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Difference between revisions of "Grand Theft Auto III"

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{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|May 20, 2002}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|May 20, 2002}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|November 12, 2010|wrapper=Cider}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|November 12, 2010|wrapper=Cider}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|grand-theft-auto-iii|93}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|grand-theft-auto-iii|95}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Grand Theft Auto }}
 
|steam appid  = 12100
 
|steam appid  = 12100
 
|steam appid side = 12230, 12280
 
|steam appid side = 12230, 12280
 
|gogcom id    =  
 
|gogcom id    =  
 +
|official site= https://www.rockstargames.com/grandtheftauto3/
 +
|hltb        = 4061
 
|strategywiki = Grand Theft Auto III
 
|strategywiki = Grand Theft Auto III
 +
|mobygames    = grand-theft-auto-iii
 
|wikipedia    = Grand Theft Auto III
 
|wikipedia    = Grand Theft Auto III
 
|winehq      = 936
 
|winehq      = 936
 
|license      = commercial
 
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
{{Series|Grand Theft Auto}}
 
  
 
'''Key points'''
 
'''Key points'''
{{ii}} [[#SilentPatch|SilentPatch]] is essential to avoid a number of serious glitches which may prevent 100% game completion.
+
{{ii}} [[#SilentPatch|SilentPatch]] is essential to avoid a number of serious glitches and bugs.
 
{{++}} Features the ability to import your music for your own custom radio station.
 
{{++}} Features the ability to import your music for your own custom radio station.
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
{{mm}} [https://www.rockstargames.com/grandtheftauto3/ Official game site]
 
 
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/12100/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/12100/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 
{{mm}} [https://store.steampowered.com/manual/12100 Official manual]
 
{{mm}} [https://store.steampowered.com/manual/12100 Official manual]
Line 39: Line 45:
 
{{Availability/row| Retail |  | disc | {{DRM|SafeDisc|v2}}. [[#Patches|Patch 1.1]] removes SafeDisc, while keeping basic CD check. See [[#SilentPatch|SilentPatch]] to run without CD. |  |  Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Retail |  | disc | {{DRM|SafeDisc|v2}}. [[#Patches|Patch 1.1]] removes SafeDisc, while keeping basic CD check. See [[#SilentPatch|SilentPatch]] to run without CD. |  |  Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Publisher | https://socialclub.rockstargames.com/rockstar-games-launcher | Rockstar Games Launcher | If the Steam version is detected, the launcher can launch the game through Steam instead.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AmethystViper|date=2019-09-18|comment=}}</ref> |  | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Publisher | https://socialclub.rockstargames.com/rockstar-games-launcher | Rockstar Games Launcher | If the Steam version is detected, the launcher can launch the game through Steam instead.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AmethystViper|date=2019-09-18|comment=}}</ref> |  | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| Amazon | B00CX6G0B2 | Steam | |  | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Amazon | B00CX6G0B2 | Steam | |  | Windows | Unavaialble }}
{{Availability/row| GMG | grand-theft-auto-iii | Steam |  |  | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Amazon | B00634BAGK | DRM-free | | | OS X | Unavailable }}
{{Availability/row| Humble | grand-theft-auto-iii | Steam |  |  | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| GMG | grand-theft-auto-iii | Rockstar Games Launcher |  |  | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Humble | grand-theft-auto-iii | Rockstar Games Launcher |  |  | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Steam | 12100 | Steam |  |  | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Steam | 12100 | Steam |  |  | Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
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{{ii}} For multi-monitor support, [[#SilentPatch|SilentPatch]] is required.<ref>[http://gtaforums.com/topic/669045-silentpatch/page-102#entry1067061247 SilentPatch - Page 101 - GTAForums]</ref>
 
{{ii}} For multi-monitor support, [[#SilentPatch|SilentPatch]] is required.<ref>[http://gtaforums.com/topic/669045-silentpatch/page-102#entry1067061247 SilentPatch - Page 101 - GTAForums]</ref>
 
{{++}} Fixes issues such as broken in-game widescreen presentation and HUD/subtitle scaling in higher resolutions.
 
