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Difference between revisions of "Grand Theft Auto IV"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(Undo last 2 revisions)
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* <code>-minspecaudio</code>: forces lower quality audio, good for lower-end CPUs (removes some extra audio details, not reducing the audio's definition. reduces CPU load).
 
* <code>-minspecaudio</code>: forces lower quality audio, good for lower-end CPUs (removes some extra audio details, not reducing the audio's definition. reduces CPU load).
 
{{ii}} [https://www.nexusmods.com/newvegas/mods/65094 DSOAL] for using as alternative DirectSound wrapper (with or without HRTF) works on the Rockstar Games Launcher version and on Windows 10 builds prior to 1809.
 
{{ii}} [https://www.nexusmods.com/newvegas/mods/65094 DSOAL] for using as alternative DirectSound wrapper (with or without HRTF) works on the Rockstar Games Launcher version and on Windows 10 builds prior to 1809.
{{ii}} The game uses DirectSound<ref name=satsun/>, that can be handled by Creative Alchemy (set duration to 10).<ref>[https://gtaforums.com/topic/393357-creative-alchemy/#comment-1058901876 Creative Alchemy - GTAForums]</ref> Run {{code|LaunchGTAIV.exe}} as administrator to avoid crashes (unneeded in the Rockstar Launcher version).
+
{{ii}} The game uses DirectSound<ref name=satsun/>, that can be handled by Creative Alchemy (set duration to 10).<ref>[https://gtaforums.com/topic/393357-creative-alchemy/#comment-1058901876 Creative Alchemy - GTAForums]</ref> Run {{file|LaunchGTAIV.exe}} as administrator to avoid crashes (unneeded in the Rockstar Launcher version).
  
 
{{L10n|content=
 
{{L10n|content=
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# Ensure both Rockstar Games Launcher and Steam are already set for offline mode: [[Store:Rockstar_Games_Launcher#Offline_Mode|Rockstar Games Launcher's how-to]]. [[Store:Steam#Offline_Mode|Steam's how-to]].
 
# Ensure both Rockstar Games Launcher and Steam are already set for offline mode: [[Store:Rockstar_Games_Launcher#Offline_Mode|Rockstar Games Launcher's how-to]]. [[Store:Steam#Offline_Mode|Steam's how-to]].
 
# Disconnect the system from Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
 
# Disconnect the system from Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
# Run the Rockstar Games Launcher using Windows' Start Menu, that uses a shortcut to "LauncherPatcher.exe" (usually located in "{{p|programfiles}}\Rockstar Games\Launcher").
+
# Run the Rockstar Games Launcher using Windows' Start Menu, that uses a shortcut to {{file|LauncherPatcher.exe}} (usually located in "{{p|programfiles}}\Rockstar Games\Launcher").
 
# Run the game from this launcher by clicking "Play on Steam".
 
# Run the game from this launcher by clicking "Play on Steam".
 
}}
 
}}
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===[https://github.com/ThirteenAG/Ultimate-ASI-Loader Ultimate ASI Loader]===
 
===[https://github.com/ThirteenAG/Ultimate-ASI-Loader Ultimate ASI Loader]===
{{ii}} Ultimate ASI Loader is a tool that loads custom libraries with the {{code|.ASI}} file extension.
+
{{ii}} Ultimate ASI Loader is a tool that loads custom libraries with the {{code|ASI}} file extension.
 
{{ii}} Needed by [[#FusionFix|FusionFix]] and [[#ZolikaPatch|ZolikaPatch]].
 
{{ii}} Needed by [[#FusionFix|FusionFix]] and [[#ZolikaPatch|ZolikaPatch]].
 
{{Fixbox|description=Installation|ref=<ref>[https://github.com/ThirteenAG/Ultimate-ASI-Loader/blob/master/readme.md Ultimate-ASI-Loader/readme.md at master · ThirteenAG/Ultimate-ASI-Loader · GitHub]</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Installation|ref=<ref>[https://github.com/ThirteenAG/Ultimate-ASI-Loader/blob/master/readme.md Ultimate-ASI-Loader/readme.md at master · ThirteenAG/Ultimate-ASI-Loader · GitHub]</ref>|fix=
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{{ii}} The location of the savegames alters to <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\savegames\</code>.
 
{{ii}} The location of the savegames alters to <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\savegames\</code>.
 
{{++}} Adds borderless windowed mode.
 
