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Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

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Revision as of 06:55, 18 August 2020 by Jenya (talk | contribs) (Undo revision 992240 by 79.141.162.81 (talk))
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Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas cover
Developers
Rockstar North
Microsoft Store War Drum Studios[1]
macOS (OS X) TransGaming Inc.
Publishers
Rockstar Games
Japan Capcom
Russia 1C-SoftClub
Engines
RenderWare
Release dates
Windows June 1, 2005
macOS (OS X) (Cider) November 12, 2010
Reception
Metacritic 93
IGDB 93
Taxonomy
Microtransactions Free-to-grind
Modes Singleplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives Third-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Action, Open world
Vehicles Automobile, Bicycle, Bus, Flight, Helicopter, Hovercraft, Motorcycle, Off-roading, Street racing, Tank, Train, Transport, Truck
Art styles Realistic
Themes Contemporary
Series Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on HowLongToBeat
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on IGDB
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas guide on StrategyWiki
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on MobyGames
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on Wikipedia
Grand Theft Auto 1997
Grand Theft Auto 2 1999
Grand Theft Auto III 2002
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City 2003
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas 2005
Grand Theft Auto IV 2008
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City 2010
Grand Theft Auto: iFruit 2013
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas 10 Year Anniversary 2014
Grand Theft Auto V 2015
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars 2021
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (series)

Warnings

The macOS (OS X) version of this game does not work on macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or later due to the removal of support for 32-bit-only apps.

Key points

Extensive modding community with thousands of mods available. Although unofficial, online mods have an active estimated monthly playerbase of over 500,000 players.[2]
Ability to import owned music to create a custom radio station.
Many visual features are either missing without mods, and exceeding 30 FPS introduces timing issues for gameplay and physics.
Downgrading is recommended as many community-created fixes and mods have limited or no support for later game versions.

General information

GTAForums - Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Discussion
Grand Theft Wiki
GTA Network - A large network of fansites dedicated to the Grand Theft Auto series
Steam Community Discussions (Windows)
Steam Community Discussions (OS X)

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
SecuROM 7 DRM disc check.
Polish copies use StarForce 5 DRM.
Windows
Publisher website
Icon overlay.png
If the Steam version is detected, it can launch the game through Steam instead.
Windows
Amazon.com
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Gamesplanet logo.svg
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Green Man Gaming
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Microsoft Store
Microsoft Store
Different port of the game, same as the mobile version.
Windows
Steam
DRM-free after installation through Steam client (notes may include more details)
DRM-free as the November 7, 2014 patch, despite the system requirements stating the game uses SecuROM DRM.[3][4][5]
Windows

Version differences

This game has seen multiple revisions since its initial v1.0 release: v1.01 ("No More Hot Coffee" patch), v2.00 ("Second Edition" re-prints), v3.0 (initial Steam version), and "NewSteam r1/2" (latest Steam revisions).[6]
The Microsoft Store version is a completely different port based on the mobile version of the game.
The Second Edition re-prints and Rockstar Games Launcher version have anti-modding measures to prevent major modifications to the game.[7][8] See Downgrading to make them mod-friendly.
The Microsoft Store, Steam and Rockstar Games Launcher versions lack some radio songs that were present in the retail release.[9] To restore them in Steam and Rockstar Games Launcher versions, see Downgrading.

Essential improvements

Downgrading

Any save game created previously must be converted. See here for instructions.
Downgrading restores all removed licensed songs from the game for the latest Steam and Rockstar Games Launcher versions, and bypasses modding prevention checks from the Second Edition and Rockstar Games Launcher versions.
US executable that is provided misses French, German and Italian localization support. Check fix below.
Use San Andreas Downgrader[10]
  1. Download the San Andreas Downgrader for the version of the game you have installed.
  2. Extract the contents of SA DOWNGRADER.rar (Steam and Rockstar Games Launcher) or SAv2to1.rar (retail Second Edition) to <path-to-game>.
  3. Run install.bat to start the downgrading process. The tool will automatically close its command prompt window and remove patch files afterwards.
  4. Launch the game from the newly created gta-sa.exe v1.0 executable. It is advised to not use the original executable leftover after downgrading, especially for the Rockstar Games Launcher version as it has problems with the modified files and can undo file changes unless it's launched with -scOfflineOnly parameter.