{{++}} Fixes issues such as broken in-game widescreen presentation and HUD/subtitle scaling in higher resolutions.
{{++}} Adds adjustable FOV and [[Glossary:Anti-aliasing (AA)#Multi-Sample Anti-Aliasing (MSAA)|MSAA]] support for the non-Steam version. Also works as an ASI loader and a D3D8to9 wrapper.
+
{{++}} Adds [[Glossary:Anti-aliasing (AA)#Multi-Sample Anti-Aliasing (MSAA)|MSAA]] support for the non-Steam version. Also works as an ASI loader and a D3D8to9 wrapper.
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=Installing ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AmethystViper|date=May 21, 2018|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Installing ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AmethystViper|date=May 21, 2018|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
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# Extract the <code>GTA3.WidescreenFix</code> folder from the zip archive, then copy the {{file|d3d8.dll}} file and {{file|scripts}} folder into <code>{{p|game}}</code>.
 
# Extract the <code>GTA3.WidescreenFix</code> folder from the zip archive, then copy the {{file|d3d8.dll}} file and {{file|scripts}} folder into <code>{{p|game}}</code>.
 
# (Optional) Download the Widescreen Frontend from the drop down menu where you downloaded ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix above, then extract the contents of the zip archive and copy them into <code>{{p|game}}</code>, overwriting any files in the process.
 
# (Optional) Download the Widescreen Frontend from the drop down menu where you downloaded ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix above, then extract the contents of the zip archive and copy them into <code>{{p|game}}</code>, overwriting any files in the process.
 +
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} 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 {{file|GTA3.WidescreenFix.ini}}:
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
: '''Vanilla Widescreen Fix settings (ver.05-16-2020)'''
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
 +
<pre>
 +
; 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.
 +
 +
; Fixes vehicle lights coronas size. (0|1).
 +
SmallerVehicleCorona = 0
 +
 +
; Remove vehicle light square. (0|1).
 +
NoLightSquare = 1
 +
 +
; Makes radar size same as in GTA IV (0|1).
 +
IVRadarScaling = 0
 +
 +
; Replaces text shadow with outline (0|1|2).
 +
ReplaceTextShadowWithOutline = 0</pre></div></div>
 
}}
 
}}
  
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{{ii}} Requires a D3D8to9 wrapper (included in [[#ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix|ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix]]) and currently only works with a v1.0 executable.
 
{{ii}} Requires a D3D8to9 wrapper (included in [[#ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix|ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix]]) and currently only works with a v1.0 executable.
 
{{++}} Features the ability to restore the visual aesthetics of the RenderWare engine from the console or mobile versions.
 
{{++}} Features the ability to restore the visual aesthetics of the RenderWare engine from the console or mobile versions.
 +
{{ii}} May decrease performance on older and weaker systems.
 
{{Fixbox|description=Installing SkyGfx|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AmethystViper|date=May 21, 2018|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Installing SkyGfx|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AmethystViper|date=May 21, 2018|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 
# Download SkyGfx [https://github.com/aap/skygfx_vc/releases/ here], then extract the {{file|rwd3d9.dll}} into <code>{{p|game}}</code>, then extract the {{file|skygfx.asi}} and place it <code>{{p|game}}\scripts</code> (create a {{file|scripts}} folder if it does not already exist in <code>{{p|game}}</code>). If you are using Widescreen Fix, you do not need its {{file|d3d8.dll}} wrapper.
 
# Download SkyGfx [https://github.com/aap/skygfx_vc/releases/ here], then extract the {{file|rwd3d9.dll}} into <code>{{p|game}}</code>, then extract the {{file|skygfx.asi}} and place it <code>{{p|game}}\scripts</code> (create a {{file|scripts}} folder if it does not already exist in <code>{{p|game}}</code>). If you are using Widescreen Fix, you do not need its {{file|d3d8.dll}} wrapper.
Line 133: Line 166:
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
 
{{Image|Grand Theft Auto III Video.png|In-game video settings.}}
 
{{Image|Grand Theft Auto III Video.png|In-game video settings.}}
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
 
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/grand-theft-auto-iii
 
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/grand-theft-auto-iii
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
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|antialiasing notes        = Use [[#ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix|ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix]] for MSAA.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://gtaforums.com/topic/547841-gtanfsmpother-widescreen-fixes-pack/page/51/?tab=comments#comment-1067251055|title=(GTA-NFS-MP-OTHER) Widescreen Fixes Pack, Page 51, Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums|date=2019-06-09}}</ref> Post-process anti-aliasing such as FXAA is also possible.
 
|antialiasing notes        = Use [[#ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix|ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix]] for MSAA.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://gtaforums.com/topic/547841-gtanfsmpother-widescreen-fixes-pack/page/51/?tab=comments#comment-1067251055|title=(GTA-NFS-MP-OTHER) Widescreen Fixes Pack, Page 51, Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums|date=2019-06-09}}</ref> Post-process anti-aliasing such as FXAA is also possible.
 
