergoes changes every six months as new DLCs are rolled out for the multiplayer aspect. Thus, having a licensed game is essential for optimal performance.

Players can technically install mods on pirated versions, although matching the mod versions can be a challenging endeavor.

As of now, readers of the GTA 5 modding guide can purchase the PC edition of the game through three digital platforms:

Steam – $29.98
Epic Games Store – $29.99
Rockstar Games Launcher (or Rockstar Games Store) – $29.99

Note that these are base prices; discounts may be available during sales and holidays.

Modding contributes to the enduring popularity of Grand Theft Auto 5 on PC (Image via Rockstar Games)

The guide emphasizes that players should have a reasonably powerful PC before attempting to mod their game. Despite its age, the official game still necessitates robust specifications for smooth operation. Because mods inherently introduce additional requirements, having solid hardware is advisable.

Graphic mods, in particular, are well-known, and it’s clear they will demand a more capable PC. If you find that your PC can barely support the game, this GTA 5 modding guide suggests steering clear of mods, especially the graphics-related varieties.

If you meet all prerequisite conditions, let’s proceed with the installation of Script Hook V and OpenIV mods. Script Hook V functions as a modding framework necessary for running mods on PC. As previously mentioned, Rockstar Games prohibits direct mod use, which necessitates the utilization of Script Hook V.

OpenIV serves a similar purpose, compatible with Grand Theft Auto 5, as well as with Grand Theft Auto 4 and The Episodes from Liberty City. Both frameworks stand as staples in the modding community and boast user-friendly interfaces.

Installing the Script Hook V Mod in GTA 5 PC

Script Hook V facilitates various other mods for Grand Theft Auto 5 (Image via GTA5-Mods)

You can acquire the Script Hook V mod from either GTA5-Mods or AB Software Development, both maintained by the same developer (Alexander Blade). Follow these steps to install the mod as outlined in your GTA 5 modding guide:

Download the Script Hook V mod from either GTA5-Mods or AB Software Development (http://dev-c.com/gtav/scripthookv).
Extract the downloaded file into a designated folder.
Navigating to the bin folder within the Script Hook V directory, locate three files: dinput8.dll, NativeTainer.asi, and ScriptHookV.dll.
Access the Grand Theft Auto 5 installation folder via File Explorer. The location may vary based on your installation settings.
Copy the three files from the bin folder and paste them into the Grand Theft Auto 5 installation folder.

At this point, Script Hook V should be successfully integrated into your game and ready for use.

Installing the OpenIV Mod in GTA 5 PC

OpenIV enables an extensive selection of mods for Grand Theft Auto 5 (Image via Rockstar Games)

Similar to Script Hook V, the OpenIV mod can be sourced from both the GTA5-Mods platform and its official webpage. To install the mod, follow these steps from your GTA 5 modding guide:

Download the OpenIV mod from the GTA5-Mods site or https://openiv.com.
Click on the green download button appearing at the top to obtain the file.
Extract the downloaded file into the OpenIV folder.
Double-click on the OpenIVSetup.exe file to launch the setup window.
Select your desired language (English or Russian) and click Continue.
Proceed with the installation while staying connected to the internet, as it may need additional files.
Accept the End User License Agreement and then click Continue.
Select your preferred installation path for OpenIV. Following this, a new file may require downloading, after which the installation will proceed automatically.
Once complete, close the OpenIVSetup window.

Your OpenIV base mod is now installed. Next, configure it for Grand Theft Auto 5 by following these steps:

Open the newly installed OpenIV application.
Find Grand Theft Auto 5 listed in the center of the interface and click the Windows button beneath it.
Select your game installation folder and press Continue.
Click Continue on the backup prompt. The OpenIV application should now be successfully linked with your game after a brief moment.

Installing Gameplay Mods for Grand Theft Auto 5 on PC

Grand Theft Auto 5 on PC offers a myriad of modding options (Image via Rockstar Games)

The modding ecosystem for Grand Theft Auto 5 is thriving, boasting an impressive variety of mods. With so many options, detailing the installation process for each would be impracticable. In this GTA 5 modding guide, we will cover how to install some of the most popular gameplay mods, including the Chaos mod, FiveM, and the Natural Vision mod.