ASI loader

Required for many script-based mods and fixes.
Use Silent's ASI Loader

Place vorbisHooked.dll, vorbisFile.dll, and the scripts folder into <path-to-game>

SilentPatch

Limited support for the latest Steam (December 9, 2014 update) and Rockstar Games Launcher versions.
Fixes many of the bugs introduced in the PC version like bugged sun flare, rotor blades, road reflections and some frame-rate related issues[11]
Adds new features to the game like FLAC codec support[12]
Download SilentPatch[13]

Place SilentPatchSA.ini and SilentPatchSA.asi into <path-to-game>\scripts\

Notes

ASI loader required

Skip intro videos

Install SilentPatch[13]
Use Improved Fast Loader[citation needed]

Place imfast.ini and imfast.asi into <path-to-game>\scripts\

Notes

Can use alongside SilentPatch
Offers the ability to load the last used savegame automatically
Offers the ability to disable the loading screen, which can speed up load times considerably
ASI loader required
Launch the game with -skip parameter
Only works for 1.01 and 2.0 versions

Game data

Default configuration/saves folder path can be customized

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\GTA San Andreas User Files\gta_sa.set
macOS (OS X)
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12120/pfx/[Note 1]
Configuration file is encrypted, although it could be possible to edit

Save game data location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\GTA San Andreas User Files\GTASAsf*.b
Microsoft Store %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\RockstarGames.GrandTheftAutoSanAndreas_3t068xe29zjvp\LocalState
macOS (OS X) ~/Documents/Rockstar Games/GTA San Andreas User Files/
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12120/pfx/[Note 1]
Portable GTA
  1. Rename the file extension from portablegta.dll to portablegta.asi.
  2. Place the file into <path-to-game>\scripts.
  3. Run the game, exit, then delete the contents inside <path-to-game>\userfiles.
  4. Extract everything from %USERPROFILE%\Documents\GTA San Andreas User Files to the <path-to-game>\userfiles folder

Notes

Moves the user files to the installation folder
1.0 version and ASI loader required
Also works with Grand Theft Auto III and Vice City.

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
OneDrive
Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers.
Steam Cloud
Uses Rockstar Social Club's savegame & settings cloud sync function.

Incompatible save game

Save games created with the v2.0 executable and newer will refuse to load with previous versions
Saves made with original 1.0 scripts will fail to load when used with Hot Coffee patched ones, and vice versa. This can be fixed by converting them
Convert saves
  1. Go to the save game data location
  2. Upload & convert your save file to GTA Save 'n' Play.
  3. Use the Modifications panel to fix what you need (e.g. downgraded game requires "Script/SCM" version v1, for Steam & Rockstar Games Launcher choose v2.)
  4. Download fixed save back with the save slot name of choice

Video

Display options
Display options
Advanced display options
Advanced display options

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
Very poor support by default.[14] See Widescreen resolution.
Multi-monitor
See Widescreen resolution and Device selection window fixes.
Ultra-widescreen
See Widescreen resolution.
4K Ultra HD
See Widescreen resolution.
Field of view (FOV)
See Field of view (FOV).
Windowed
See Windowed.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See Windowed.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Force through the GPU control panel or use ENB Series.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
2x-4x MSAA. Misleading in-game selector.[15] See Broken reflections when AA is enabled for up to 16x.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
Automatically enabled with frame limiter[16]
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
Capping frames is mandatory to prevent a huge amount of glitches.[17]
Proper 30 FPS in-game limiter can be achieved with SilentPatch (25 FPS otherwise).[18] The Framerate Vigilante mod is slowly trying to address this.
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Widescreen resolution

Game normally renders stretched images. In-game widescreen option uses correct Aspect Ratio but cuts view (Vert-).
SilentPatch restores 5:4 and 16:9 resolutions with non-1.01 and non-2.0 versions,[19] albeit far from perfection
How to Install Widescreen Fix[20]
Requires a US v1.0 executable.
Adds adjustable FOV and HUD/subtitles scaling.
  1. Download CLEO Library and install it.
  2. Download Widescreen Fix.
  3. Extract the contents of GTASA.WidescreenFix from the zip archive, then copy the vorbisFile.dll and scripts to <path-to-game>
  4. Optionally, you can download high quality textures for HUD and loading screens. To do so, download and Widescreen Frontend Textures, and copy the models folder from GTASA.WidescreenFrontend.zip to <path-to-game>. (Replace the vanilla files when prompted)

Notes

The default settings alter the original game's UI and appearance (the vehicle light fix isn't actually fix as all versions have large light coronas). For a vanilla look, set the values of the following settings in GTASA.WidescreenFix.ini:
Vanilla Widescreen Fix settings (ver.05-16-2020)
; The settings below are used to scale parts of the game UI differently.
; If set to "0.0", original values will be used.
HudWidthScale = 0.0     ; Original value is 1.0.
HudHeightScale = 0.0    ; Original value is 1.0714285.
RadarWidthScale = 0.0   ; Original value is 1.0.
SubtitlesScale = 0.0    ; Original value is 1.0.