|vsync                      = true
 
|vsync                      = true
|vsync notes                = Called '''Frame Sync'''. Enabling '''Frame Limiter''' caps the game to 30 FPS unless modded.
+
|vsync notes                = Called '''Frame Sync'''. Enabling '''Frame Limiter''' caps the game to 25 FPS unless modded.
 
|60 fps                    = true
 
|60 fps                    = true
 
|60 fps notes              = Exceeding 30 FPS can introduce technical issues and some audio cutting off sooner (limit to 50 FPS to avoid audio cutting off for NPCs).
 
|60 fps notes              = Exceeding 30 FPS can introduce technical issues and some audio cutting off sooner (limit to 50 FPS to avoid audio cutting off for NPCs).
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{{Fixbox|description=Use [[Glossary:Windowed#D3DWindower|D3DWindower]]|ref={{CN|date=August 2016}}}}
 
{{Fixbox|description=Use [[Glossary:Windowed#D3DWindower|D3DWindower]]|ref={{CN|date=August 2016}}}}
  
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
 
{{ii}} The game has two control styles: '''Standard''' accommodates keyboard and mouse controls, while '''Classic''' is based on the console versions.
 
{{ii}} The game has two control styles: '''Standard''' accommodates keyboard and mouse controls, while '''Classic''' is based on the console versions.
 
{{Image|Grand Theft Auto III Remapping.png|In-game key map settings.}}
 
{{Image|Grand Theft Auto III Remapping.png|In-game key map settings.}}
 
{{Image|Grand Theft Auto III Mouse.png|In-game mouse settings.}}
 
{{Image|Grand Theft Auto III Mouse.png|In-game mouse settings.}}
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
Line 258: Line 291:
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
 
{{Image|Grand Theft Auto III Audio.png|In-game audio settings.}}
 
{{Image|Grand Theft Auto III Audio.png|In-game audio settings.}}
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    = Music, SFX.
 
|separate volume notes    = Music, SFX.
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|eax support notes        = RSX 3D Audio A3D 1.0, A3D 2.0<ref>[http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/31363-GTA3-Sound-Quality GTA3 Sound Quality - Ubisoft Forums]</ref> & EAX 1, EAX 3<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20021009061624/http://www.soundblaster.com/resources/read.asp?articleid=65&page=2&cat=3 Listening In On Liberty City - Soundblaster.com (retrieved)]</ref><ref>[http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/a-prima-donna-pc,544-15.html EAX Advanced HD And 6.1 Sound In Games - Tom's Hardware]</ref>
 
|eax support notes        = RSX 3D Audio A3D 1.0, A3D 2.0<ref>[http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/31363-GTA3-Sound-Quality GTA3 Sound Quality - Ubisoft Forums]</ref> & EAX 1, EAX 3<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20021009061624/http://www.soundblaster.com/resources/read.asp?articleid=65&page=2&cat=3 Listening In On Liberty City - Soundblaster.com (retrieved)]</ref><ref>[http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/a-prima-donna-pc,544-15.html EAX Advanced HD And 6.1 Sound In Games - Tom's Hardware]</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
 
+
{{Fixbox|description=EAX/Hardware Audio Fix |fix=Copy the fixed [https://www.gtagarage.com/mods/show.php?id=27928 Mss32.dll] from this site to the install folder then you should be able to use Alchemy and other wrappers
 +
}}
 
{{L10n|content=
 
{{L10n|content=
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
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  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Japanese
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|notes    = Most likely restores the Japanese PS2 version's text. [https://kakihey.com/pc-gaming/gta-vc-set-up-guide/ Guide on how to do it. Text can be downloaded from the first link.]
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Japanese
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|notes    = Another Japanese mod. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3soTZsWBc4 Guide on how to set it up.]
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
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  |audio    = false
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
  |notes    =  
+
  |notes    = Game is officially translated in Spanish but an improved fan translation is also available, [http://academia.clandlan.net/index.php?page=academia/view&id=319 download].
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
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  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |fan      = true
 
  |fan      = true
  |notes    = Fan translation, [https://turkce-yama.com/8cbd1eef8b81f97b01c971b48e37a73d/indiriliyor/grand-theft-auto-3-turkce-yama.htm download].
+
  |notes    = Fan translation, [https://www.turkceyama.net/grand-theft-auto-3-turkce-yama/ download].
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
Line 511: Line 559:
 
