Grand Theft Auto IV
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Template:Infobox game/row/winporter
Developers | |
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Rockstar North | |
Publishers | |
Rockstar Games | |
Engines | |
RAGE | |
Release dates | |
Windows | December 2, 2008 |
Warnings
- For Games for Windows - LIVE on Windows 8 or later, install the latest Games for Windows - LIVE software.
Key points
- Shares many similarities with Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City in terms of its engine and performance.
- Extensive modding community, along with Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City.
- Ability to import your music for your own custom radio station.
- Rockstar has removed music from the game due to expired licences. Same with Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City. See Restore Removed Music
General information
- Rockstar Support
- GTA Modding - A wiki hosting mod information for the GTA series.
- GTAForums - Grand Theft Auto IV Discussion
- GTA Network - A huge network of fansites all dedicated to the Grand Theft Auto series
- Steam Community Discussions
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | Additionally uses SecuROM 7 DRM for disc checking. | |||
Amazon.com | ||||
Amazon.com | Complete Edition | |||
Incorrect store name. See here for available options. | Complete Edition only | |||
Complete Edition | ||||
Green Man Gaming | ||||
Humble Store | ||||
Steam |
- All versions require Games for Windows - LIVE and SecuROM PA DRM.[Note 1]
- Online features require Rockstar Games Social Club.
- Complete Edition includes Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City.
Essential improvements
Skip intro videos
Apply the GTA IV Intro Patch[citation needed] |
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Edit loadingscreens_pc.dat[1] |
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Patches
- Patch 8 updates the game to the latest version. The Steam version is already patched.
- Patch 7 is also available (may be required for some mods, as much as Patch 4).
- Since Patch 6 Rockstar Social Club is no longer required to run the game.[2]
ColAccel
- Greatly reduces loading times
- Does not work for versions older than Patch 6
- If editing .IMG archives you need to delete
colCache.dat
and let it get re-created
Place ColAccel script in <path-to-game>[3] |
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Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
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Windows | %LOCALAPPDATA%\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\Settings\SETTINGS.CFG |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12210/pfx/[Note 2] |
- Configuration files are encrypted. For an alternative, see Command line parameters.
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %LOCALAPPDATA%\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\savegames\<user-id>\ |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12210/pfx/[Note 2] |
-
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\XLive
must also be backed up as the save data is bound to the Games for Windows - LIVE profile.
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Steam Cloud |
Video settings
Input settings
DirectInput Controller support
Launch the game with -usedirectinput parameter[4]
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Option in Controller Settings[citation needed] |
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PS3 Controller Buttons
If using a PS2/PS3 controller, you might want to change the Xbox 360 buttons to the PS2/PS3 buttons. In order to do so, follow the instructions below.
Instructions[citation needed] |
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|
Audio settings
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
Czech | ||||
French | ||||
German | ||||
Italian | ||||
Japanese | ||||
Polish | ||||
Brazilian Portuguese | ||||
Russian | Retail version, download. | |||
Spanish | ||||
Ukrainian |
Network
- Social Club website stat tracking and leaderboards have been shut down. All other online features are unaffected.[7]
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
LAN play | 32 | |||
Online play | 32 |
Connection types
Type | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Matchmaking | ||
Peer-to-peer | ||
Dedicated | ||
Self-hosting | ||
Direct IP |
Ports
Protocol | Port(s) and/or port range(s) |
---|---|
TCP | 53, 80, 3074 |
UDP | 53, 88, 3074 |
- Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.
VR support
3D modes | State | GG3D | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nvidia 3D Vision | For better support use Helix Mod: Grand Theft Auto IV | |||
TriDef 3D | ||||
iZ3D |
Issues fixed
- Game uses Games for Windows - LIVE. Make sure you are running latest version and refer to the concerning page if you have further problems.
Release Date Check Failure
Use the Offline Installer package[8][9] |
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Change Windows Date to any date before 28 June 2015[citation needed] |
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Error WS10
Install the updated Games for Windows Marketplace Client[citation needed] |
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SecuLauncher: failed to start application. [2000] error
Install Visual C++ Redistributable 2005 and .NET 3.5[8] |
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Fatal error WTV190
Reinstall GFWL client[citation needed] |
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Fatal error WTV270
See In-game interface does not open |
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Fatal error RMN20
Run game in compatibility mode[citation needed] |
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If using Windows 7, Vista or XP, update your Windows to the latest available service pack[10] |
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Game stuck at disclaimer screen or Rockstar logo on Windows 10
Disable fullscreen optimization[11] |
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Texture popping, stuttering and other performance issues after running the game for a while
Force maximum available memory[12] |
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Make sure Steam Overlay is enabled[14][citation needed] |
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"Accelerated" behavior
- Visible signs of this are R* startup logos ending up (slightly) earlier than the background music and overall gameplay accelerations like Niko moving and shooting (a bit) faster than normal.