; Replaces text shadow with outline (0|1|2).
ReplaceTextShadowWithOutline = 0

Windowed

Use ThirteenAG's Windowed Mode[21]

Place III.VC.SA.WindowedMode.asi and (optionally) III.VC.SA.CoordsManager.exe into <path-to-game>\scripts\

Shortcuts

  • Alt+ Enter toggles Fullscreen/Windowed modes
  • Ctrl+ Enter toggles Border/Borderless modes
  • Shift+ Enter toggles Coords Manager menu

Notes

1.0 version and ASI loader required
Use ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix and create a wndmode.ini file in <path-to-game>[22]

Field of view (FOV)

Use GTA: SA FOV Changer
  1. Place fov.asi into <path-to-game>\scripts\.
  2. Start and exit the game.
  3. Open fov.cfg to customize FOV.

Notes

1.0 version and ASI loader required
Zooming with sniper rifle and camera won't work properly.
Change driving FOV[citation needed]

Use Car Speed Dependant FOV (requires CLEO).

Anti-aliasing (AA)

Enable SGSSAA[23]
  1. Install SilentPatch and enable 8x MSAA in game.
  2. Download and open Nvidia Profile Inspector.
  3. Select the game profile.
  4. Set Antialiasing compatibility to 0x00001000.
  5. Set Antialiasing - Mode to Enhance the application setting.
  6. Set Antialiasing - Transparency Supersampling to 8x Sparse Grid Supersampling.

Notes

For better performance, decrease aforementioned settings to 2x or 4x.

Input

Input settings
Input settings
Mouse settings
Mouse settings

Keyboard and mouse, touch State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Can be further adjusted with hardware mouse plugin (link down) and sensitivity fix, both fixes however require an ASI loader.
Mouse sensitivity
Only X-axis by default. Use SilentPatch to tie both axes.
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Touchscreen optimised
Microsoft Store version only.
Controller
Controller support
Very basic support. GInput or SAAC are recommended.
Full controller support
Native in the Steam version. Use GInput otherwise.
Controller remapping
Controller sensitivity
Use GInput and adjust sensitivity options in GInputSA.ini
Controller Y-axis inversion
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
Basic XInput support in the Steam/RGL version. Use GInput for improved XInput controller support.
Xbox button prompts
Can be enabled through GInput.
Impulse Trigger vibration
PlayStation controllers
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Generic/other controllers
Supports DirectInput in non-Steam version while basic XInput support was added to the Steam version.
Button prompts
Input settings icon - Generic Controller.svg
DualShock and Xbox prompts require GInput. For Wii prompts use this GInput addon.
Additional information
Controller hotplugging
See GInput.
Haptic feedback
See GInput.
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

GInput

v1.0 and an ASI loader are required.
Adds full XInput and DualShock 3 controller support with relevant controller prompts.
Restores haptic feedback from console versions.
Features various tweaks such as controller sensitivity, axis inversion, and controller layout from Grand Theft Auto IV.
Installing GInput[24]
  1. Download GInputSA here.
  2. Extract the contents of GInputSA_*.zip, and copy the models folder, GInputSA.asi, and GInputSA.ini files into <path-to-game>.
  3. Open GInputSA.ini with a text editor and configure your desired settings.

RAW input

Download RInput[citation needed]
  1. Create a shortcut to RInput.exe.
  2. Right-click the newly created shortcut, go to Properties, then add a space followed by "gta_sa.exe" (or gta-sa.exe) without the quotation marks in the Target box (e.g. "...\RInput 1.44\RInput.exe" gta_sa.exe).
  3. Run Rinput through the shortcut.

Toggle aim down sights

Create AutoHotkey script[citation needed]
  1. Download AutoHotkey
  2. Copy the code to the clipboard (CTRL+C).
  3. Open AutoHotkey, go to File>Edit script, paste the code in Notepad.
  4. Change "Fallout4" to "GTA: San Andreas" in the Notepad, save.
  5. Reload Script in AutoHotkey
It is not working perfectly (you may need to hold a RMB for a short time)

Y-Axis Sensitivity Fix

Download

Y-axis sensitivity is a constant value, while X-axis sensitivity can be adjusted from options. This makes the movement of mouse hard to control, as your mouse won't move vertically the same amount as it does horizontally. This small script re-writes Y-axis sensitivity to same value as X-axis sensitivity to fix this problem.