===FPS drops on modern hardware===
 
===FPS drops on modern hardware===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Switch audio hardware to Miles Fast 2D|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://gtaforums.com/topic/339709-random-slowdown/?do=findComment&comment=1058010314|title=Random Slowdown - GTA III - GTAForums|date=May 3, 2008}}</ref>}}
 
{{Fixbox|description=Switch audio hardware to Miles Fast 2D|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://gtaforums.com/topic/339709-random-slowdown/?do=findComment&comment=1058010314|title=Random Slowdown - GTA III - GTAForums|date=May 3, 2008}}</ref>}}
 +
 +
===Game uses incorrect refresh rate===
 +
{{--}} The game may default to the lowest supported refresh rate of the monitor.
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Override refresh rate set by game|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Keith|date=2020-11-16|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Install [[#ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix|ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix]].
 +
# Download [http://helixmod.blogspot.com/2013/02/chiris-force-certain-resolutionhertz.html Chiri's resolution forcing tool].
 +
# Extract <code>d3d9.dll</code> and <code>d3dx.ini</code> to the installation folder.
 +
# Open <code>d3dx.ini</code>.
 +
# Change <code>refresh_rate=60</code> to desired hertz; e.g. <code>refresh_rate=120</code>.
 +
}}
  
 
==Other information==
 
==Other information==
Line 575: Line 634:
 
* [https://gtaforums.com/topic/913903-particleex/ ParticleEX] - Fixes and tweaks particle effects with the ability to use effects from the PlayStation 2, PC, and Xbox versions while retaining their original appearance. Requires an ASI loader.
 
* [https://gtaforums.com/topic/913903-particleex/ ParticleEX] - Fixes and tweaks particle effects with the ability to use effects from the PlayStation 2, PC, and Xbox versions while retaining their original appearance. Requires an ASI loader.
 
* [https://gtaforums.com/topic/819550-sharptrails Sharptrails] - Removes the blurry "Trails" effect while keeping the original lighting and colors.
 
* [https://gtaforums.com/topic/819550-sharptrails Sharptrails] - Removes the blurry "Trails" effect while keeping the original lighting and colors.
 +
* [https://gtaforums.com/topic/881485-vbdec/ VBDec] - A plugin that, when used in conjunction with Audio Samples, allows for native playback of the original uncompressed .VB audio files from the PlayStation 2 version onto the PC version. The .VB files extracted from the PlayStation 2 version can be found along with Liberty City: The Leftovers Fix.
 +
* [https://gtaland.net/gta-3-mods/gta-3-other/gta-iv-renderware-edition-alpha-0-2-stable.html GTA IV: Renderware Edition (ALPHA 0.2 STABLE)] - Are you bored of 2001 GTA 3 atmosphere and you want it to be refreshed? Or maybe you just want a remaster as befits a 2019 year? Your dreams have just came true.
  
 
====Total conversions====
 
====Total conversions====

Revision as of 07:12, 16 November 2020

Grand Theft Auto III
Grand Theft Auto III cover
Developers
Rockstar North
macOS (OS X) TransGaming Inc.
Publishers
Rockstar Games
Japan Capcom
Russia Buka Entertainment
Engines
RenderWare
Release dates
Windows May 20, 2002
macOS (OS X) (Cider) November 12, 2010
Reception
Metacritic 93
IGDB 95
Taxonomy
Series Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto III on HowLongToBeat
Grand Theft Auto III on IGDB
Grand Theft Auto III guide on StrategyWiki
Grand Theft Auto III on MobyGames
Grand Theft Auto III 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

SilentPatch is essential to avoid a number of serious glitches and bugs.
Features the ability to import your music for your own custom radio station.

General information

Steam Community Discussions
Official manual
GTAForums - Grand Theft Auto III Discussion.
Grand Theft Wiki
GTA Network - A huge network of fansites all dedicated to the Grand Theft Auto series

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
SafeDisc v2 DRM[Note 1]. Patch 1.1 removes SafeDisc, while keeping basic CD check. See SilentPatch to run without CD.
Windows
Publisher website
Icon overlay.png
If the Steam version is detected, the launcher can launch the game through Steam instead.[3]
Windows
Amazon.com
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Amazon.com (unavailable)
DRM-free
macOS (OS X)
Green Man Gaming
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Windows
SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).

Essential improvements

Patches

Many fixes of this patch have been included in SilentPatch, and the v1.1 executable may cause incompatibility with other fixes.