Restart the game[citation needed] |
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No recoil/bullet spread
- By default, recoil/bullet spread is only enabled when playing with a controller. This results in 100% accuracy when using a keyboard and mouse.
Install the Bullet Spread/Recoil Fix script[15] |
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Game minimizes after clicking start
- If the game minimizes after selecting between GTA IV base and EFLC and can not be made full screen again it may be a problem with PunkBuster. It can be fixed by stopping it from running.
Stop PunkBuster[citation needed] |
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Game will load with minimal graphic settings and won't let you change them
- For some video cards the game will run but won't let you change the graphics settings to anything better. In order to force the game to allow the changes, load the .exe with the extra parameter:
-norestrictions
. If running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, run the game in compatibility mode for Windows Vista (SP2)[citation needed].
Bypass graphics restrictions on Steam version[citation needed] |
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Bypass graphics restrictions on other versions[citation needed] |
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Infinite loading loop
Launch the game with -availablevidmem 0.9 -percentvidmem 100 parameter[16][17]
|
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AMD Radeon water fix
- There is a problem where the water loses its features and details after a while.
Instructions[citation needed] |
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Invisible fonts glitch
- An invisible fonts glitch may occur which involves game menu text disappearing.
Instructions[citation needed] |
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2GB+ VRAM is wrongly recognized
- This is fixed in Patch 1.0.8.0.
Force increase video memory[18] |
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Multiplayer: Login to Social Club failed
- This was fixed with Patch 8.
Override paul.dll[19] |
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Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
Direct3D | 9 | |
Shader Model support | 3 |
Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
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Windows |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Physics | Bullet Physics Library, Euphoria | |
Interface | Adobe Flash | |
Cutscenes | Bink Video | 1.8L; 1.9r since Patch 6 |
Multiplayer | Games for Windows - LIVE, Rockstar Games Social Club |
Downgrading
- Many mods for GTA IV won't work with the latest version of the game
- The most popular versions for modding are Patch 7 and Patch 4, with both having advantages and disadvantages
- Multiplayer won't work with older versions
Install 1.0.7.0 Patch (Patch 7) |
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Install 1.0.4.0 Patch (Patch 4)[20] |
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- To get rid of the Social Club login screen, remove or rename "paul.dll" in the game's installation folder
Restore Removed Music
- Over 50 radio station tracks have been removed from the game due to expired licenses. [23]
Downgrading the Radio Stations[24] |
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- If GTA IV has been previously downgraded to Patch 4, don't extract and replace the "common" folder, as doing so will mess up all text in-game.
Run EFLC as DLCs
- Merges songs from EFLC into the base game.
- Does not work with versions older than Patch 6.
Modifications
- GTA4-Mods
- GTA Garage
- First person mod
- iCEnhancer - Notable graphical enhancement mod.
- It is strongly recommended to make a backup of any files modifications may replace or amend in the event of corruption.
XLiveLess
- Built-in ASI loader
- Removes Games for Windows - LIVE service.
- Save game data location changes to
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\savegames\
- Save games made using XLiveLess are not compatible with native save games.
- Disables access to the multiplayer to prevent cheating.
Custom music
Grand Theft Auto IV allows users to play their own music on a custom radio station, Independence FM.[25]
- Simply place any audio files / folders or create shortcuts in the
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\User Music
folder, and tune into the station in-game. - Supported formats are MP3, WMA, M4A. Other formats and extensions are not recognized.
- QuickTime or iTunes needs to be installed for M4A support.
- Use shortcuts to audio files / folders to save disk space and improve performance.
- Supports High-resolution audio files. Up to 96 kHz / 24 bit.
- Supports Surround audio files. Up to 6 channels.
- FLAC is not supported. Convert to WMA Lossless to use in-game.
- Monaural audio files not supported.
Command line parameters
- By creating a file called
commandline.txt
and saving it to your root installation folder you can alter the way your game runs. If you are using Steam; go to the game in your library, right-click and click Properties, select Set Launch Options... and enter the commands separated by spaces.