  1. Install CLEO (provided with ASI loader, requires bass.dll in game folder)
  2. Copy SensitivityFix.cs into your CLEO folder

Ginput for Wooting by Silent

Download

It allows for analog keys to be utilized in Wooting keyboards, but it can also be used to enable use of a gamepad and mouse at the same time. That can come in useful for steam controller users.

v1.0 is required.
  1. Drag all the files except for "wooting-analog-sdk.dll" "wooting-rgb-sdk.dll" and "Wooting-ReadMe.txt" in your GTA San Andreas folder (where the game executable is)
  2. Open GInputSA.ini with a text editor and change "ControlSet=1 to ControlSet=2 if you want GTA IV style default layout for your xinput device. Change FreeAim=0 to FreeAim=1 if you want to disable auto-aim
  3. If more detailed information is needed the original instructions are here

Audio

Audio panel
Audio panel

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Independent radio and effects volume.
Surround sound
Up to 7.0 output[25] May require DirectSound 3D restoration software.
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Widescreen resolution can be used to toggle behavior[26]
EAX support
EAX 1, EAX 2, EAX 3, EAX 4[27]
Newer versions of the game, such as the current ones on Steam and Rockstar Games Launcher, have had licensed music tracks removed.[9] Downgrade to a previous version to restore them.
To enable EAX on Vista or newer, see DirectSound hardware path.

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Arabic
Fan translation, download.
Brazilian Portuguese
Fan translation, download.
Czech
Fan translation, download.
French
German
Hungarian
Fan translation.
Italian
Japanese
Unknown if taken from the Japanese PS2 version or retranslated from English into Japanese, download
Korean
Fan translation, download.
Polish
Official translation, download.
Russian
Official localization by «1C-Softclub» retail version, download
Russian
1) Fan translation by «ENPY Studio/Sherhan Group/®‡™Mad?Dogg™‡® Crew/SerGEAnt's Zone Of Games»
2) Unofficial localization – «Потраченный перевод»
Slovak
Fan translation, download.
Spanish

Add more localizations to language menu

Install Language Loader[28]
1.0 version and ASI loader required
  1. Download language loader.
  2. Extract LanguageLoader.asi in <path-to-game>.
  3. Drag the right languages.ini file to <path-to-game>\text\, according to the number of languages actually available.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
Local play
2 Co-op
See Local play.
LAN play
See Multiplayer mods.
Online play
See Multiplayer mods.

Connection types

Multiplayer mods

Both multiplayer mods average 10,000+ daily players (even though SA-MP tends to have generally more than MTA:SA)
Downgrading your game is required to run these mods
San Andreas Multiplayer (SA-MP)
The longest-running, most popular, and most supported multiplayer mod for GTA:SA
Struggling[29] with getting a new release out after years
Multi Theft Auto (MTA:SA)
MTA:SA is generally more hassle-free and user-friendly than SA-MP
Free and open source software

Local play

Instructions[citation needed]
  1. Download 2 Player Missions Loader
  2. Extract everything inside Two Player Missions Loader 1.2 folder in <path-to-game>\cleo\
  3. Configure controls:

Notes

CLEO, Widescreen resolution and 1.00 version are required (GInput if using controllers)

VR support

3D modes State GG3D Notes
Nvidia 3D Vision
TriDef 3D
vorpX
G3D, Z3D
Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list.

Issues unresolved

Even though practically every major bug has been addressed by mods such as SilentPatch and TTDISA, there's no guarantee you won't encounter some of the rarest ones[30]
Some save corrupting glitches can be worked around with an online repair tool or a savegame editor[31]

German Steam version doesn't work on OS X

The German Steam version for OS X doesn't work. Rockstar is investigating this issue.[32]

Issues fixed

Timing-related issues

An unlocked or incorrect frame limiter can cause timing related issues.

Relevant issues:

Game-breaking bugs and glitches
  • Some missions such as Amphibious Assault or Driving School missions[33] or Mike Toreno (on entering the airport) are impassable or incredibly difficult
  • Some missions show black screen: Cleaning The Hood (after entering Crack Den building) or Cesar Vialpando (after entering to tune shop) or during robbering betting shop (after leaving the place [+ indestructible doors by detonator with unlocked framerate]), and Vertical Bird (after entering the ship; precisely game crashes).
Physical weirdness
  • Vehicles & bicycles handle like brakes are always on, decelerate almost immediately, wobbly rear ends, and seem feathered whenever in-air
  • Inability to dive underwater
Gameplay absurdities
  • Aiming while walking is silly[34]
  • Inability to walk while aiming a rifle/desert eagle[35]
  • Climbing walls results in sudden deaths[36]
  • Vehicles and/or pedestrians move extremely fast
Crashes when listening to User Radio (fixed in patch 1.01)[37]
Cutscenes not ending (black screen - described above)[35]
You cannot zoom in and out the map.