Patch 1.1 fixes several bugs and removes SafeDisc DRM. Most digital distribution versions already include this patch.

Skip intro videos

Although this mod was made for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, it also works on Grand Theft Auto III as well.
Installing No Intro mod[4]
  1. Download the mod here.
  2. Extract the movie folder from the archive, then copy this folder to <path-to-game>, replacing the video files. For the German version, you may need to duplicate GTAtitles.mpg within the mod's folder and rename the copied video as GTAtitlesGER.mpg.
  3. Now launch the game. The blank videos should skip the intro and launch straight into the game.

ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix

A v1.0 executable is recommended.
For multi-monitor support, SilentPatch is required.[5]
Fixes issues such as broken in-game widescreen presentation and HUD/subtitle scaling in higher resolutions.
Adds MSAA support for the non-Steam version. Also works as an ASI loader and a D3D8to9 wrapper.
Installing ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix[6]
  1. Download ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix here.
  2. Extract the GTA3.WidescreenFix folder from the zip archive, then copy the d3d8.dll file and scripts folder into <path-to-game>.
  3. (Optional) Download the Widescreen Frontend from the drop down menu where you downloaded ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix above, then extract the contents of the zip archive and copy them into <path-to-game>, overwriting any files in the process.

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 GTA3.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.

; Fixes vehicle lights coronas size. (0|1).
SmallerVehicleCorona = 0

; Remove vehicle light square. (0|1).
NoLightSquare = 1

; Makes radar size same as in GTA IV (0|1).
IVRadarScaling = 0

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

SilentPatch

Fixes numerous bugs and oversights introduced in the PC version, and restores censored content removed from the French and German versions.
Copying the AUDIO folder from the "PLAY" disc into <path-to-game> allows the game to be playable without the CD when using SilentPatch.
Installing SilentPatch[7]
  1. Download the SilentPatchIII.zip and SilentPatchDDraw.zip files here.
  2. Extract the contents of SilentPatchIII.zip archive, then copy the models folder and SilentPatchIII.asi into <path-to-game>, overwriting any files in the process.
  3. Extract the contents of SilentPatchDDraw.zip archive, then copy ddraw.dll into <path-to-game>.

SkyGfx

Requires a D3D8to9 wrapper (included in ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix) and currently only works with a v1.0 executable.
Features the ability to restore the visual aesthetics of the RenderWare engine from the console or mobile versions.
May decrease performance on older and weaker systems.
Installing SkyGfx[8]
  1. Download SkyGfx here, then extract the rwd3d9.dll into <path-to-game>, then extract the skygfx.asi and place it <path-to-game>\scripts (create a scripts folder if it does not already exist in <path-to-game>). If you are using Widescreen Fix, you do not need its d3d8.dll wrapper.
  2. Go into the III folder extracted from the archive, then extract the neo folder and skygfx.ini into <path-to-game>\scripts folder.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\GTA3 User Files\gta3.set
macOS (OS X)
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12100/pfx/[Note 2]
Configuration file is encrypted.

Save game data location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\GTA3 User Files\GTA3sf*.b
macOS (OS X) ~/Documents/GTA3 User Files/
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12100/pfx/[Note 2]

Portable GTA

Requires a v1.0 executable and an ASI loader (included in ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix).
Also works with Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and San Andreas.
Moves the user files folder to <path-to-game>, allowing a downgraded game to be fully portable.
Using Portable GTA[9]
  1. Download the mod here, then rename the file extension from portablegta.dll to portablegta.asi.
  2. Place the portablegta.asi file into <path-to-game>\scripts.
  3. Run the game, exit to desktop, and then delete the contents inside <path-to-game>\userfiles.
  4. Copy everything from %USERPROFILE%\Documents\GTA3 User Files into <path-to-game>\userfiles folder.

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
OneDrive
Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers.
Steam Cloud

Video

In-game video settings.
In-game video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
See Widescreen resolution.
Multi-monitor
Requires SilentPatch.
Ultra-widescreen
Use ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix.
4K Ultra HD
Use ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix.
Field of view (FOV)
Can be adjusted in ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix. For driving FOV, use Car Speed Dependant FOV (requires CLEO).
Windowed
See Windowed.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See Windowed.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Can be hacked through the GPU's control panel.[10]
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Use ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix for MSAA.[11] Post-process anti-aliasing such as FXAA is also possible.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
Called Frame Sync. Enabling Frame Limiter caps the game to 25 FPS unless modded.
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
Exceeding 30 FPS can introduce technical issues and some audio cutting off sooner (limit to 50 FPS to avoid audio cutting off for NPCs).