Steps to Download and Install the Chaos Mod:

Install Script Hook V following the instructions earlier in this GTA 5 modding guide.
Download the Chaos Mod V from the GTA5-Mods website (www.gta5-mods.com/scripts/chaos-mod-v-beta).
Extract the. zip file into a folder to access its contents.
Navigate to your Grand Theft Auto 5 installation folder.
Copy the Chaos mod folder and the ChaosMod.asi file into the game directory.

Steps to Download and Install the FiveM Mod:

Visit the official FiveM website (https://fivem.net).
Click the Download Client button prominently displayed on the homepage.
Agree to the terms and conditions to initiate the download.
Open the setup file upon completion of the download.
If it prompts for an update, ensure your PC is connected to the internet.
Once the download concludes, you will need to locate the GTA5.exe file within your game directory.
Allow the FiveM application to verify game content and update local files as prompted by the guide.
A new download screen will appear; proceed to download it, following up by signing into the Rockstar Social Club when requested.
After completing this process, relaunch the FiveM app to access its features.

Graphics mods enhance the visual appeal of Grand Theft Auto 5 (Image via Rockstar Games)

Steps to Download and Install the Natural Vision Mod:

Go to the Razed Mods website (www.razedmods.com).
Select the Grand Theft Auto V option.
Click the image located next to the Natural Vision Evolved section.
Press the Download button.
On the gofile.io page, hit the Download button next to the file named NaturalVision Evolved – Single Player Beta Package.zip.
Extract the. zip file into a designated folder.
Open your Grand Theft Auto 5 installation folder and create a new folder titled ‘mods’.
Copy the ‘updates’ folder from the game directory into the newly created mods folder.
Launch the ASI Manager from the OpenIV toolbar and install ASI Loader, OpenIV.ASI, and openCamera.
Activate Edit Mode and confirm by clicking Yes.
Access the extracted Natural Vision Evolved mod folder, copy the NaturalVision Installer Part One file, and paste it into the OpenIV interface.
A prompt will appear; hit Install and select the ‘mod’ folder as your target location.
Repeat the previous two steps with the NaturalVision Installer Part Two file.
Close the Edit Mode feature within the OpenIV application.
Navigate into the ENB (Required) folder found in the NaturalVision Evolved folder.
Within, you will find three settings folders named Ultra, Medium, and Low. Open any of these folders based on your preference.
Copy all included files and paste them into the Grand Theft Auto 5 game directory.

The next time you launch Grand Theft Auto 5, it should operate with the NaturalVision Evolved mod activated.

Importance of Backing Up the Game Prior to Installing GTA 5 PC Mods

Modding carries some risk factors in Grand Theft Auto 5 (Image via Rockstar Games)

Given that modding tools and scripts are not officially endorsed by Rockstar Games, utilizing them carries the risk of crashes or file corruption. A vital recommendation within the GTA 5 modding guide is to create a backup of your game before proceeding with third-party mods.

To safeguard your entire game files, copy the Grand Theft Auto 5 directory, paste it in a new location, and rename it to indicate it’s a backup. Keep in mind, this folder might require approximately 150 GB of storage space.

Should any issues arise during the modding process that result in crashes or corrupted files, you can easily restore essential official files from your backup folder.

Is There a Risk of Being Banned for Using GTA 5 PC Mods?

Rockstar Games establishes clear guidelines for PC mods (Image via Rockstar Games)

To address this question, GTA 5 modding guide readers must consider the context surrounding mod usage. Rockstar Games is generally supportive of various third-party mods in Grand Theft Auto 5 Story Mode. Whether utilizing god mode mods, introducing new vehicles, or entirely new maps, the developer maintains a flexible stance toward single-player modifications. In an official statement issued on May 7, 2015, Rockstar noted:

“We have always appreciated the creative efforts of the PC modding community…no one has been banned for using single-player modifications, and you should not worry about being banned or being relegated to the cheater pool just for using single-player PC mods.”

However, this privilege does not extend to Grand Theft Auto 5 Online. The statement further elaborated:

“Our primary focus is on protecting GTA Online against modifications that could provide players with an unfair advantage, disrupt gameplay, or lead to griefing. It’s also important to note that because game mods are unauthorized, they may be rendered incompatible by technical updates, induce instability, or potentially affect your game in unforeseen ways.”

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