Solutions:

Turn on in-game frame limiter[38]
Game is limited to 25 FPS; 30 when using SilentPatch
Use FramerateVigilante project[39][40]

The project is currently in beta stage. As for now, it contains:

  • Swim speed fix
  • Swim buoyancy fix
  • Dive Fix
  • Car Slow Down Speed Fix
  • Siren toggle fix
  • Heli rotor speed fix
  • NPC cars with fake physics using wrong wheel speed
  • Skimmer water resistance fix

By limiting the game to 60 FPS (instead of turning off) and using Framerate Vigilante, it's possible to achieve a good playable gameplay.

Visual C++ Runtime Error game crash

Use (III / VC / SA) Largeaddress
Required also when using SilentPatch, Project2DFX, and memory2048.cs. It is developed especialy for memory intensive mods.

Game doesn't start after downgrading

Delete gta_sa.set[citation needed]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Delete gta_sa.set.
EU executable: make sure you have all 5 translations files inside text folder[citation needed]

Game crashes during or after loading screens

Delete gta_sa.set
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Delete gta_sa.set.
If this happens only with older save: convert it[citation needed]
Restart the game. It may be also a random crash.

Loading older save game starts a new campaign

Install SilentPatch[13]
Convert save file[citation needed]

Mouse fails to work

Install SilentPatch[13]
If happened randomly with SilentPatch installed, just restart the game.
Install GTA SA Mouse fix

Intro movies not showing

Windows Vista/7: disable desktop composition[41]
Windows 8+: enable DXMaximizedWindowedMode shim[42][citation needed]

Intro movies not showing and broken Alt+Tab

Fix codec hell

Alt+Tab makes game crash

Install SilentPatch[43]

Broken Alt+F4

Install SilentPatch[44]

User tracks don't play

Install SilentPatch[13]

Bad reflections, lighting, transparency

Install SilentPatch[13]

Game crashes on multi-monitor systems

Install SilentPatch[45]

Game crashes when standing near escalators

Install SilentPatch[45]

Sound issues

Downgrade EAX United dll[46]
Enable Windows 98/Me compatibility mode[47]

"A required security module cannot be activated" error

Enable Windows 2000 compatibility mode[48]

Gym persistently reports to have been worked out enough

Install SilentPatch[13]
If warning still persists, try to fix your savegame

Stuck in a gym

Push or quickly mash the left or right movement keys along with the jump button to exit the gym

Error on start due to a DirectX 9.0 prompt (Windows 8 and newer)

Install DirectPlay (DirectPlay dependance liquidated in SilentPatch)
Install SilentPatch[49]

Shadowy terrain

Instructions[citation needed]
1.0 version and ASI loader required
  1. Download black roads fix
  2. Move fix.black_roads.asi to <path-to-game>.

Vegetation disappears in the distance

Tweak draw distance[citation needed]
  1. Make sure Mod Loader is set up
  2. Download Project 2dfx
  3. Extract archive content to <path-to-game>\modloader\Project 2DFX
  4. If you want to disappear further, open SALodLights.ini and increase the number in "VegetationDrawDistance = 800.0" (it's in meters).

No moon phases

Install SilentPatch[50]
Doesn't work in 16-bit color mode (nor windowed after Windows 8[citation needed])

Streaming memory bug, incorrectly rendered pedestrians

Install SilentPatch[51]

Cannot find 800x600x32 video mode error

Install SilentPatch[13]

Lens flare is too thin and barely visible

Install SilentPatch[13]

Broken reflections when AA is enabled

Install SilentPatch[43]
Enables up to 16x MSAA
Install Multi-sampling FIX[citation needed]
1.0 version and ASI loader required

Device selection window opens at launch

If running more than one monitor, the game will display a message to configure your resolution every time you run the game
Place SkipDeviceSelection.asi into <path-to-game>\scripts\[52]
ASI loader required

Run the game at screen refresh rate

Fullscreen mode defaults to 60 Hz, even if the screen refresh rate is set higher than that.
Set screen refresh rate[52]
  1. Install Special K by following the Unofficial Special K Guide. Manual local installation is recommended.
  2. Go to the installation folder and rename SpecialK32.dll to dinput8.dll.
  3. Start the game once and close it to allow the configuration file of Special K to be created.
  4. Open <path-to-game>\dinput8.ini.
  5. Change RefreshRate=-1 to RefreshRate=0 under [Render.FrameRate].