Widescreen resolution

Only 16:9 aspect-ratio is supported as other resolutions are stretched, however, the in-game Widescreen setting causes issues such as stretched HUD, cuts off parts of the image (Vert-), and misaligned mouse aiming. Use ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix for proper widescreen support.

Windowed

Install ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix, then create a wndmode.ini file in <path-to-game>[12]
Use D3DWindower[citation needed]

Input

The game has two control styles: Standard accommodates keyboard and mouse controls, while Classic is based on the console versions.
In-game key map settings.
In-game key map settings.
In-game mouse settings.
In-game mouse settings.

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Setting does not save in v1.0.
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
DirectInput only.
Full controller support
Controller remapping
Only for DirectInput controllers.
Controller sensitivity
Use GInput and adjust options in GInputIII.ini.
Controller Y-axis inversion
Use GInput and adjust InvertLook in GInputIII.ini.
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
See GInput.
Xbox button prompts
Can be enabled via GInput.
Impulse Trigger vibration
PlayStation controllers
Requires DS4 Windows and GInput.[13]
PlayStation button prompts
Set PlayStationButtons to 1 in GInputIII.ini.
Light bar support
Adaptive trigger support
DualSense haptic feedback support
Connection modes Wired, Wireless (Bluetooth)
Connection mode must be configured in DS4 Windows.
Generic/other controllers
Button prompts Input settings icon - Generic Controller.svg
Game references buttons by number (e.g. JOY1) by default. Use GInput for Xbox and DualShock controller prompts; alternative text prompt add-on is also available.
Additional information
Controller hotplugging
Only for the same type of controller plugged in initially from launch.[14]
Haptic feedback
See GInput.
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

GInput

Adds full XInput and DualShock 3 controller support with relevant controller prompts.
Restores haptic feedback from console versions.
Five controller presets, based on console versions and Grand Theft Auto IV.
Installing GInput
  1. Download GInputIII here.
  2. Extract the contents of GInputIII_*.zip, and copy the models folder, GInputIII.asi, and GInputIII.ini files into <path-to-game>.
  3. Open GInputIII.ini with a text editor and configure your desired settings.

Audio

In-game audio settings.
In-game audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Music, SFX.
Surround sound
Up to 7.0 output[15] May require DirectSound 3D restoration software.
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support
RSX 3D Audio A3D 1.0, A3D 2.0[16] & EAX 1, EAX 3[17][18]
EAX/Hardware Audio Fix

Copy the fixed Mss32.dll from this site to the install folder then you should be able to use Alchemy and other wrappers

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Croatian
Fan translation, download.
Czech
Fan translation, download.
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Most likely restores the Japanese PS2 version's text. Guide on how to do it. Text can be downloaded from the first link.
Japanese
Another Japanese mod. Guide on how to set it up.
Polish
Retail only. Made by publisher.
Brazilian Portuguese
Fan translation, download.
Russian
1) Retail only. Patch for digital release here.
2) Fan voice-over by «GTA: Правильный перевод».
Slovak
Fan translation, download.
Spanish
Game is officially translated in Spanish but an improved fan translation is also available, download.
Turkish
Fan translation, download.

Network

Dedicated multiplayer maps can be restored with a mod

Multiplayer types

Connection types

VR support

3D modes State GG3D Notes
iZ3D
vorpX
G3D
User created game profile, requires D3D8to9, read more in the vorpx forum profile introduction.

Issues fixed

Game refuses to start

Fix Data Execution Prevention setting[citation needed]

Ensure Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is set to the default (Windows programs and services only).

Download and install SilentPatch with DDraw Component, Thirteen AG's Widescreen Fix, and SkyGfx[19]

"Cannot find 640x480 video mode" error

Download fixed GTA III/GTA VC DDraw Component and put the ddraw.dll in <path-to-game>[20]
Use the following compatibility fixes[21]
  1. Right-click gta3.exe and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab and set the following:
    • Set Compatibility mode to Windows XP (Service Pack 2)
    • Check the setting for Run in 640x480 resolution
  3. Click Apply to apply these settings and attempt to run the game, then change resolution settings as desired.