Parameter | Description |
---|---|
-help | Lists the available commands |
-adapter | Use the specified screen adapter |
-autoconfig | Automatically adjust quality setting to maintain desired frame rate (15-120) |
-availablevidmem | Set amount of physical Video Memory |
-benchmark | Launches the game in Benchmark mode and then quits it |
-detailquality | Set the detail quality of the game (0-99) |
-disableimposters | Turn off imposter rendering for vehicles |
-forcehighqualitymirrors | Enable 64 bit mirrors |
-forcer2vb | Force Render to Vertex Buffer |
-frameLimit | Limits your FPS to your refresh rate |
-framelockinwindow | Force framelock to work even in a window |
-fullscreen | Force fullscreen mode |
-fullspecaudio | Force high-end CPU audio footprint |
-gpucount | Lets you manually set the GPU count if query fails |
-height | Sets the vertical resolution |
-managed | Use D3D runtime managed resources |
-memrestrict | Set the restriction the amount of available memory for the game |
-minspecaudio | Force low-end CPU audio footprint |
-no_3GB | Disable 32-bit OS with /3GB |
-noBlockOnLostFocus | Don't block the window update when it loses focus. |
-noprecache | Disable precache of resources |
-nomemrestrict | Disable memory restrictions |
-nominimize | Disables the ability to restore the game from minimize and changing resolutions (Reduces System Memory Footprint) |
-norestrictions | Do not limit graphics settings |
-noswapdelay | Disable sleep delay before Present (Disable fix for hard Present stalls) |
-notimefix | Disable Time Fix |
-novblank | Disables V-Sync |
-percentvidmem | Percentage of Video memory to make available for the game |
-refreshrate | Set the refresh rate (Must be supported by your monitor) |
-reserve | Amount of memory to set aside for other applications |
-reservedApp | Amount of memory to leave available within application space |
-renderquality | Set the render quality of the game (0-4) |
-safemode | Sets graphics setting to lowest setting |
-shadowdensity | Set the number of lights that cast shadows (0-16) |
-shadowquality | Set the shadow quality (0-4) |
-stereo | Set game to support stereo rendering mode |
-texturequality | Set the texture quality of the game (0-2) |
-unmanaged | Use application managed resources |
-usedirectinput | Allow DirectInput alongside XInput support. |
-viewdistance | Set the view distance of the game (0-99) |
-windowed | Force windowed mode |
-width | Sets the horizontal resolution |
System requirements
Windows | ||
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Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | XP SP3 | Vista SP1 |
Processor (CPU) | AMD Athlon X2 64 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz |
AMD Phenom X3 2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4 GHz |
System memory (RAM) | 1.5 GB | 2.5 GB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 16 GB | 18 GB |
Video card (GPU) | ATI Radeon X1900 Nvidia GeForce 7900 256 MB of VRAM DirectX 9.0c compatible | ATI Radeon HD 3870 Nvidia GeForce 8600 512 MB of VRAM |
Sound (audio device) | 5.1 Channel Audio Card |
- Online play requires log-in to Games for Windows - LIVE.
Notes
- ↑ Games for Windows - LIVE DRM features: Legacy activation, local profile support unknown.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
- File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
- Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
- The app ID (12210) may differ in some cases.
- Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
- See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.
References
- ↑ Remove/Skip annoying intro sequence! - /r/GTA - last accessed on
- ↑ http://games.softpedia.com/progChangelog/Grand-Theft-Auto-IV-Patch-Changelog-30489.html
- ↑ ColAccel - reduce loading time by 50%* - Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums
- ↑ Currently Supported Controllers for GTA IV PC - Rockstar Support
- ↑ Title Update v. 1.0.2.0 - Help & Support - GTAForums
- ↑ Title Update Version 1.0.3.0 - Help & Support - GTAForums
- ↑ Effect of GameSpy Closure on Past Rockstar Titles – Rockstar Support
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 SecuROM™ Support Website - Grand Theft Auto IV
- ↑ “Release Date Check Failed” or "SecuROM Launcher has stopped working” Error on GTAIV or Episodes From Liberty City for PC - Rockstar Support
- ↑ GTA IV: Error Code RMN20 - Rockstar Support
- ↑ https://steamcommunity.com/app/12210/discussions/0/2592234299551921423/#c2592234299552032969
- ↑ How to use -memrestrict to fix stuttering - GTA Forums
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Extreme Texture Pop-in - GTAForums
- ↑ How do i get over 60 fps in GTA 4 ?? - Steam Community Discussions
- ↑ Archived Requests, need ideas? - GTA III, VC & SA - GTAForums
- ↑ READ THIS if your GTA 4 gets stuck on loading screen after pressing play! Easy Fix. :: Steam Community Discussions
- ↑ Need help running GTA IV (Steam) on Windows 8.1, page 1 - GOG.com Forum
- ↑ Issues with GTA IV showing video cards with over 2GB as under spec – Rockstar Support
- ↑ Login to social Club - Failed - Rockstar Support
- ↑ [HowTo]Downgrade of the steamversion of GTAIV to 1.0.4.0 - GTAGaming Forums
- ↑ Patch 1.0.4.0 vs Patch 1.0.7.0 - GTA Forums
- ↑ [REL|III|VC|SA|IV] Project 2dfx - GTAForums
- ↑ Grand Theft Auto IV Music Cut Patch - Rock Paper Shotgun
- ↑ IV/EFLC Radio "downgrader" - GTA Forums
- ↑ Independence FM (User radio) in GTA IV - Rockstar Support
Categories:
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- Games
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- Self-hosting
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