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9
OpenGL 2.0 OS X only.
Shader Model support 1.1, 2.0
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)
This 32-bit-only macOS game does not work on macOS Catalina (10.15) or later.

Enhancement pack

Contains much of the most used fixes
Quite outdated.

Adjust post-processing

Disable post-process effects[52]
  1. Install Mix Sets.
  2. Open Mix Sets.ini and make your changes. For example:
    • DisableMoBlur = 1 - Disable motion blur when driving.
    • DisaNitroBlur = 1 - Disable motion blur when using nitro.
    • DisableHeat = 1 - Disable heat effect on screen.
    • DisaRainNoise = 1 - Disable noise effect when it rains.

Notes

1.0 version required

Install fixed resources

to replace game assets[citation needed]
  1. Set up Mod Loader
  2. Download Fixed Vehicles pack
  3. Download Map Fixes pack (both Maps and .DFFs)
  4. Download Map textures fix
  5. Download Fixed Pre-lighting (2DFX - already attached in San Andreas Downgrader)
  6. Extract all archives in subdirectories inside modloader one

Notes

SkyGfx is advised
1.00 version and ASI loader required

Fix broken lighting

Restore original time cycle file[53][54][55]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\data and delete timecyc.dat.
  2. Rename timecycp.dat to timecyc.dat.

Notes

Best with SkyGfx and increased lighting distance (dead link)

Modding

Downgrading and ASI loader is required for modding
GTAInside - Very popular and long running GTA modding site with a huge catalog of mods.
GameModding - Mod site with many mods available for many games; similar to NexusMods.
GTA Garage Mod Database
GTA-All - Newer website with lots of high-quality mods available.
GTA San Andreas Land - Grand Theft Auto San Andreas Modifications Land.

Essentials

Mod Loader
  1. Place the modloader folder into <path-to-game>
  2. Place modloader.asi into <path-to-game>\scripts\

Installing Mods

  1. Go to <path-to-game>\modloader\
  2. Create a new folder with a name of choice
  3. Place mod files into that folder
If installing multiple mods, install them in separate folders for organization purposes

Notes

Allows for mods to be installed through folders instead of using programs to replace game files
Certain script mods may not function correctly when installed through ModLoader
CLEO4
  1. Download and run the installer
  2. Re-direct the installation path if necessary
  3. Uncheck Silent's ASI Loader at the next page, as this version is likely outdated

Notes

Any savegames made with CLEO4 installed may not work without the mod

Featured mods

  • SkyGfx - Brings accurate PS2 and Xbox graphics and effects to the PC version of San Andreas.
  • SkyUI - Brings accurate PS2/Xbox-like user interface to the PC version of San Andreas with some additional improvements and widescreen support.
  • Project2DFX (SALodLights.asi) - Improves draw distances, asset streaming, and adds distant lights. Fixes certain problems with flickering objects with ENB, but in cost of some performance loss - even very big when using whole map tex mods. In case of infinite level loading, use this .ini
  • Remastered GUI Textures - Adds the remastered GUI from the mobile versions. Note: RemasteredGUI attached with at least some versions of Downgrader, can cause black textures of cars bug with ENB. In such case, use only mod downloaded from linked site above.
  • ThirteenAG's CLEO Scripts - E.g. quicksave, autosave, walk mod, Radio For All Vehicles, SA.ManualDrivebyRemake, IV Pickups, Buy Back Your Weapons.
  • Enterable Hidden Interiors - Allows to enter buildings otherwise confined only in cutscenes or not used.
  • Open Limit Adjuster - Aims to bring back limit adjusters to the scene. Does not aim to be just a limit adjuster, but a limit purger. That's, turning whatever previously was limited into unlimited, being only limited by the machine/application capacity (featured mod attached Downgrader to install optionally). Slight performance impact when using big texture mods and ENB.
  • RenderHook (not ENB) - Implements DirectX 11 rendering API to GTA San Andreas as well as totally new rendering pipeline. Incompatible with SkyGFX. Various based mods can be downloaded here: 1 or 2 or 3 Incompatibilities: SAMP, Skygfx, 13AG's GTASA.WidescreenFix.asi (in others - possible aspect ratio problems), 2DFX and SilentPatch requires appropriate .ini changes; Widescreen mod - changing RenderHook name to _gtaRenderHook.asi). If small window is shown or low resolution with crash while getting to game advanced options, change UseDefaultAdapter="false" in settings.xml. The mod can be used with ReShade in DX10+ mode.