"Game requires at least 12MB of available video memory" error

Download fixed GTA III/GTA VC DDraw Component and put the ddraw.dll in <path-to-game>[22]

Game freezes at loading

Delete gta3.set[citation needed]
Turn the in-game Frame Limiter setting on[citation needed]

Vehicles are missing colors

Install Steam Car Colour Fix[23]

Wonky physics while walking on sloped surfaces

Turn on the frame limiter[24]

Misaligned mouse aiming

Using the in-game widescreen setting causes the player's actual aiming sight to be slightly above and to the right of the displayed crosshairs.
Install ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix[25]

Missing text or slowly appearing in menus

Install SilentPatch[citation needed]
Run the game using a D3D8to9 converter (included in ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix)[26]

Bad lighting, reflections, shadow mapping

Install SilentPatch[citation needed]

Purple Nines gang has vanished

Install SilentPatch[27]

Mouse sensitivity resets after restart

Install SilentPatch[28]

Low violence gameplay with some keyboard layouts

Includes ar-EG, de-AT, en-AU, es-ES, fr-CA, qu-PE, se-FI, sr-SP, zh-HK[29]
Install SilentPatch

The game asking for the CD, even when all files are copied from the disc or was installed via Steam

Install SilentPatch[30]
Install CLEO[31][32][33]

Alchemy doesn't restore EAX

Install Alchemy Fix[34]

FPS drops on modern hardware

Switch audio hardware to Miles Fast 2D[35]

Game uses incorrect refresh rate

The game may default to the lowest supported refresh rate of the monitor.
Override refresh rate set by game[36]
  1. Install ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix.
  2. Download Chiri's resolution forcing tool.
  3. Extract d3d9.dll and d3dx.ini to the installation folder.
  4. Open d3dx.ini.
  5. Change refresh_rate=60 to desired hertz; e.g. refresh_rate=120.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 8 For Direct3D 9 support, use ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix.
Shader Model support 1.4
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.

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Audio Miles Sound System 6.1c

OpenRW

OpenRW is an open source game engine that attempts to re-implement the engine used in classic GTA 3, Vice City and San Andreas in order to ensure a better compatibility with modern system and playable in the future. It currently supports only GTA 3 and it is currently not finished yet, however you can still play the game with it. Bear in mind that you need to compile it from its source code, instructions and requirements are available

Modding

Frequently used plugins

  • CLEO - Popular script extender used by lots of sophisticated mods.
  • Mod Loader - Allows the use of mods without replacing core files from the installation folder. Some script-based files may not work if loaded via Mod Loader.

Featured mods

  • Liberty City: The Leftovers Fix - Restores elements from the original PlayStation 2 version such as the 'Under Surveillance' dialogue and missing song from the Double Clef FM radio station.
  • ParticleEX - Fixes and tweaks particle effects with the ability to use effects from the PlayStation 2, PC, and Xbox versions while retaining their original appearance. Requires an ASI loader.
  • Sharptrails - Removes the blurry "Trails" effect while keeping the original lighting and colors.
  • VBDec - A plugin that, when used in conjunction with Audio Samples, allows for native playback of the original uncompressed .VB audio files from the PlayStation 2 version onto the PC version. The .VB files extracted from the PlayStation 2 version can be found along with Liberty City: The Leftovers Fix.
  • GTA IV: Renderware Edition (ALPHA 0.2 STABLE) - Are you bored of 2001 GTA 3 atmosphere and you want it to be refreshed? Or maybe you just want a remaster as befits a 2019 year? Your dreams have just came true.

Total conversions

  • GTA III Dark Edition - A total conversion featuring a darker atmosphere to match the tone of the game's setting. No longer in development.[37]
  • PS2 Feels III Edition - An off-shoot of Liberty City: The Leftovers Fix which ports many assets and features from the PlayStation 2 version to the PC version. Requires Mod Loader.
  • Xbox Version HD - Ports many of the high quality Xbox assets and effects to PC version with remastered high-definition textures. Many pre-included mods are outdated and the total conversion has some undressed errors, however an unofficial off-shoot, Xbox Conversion: The Unofficial Revision, attempts to address some of the leftover issues of Rim's original mod, restructures it in a similar fashion to PS2 Feels III Edition to minimize replacing core installation files. This off-shoot is available in HD and Lite versions which are based on the current HD version of Rim's mod and a lower-end alternative based on the converted Xbox assets by TheHero which the former was derived from.
  • Grand Theft Auto 3D - A total conversion project that aims to recreate the brighter, cartoony look and feel of the game's alpha and beta stages contrast to the darker and realistic tone from the final version by using a collection hand-made assets, in-game leftovers, and HD sources. Currently under development with only free-forming gameplay of Portland being accessible. This is NOT meant for vanilla Grand Theft Auto III gameplay.