Graphic mods

Complete texture mods

  • SRt3 Mipmap - Retextures the entire map. Project goal is to retexture any piece/object of San Andreas by textures of much higher quality. Don't use attached peds pack, if you encounter crashes during missions.
  • RoSA Project Reborn - The main objective of the project - to replace all standard textures not just to high-quality HD textures, but also making them very similar to the original textures.
  • SAUR — Ultimate Re-Texture - The global re-texture design of the entire state. It includes components with such well-known projects as the SRT 1.7 project and RoSA. Lite (1.77GB) and full version (8.86GB) available. While using ENB, don't use default mip maps from full version - they cause problem of grain on textures. Lite version has x8 mip maps, while full version, even x12, and it provides the best quality. In case of flickering/disapearing textures don't use attached SE_FixTextures.asi but linked streammemfix1.0 below to fix crashes after long gameplay.
  • AI Enhanced Textures - This mod has all the original game textures upscaled 4x with artificial intelligence.
  • HQ ENB Series v 2 - High Quality Enchanted Natural Bloom.

Graphic injectors, minor texture mods and more here

Utilities

  • Improved Vehicle Features (ImVehFt.asi) - Required by some car packs.
  • flickr.asi - Mod by 13AG preventing from heavy flicker of textures e.g. while flying. If it causes the game to crash on startup with ENB, launch "!RUN ADMIN FOR ENB 0.313.bat" attached with V Graphics or DirectX 2.0.
  • Load Whole Map - It loads all map objects into RAM in cost of some performance loss and stuttering. The whole game map will always be loaded. Fixes problems rendering blank holes instead of textures in distant with 2DFX. The mod can cause crash when using big, RAM consuming tex mods like RoSA Project.
  • FPSUnlock - Unlocks default 99 FPS limit in SAMP. Be aware - sirens don't work, and vehicles handle a bit different.
  • streammemfix1.0 - Fix for flickering and disapearing textures during driving (e.g. for SAUR tex mod). It also prevents the game from crashing (at least when amount of RAM possible to address by the game is exceeded), since it aggresively cleans RAM during the game. It works as a better equivalent of SE_FixTextures.asi, but streammemfix1.0 is crashless (when lot of memory is used), also unlike streammemfix2.0. It doesn't fix texture pop-up issue while flying. The mod may be incompatible with some scripts like III.VC.SA.LimitAdjuster, 13AG Widescreen, 2DFX. Confirmed supported is Wesser Widecreen. For more confirmed scripts see.
  • FPS Adjuster (binthesky_by_DK.cs) - It is a CLEO mod which can enhance performance of the game, and also allows changing FPS limit by NUM8 and NUM2, NUM5 in-game. The keys don't work with some mods. General troubleshooting

Total conversions

View the Total Conversions page on GTAForums here
  • GTA Underground - An work-in-progress mod that attempts to bring the GTA III, Vice City, Bully, and Manhunt maps to San Andreas. View video updates here.
  • GTA Vice City Stories: PC Edition - A standalone total conversion that attempts to port and remaster GTA: VCS to PC (does not require GTA: SA to play). Contains 13 missions. Save always in different slot after a mission, to avoid being stuck at safehouse. "O Brothel, Where Art Thou?" crashes when you shot enemy or driving them. Shotguns are over powerful. Quad race is dificult to finish due to bad handling.
  • Mobile to PC Research Project - A community driven project that aims to port over many of the improvements from the mobile port to the PC version.
  • Things to do in San Andreas: Overall Improvements - Total conversion mod that returns cut content from the final game and fixes them (requires new game to be started)

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 2000, XP
Processor (CPU) AMD Athlon 1.0 GHz
Intel Pentium III 1.0 GHz
System memory (RAM) 256 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 3.6 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce 3
ATI Radeon 8500
64 MB of VRAM
DirectX 9.0c compatible
Sound (audio device) DirectX 9 compatible
macOS (OS X)
Minimum
Operating system (OS) Snow Leopard 10.6.8
Processor (CPU) Intel Core 2 Duo
System memory (RAM) 1 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 5.2 GB
Video card (GPU) ATI Radeon X1600
Intel GMA X3100
Nvidia GeForce 7300 GT
Other This game will NOT run on PowerPC (G3/G4/G5) based Mac systems (PowerMac)

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data (use Wine regedit to access Windows registry paths). Games with Steam Cloud support may store data in ~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/12120/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (12120) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.