Modding tools

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 95, 98, ME, 2000
Processor (CPU) AMD Athlon 500 MHz
Intel Pentium III 450 MHz
System memory (RAM) 96 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 700 MB
Video card (GPU) Direct3D compatible
16 MB of VRAM
DirectX 8.1 compatible
Sound (audio device) DirectX compatible
macOS (OS X)
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 10.6.8
Processor (CPU) Intel Core 2 Duo
System memory (RAM) 1 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 1.5 GB
Video card (GPU) ATI Radeon X1600
Nvidia GeForce 7300 GT
Intel GMA X3100
Other This game will NOT run on PowerPC (G3/G4/G5) based Mac systems (PowerMac)


Notes

  1. SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[1] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[2]
  2. 2.0 2.1 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>/12100/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (12100) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.

References

  1. Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community - last accessed on 2017-01-16
  2. Microsoft - MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015 - last accessed on 2018-02-16
  3. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-09-18
  4. Verified by User:AmethystViper on May 21, 2018
  5. SilentPatch - Page 101 - GTAForums
  6. Verified by User:AmethystViper on May 21, 2018
  7. Verified by User:AmethystViper on May 21, 2018
  8. Verified by User:AmethystViper on May 21, 2018
  9. Verified by User:AmethystViper on March 31, 2019
  10. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-06-09
    Enabling anisotropic filtering x16 for the game via Nividia Control Panel/Profile Inspector (after installing Widescreen Fix) boosted the overall clarity of the game's textures.
  11. (GTA-NFS-MP-OTHER) Widescreen Fixes Pack, Page 51, Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums - last accessed on 2019-06-09
  12. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2018-05-21
    This fix along with Widescreen Fix allowed the game to be played in windowed/borderless fullscreen mode via this .ini file.
  13. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-06-09
    Using DS4Windows together with GInput allowed for DualShock 4 support by tricking the game into thinking it's reading inputs from an XInput controller.
  14. Verified by User:AmethystViper on June 6, 2018
  15. PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up
  16. GTA3 Sound Quality - Ubisoft Forums
  17. Listening In On Liberty City - Soundblaster.com (retrieved)
  18. EAX Advanced HD And 6.1 Sound In Games - Tom's Hardware
  19. Verified by User:AmethystViper on May 21, 2018
    Installing these fixes on a clean install of the game fixed the game refusing the start.
  20. Can't find 640x480 video mode FIX :: Steam Community Discussions
  21. How to fix 'Will not open' or 'Cannot find 640x480 video mode' in GTA III - YouTube - last accessed on 2019-06-09
  22. Grand Theft Auto III requires at least 12MB of available video memory - Help please?! :: Steam Community Discussions
  23. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-06-10
    This not only fixes the cars missing colors on the Steam version, it also fixes some cars missing colors during the opening cutscene in the retail release as well, without replacing the game's particle.txd file.
  24. GTA III bug - Steam Users' Forums (archived) - last accessed on 2019-06-10
  25. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-06-10
    Without Widescreen Fix, the mouse cursor was misaligned when using the "Standard" controls with the in-game Widescreen setting endabled, and was fixed after installing the plugin.
  26. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-06-10
    Used Widescreen Fix's and crosire's D3D8to9 converter and the menu text worked as intented.
  27. Southside Hoods - Grand Theft Wiki, the GTA wiki
  28. SilentPatch - Page 141 - GTAForums
  29. SilentPatch - Page 167 - GTAForums
  30. SilentPatch - Page 148 - GTAForums - last accessed on August 15, 2018
  31. pc drm - How to fix "please insert disk into the drive" error with the Steam version of GTA 3? - Arqade - last accessed on August 15, 2018
  32. Insert Disk 2 - Help & Support - GTAForums - last accessed on August 15, 2018
  33. Verified by User:AmethystViper on August 15, 2015
    Used CLEO on a clean install of the retail release with the v1.1 patch applied without any other mods and CD check was bypassed
  34. Verified by User:AmethystViper on May 22, 2018
  35. Random Slowdown - GTA III - GTAForums - last accessed on May 3, 2008
  36. Verified by User:Keith on 2020-11-16
  37. GTA III Dark Edition - last accessed on 2019-09-19