References

  1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – War Drum Studios - last accessed on 2016-5-14
  2. Why A Million People Still Play Multiplayer Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Every Month | Rock, Paper, Shotgun
  3. San Andreas updated on Steam (Updated) - Rockstar Nexus (archived) - last accessed on 2019-07-20
  4. Patch incoming? - Steam Community Discussions - last accessed on 2019-07-20
  5. (False Alarm) Suddenly... Securom DRM listed in requirements! WTF Rockstar? - Steam Community Discussions - last accessed on 2019-07-20
  6. San Andreas Versions - GTAMods Wiki - last accessed on March 2, 2019
  7. San Andreas Versions - last accessed on 2019-10-06
    "Version 2 has the same bug fixes and additions that were introduced in the 1.01 patch. It also checks the size of the 'gta3.img' file, which causes the game to crash if the size is not equal to a predetermined (hardcoded) size."
  8. Rockstar Games Launcher just released! Download and obtain GTA San Andreas for free! - GTA Forums - last accessed on 2019-10-06
  9. 9.0 9.1 STEAM | September 2014 - Nice thread. Btw, Bayonetta 2 is out next month. | NeoGAF
  10. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-10-06
    Tested the new 2019 downgrader on my retail Second Edition copy from the "Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy" collection, Steam, and Rockstar Games Launcher versions and the respective downgraders were able to downgrade them to the v1.0 release.
  11. SilentPatch - Page 27 - GTA Forums
  12. SilentPatch - Page 23 - GTA Forums
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 13.7 13.8 Verified by User:Silent on 2017-08-16
    All confirmed by the author of the unofficial patch SilentPatch
  14. [PLUG|OS] Widescreen Hor+ Support - GTA Forums
  15. SilentPatch - Page 139 - GTAForums
  16. SilentPatch - Page 91 - GTA Forums
  17. [REL]Multi-sampling FIX - GTA Forums
  18. SilentPatch - Page 22 - GTA Forums
  19. Patch incoming? :: Steam Community Discussions
  20. Verified by User:AmethystViper on March 31, 2019
  21. Verified by User:Klumb3r on 2017-09-04
  22. Verified by User:AmethystViper on March 31, 2019
    This method seems to be the only one that worked as ThirteenAG's Window Mode ASI causes constant crashes with the latest version of Widescreen Fix.
  23. Nvidia Anti-Aliasing Guide (updated) | guru3D Forums
  24. Verified by User:AmethystViper on May 13, 2019
  25. PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up
  26. [GTA|NFS|MP|OTHER] Widescreen Fixes Pack - GTA Forums
  27. Gaming - SoundBlaster.com (retrieved)
  28. Language loader - GTAForums
  29. SA-MP 0.3.8 version cancelled - SA-MP Forums
  30. SilentPatch - Page 86 - GTA Forums
  31. SilentPatch - Page 85 - GTA Forums
  32. Problems Launching German Steam Version of San Andreas on Mac – Rockstar Support
  33. Need Help on Alley Oop Driving School - iGrandTheftAuto.com Forums
  34. Сборки CLEO-скриптов для GTA III, VC, SA (Page 5) / Модификации / SannyBuilder.com Forums
  35. 35.0 35.1 Do not play GTA SA with high FPS! - | MixMods | - Mods to GTA San Andreas and other
  36. SilentPatch - Page 149 - GTAForums
  37. San Andreas Versions - GTAModding
  38. From the Readme, about the frame limiter:
    This option allows the game to go faster than 30 [sic] frames per second. Be warned that this will not magically make GRAND THEFT AUTO: San Andreas run better, but rather may make your experience "more variable". We do not recommend un-locking the frame rate. If you have a fast machine, it is far preferable to increase resolution, detail options, anti aliasing, etc. rather than trying to achieve a higher frame rate by un-locking the Frame Limiter. This will lead to a more variable game play experience.
  39. https://github.com/GTAmodding/FramerateVigilante
  40. https://gtaforums.com/topic/927971-framerate-vigilante-finding-and-fixing-framerate-related-issues/
  41. GTA San Andreas black screen during intro - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
  42. ESSENTIAL PATCH (Silent Patch) :: Steam Community Discussions
  43. 43.0 43.1 SilentPatch - Page 141 - GTAForums
  44. SilentPatch - Page 173 - GTAForums
  45. 45.0 45.1 SilentPatch - Page 148 - GTAForums
  46. Rain/Thunderstorm Bug - GTAForums
  47. NEW Fix for Sound Problems - GTA Forums
  48. "A required security module cannot be activated" in San Andreas – Rockstar Support
  49. SilentPatch - Page 99 - GTAForums
  50. SilentPatch - Page 12 - GTAForums
  51. SilentPatch - Page 155 - GTAForums - last accessed on 2016-07-28
  52. 52.0 52.1 52.2 Verified by User:Keith on 2017-12-28
  53. Fix for missing diffuse lighting in GTA SA - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
  54. GTA SA PS2 Graphics on PC? - GTA Forums
  55. Time cycle - GTAModding