{{++}} Adds borderless windowed mode.
{{++}} Allows running the game directly from {{code|GTAIV.exe}}.
+
{{++}} Allows running the game directly from {{file|GTAIV.exe}}.
 
{{++}} Gives an option to skip intro videos and the main menu.
 
{{++}} Gives an option to skip intro videos and the main menu.
 
{{--}} Disables LIVE multiplayer acess. LAN multiplayer is still accessible, but connecting to a LAN lobby crashes the game.{{cn|date=2022-08-23|reason=}}
 
{{--}} Disables LIVE multiplayer acess. LAN multiplayer is still accessible, but connecting to a LAN lobby crashes the game.{{cn|date=2022-08-23|reason=}}
Line 790: Line 790:
 
{{Fixbox|description=Installation|ref=<ref name="ZolikaPatch">[https://gtaforums.com/topic/955449-iv-zolikapatch &#91;IV&#93; ZolikaPatch  - Page 1 - Scripts &amp; Plugins - GTAForums]</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Installation|ref=<ref name="ZolikaPatch">[https://gtaforums.com/topic/955449-iv-zolikapatch &#91;IV&#93; ZolikaPatch  - Page 1 - Scripts &amp; Plugins - GTAForums]</ref>|fix=
 
{{--}} Needs downgrading.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://gtaforums.com/topic/955449-iv-zolikapatch|title=Page mentions support for unpatched game, patch 4, 7 and 8|date=2022-11-29}}</ref>
 
{{--}} Needs downgrading.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://gtaforums.com/topic/955449-iv-zolikapatch|title=Page mentions support for unpatched game, patch 4, 7 and 8|date=2022-11-29}}</ref>
# Download the [https://gtaforums.com/topic/955449-iv-zolikapatch .zip file] from bottom of the first post.
+
# Download the [https://gtaforums.com/topic/955449-iv-zolikapatch ZIP file] from bottom of the first post.
 
# Extract the files to {{code|{{p|game}}\GTAIV\}}.
 
# Extract the files to {{code|{{p|game}}\GTAIV\}}.
 
}}
 
}}

Revision as of 14:49, 3 December 2022

This page may require cleanup to meet basic quality standards. The specific problem is: (Mrntptrs:) Unclear which fixes and mods work on the latest Complete Edition version and which needs downgrading. Maybe too many mods are listed; should maybe only list the best mods). You can help by modifying the article. The discussion page may contain useful suggestions.
Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto IV cover
Developers
Rockstar North
Windows Rockstar Toronto
Publishers
Rockstar Games
Japan Capcom
Russia 1C-SoftClub
Engines
RAGE
Release dates
Windows December 2, 2008
Reception
Metacritic 90
IGDB 88
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, Expansion pack
Microtransactions None
Modes Singleplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives Third-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Open world, Action
Vehicles Automobile, Bus, Helicopter, Motorcycle, Naval/watercraft
Art styles Realistic
Themes Contemporary
Series Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto IV on HowLongToBeat
Grand Theft Auto IV on IGDB
Grand Theft Auto IV guide on StrategyWiki
Grand Theft Auto IV on MobyGames
Grand Theft Auto IV 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

For Games for Windows - LIVE on Windows 8 or later, install the latest Games for Windows - LIVE software.

Grand Theft Auto IV is a singleplayer third-person open world and action game in the Grand Theft Auto series.

Key points

Extensive modding community. Same with Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City. See Downgrading.
PC version allows to import music files for playback in a custom radio station.
Rockstar Games has removed some music tracks from the game due to expired licenses. Same with Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City. See Restore removed music.

General information

GTAForums - Grand Theft Auto IV Discussion
GTA Modding - A wiki hosting mod-information for the Grand Theft Auto series.
GTA Network - A huge network of fansites all dedicated to the Grand Theft Auto series.
Rockstar Support
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Icon overlay.png
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
CD key
Requires online activation
Games for Windows - LIVE and SecuROM PA DRM.[Note 1] Additionally uses SecuROM 7 DRM for disc checking. Released on 2 DVDs.
Custom DRM code may sabotage the game in several ways.
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Official website
Icon overlay.png
Complete Edition.
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Complete Edition.
Windows
Amazon.com (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Requires online activation
The Complete Edition is also available.
Windows
GamersGate (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Requires online activation
The Complete Edition is also available.
Windows
Games for Windows Marketplace (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
[1]
Windows
Gamesplanet logo.svg (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Requires online activation
The Complete Edition is also available.
Windows
Green Man Gaming (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Requires online activation
The Complete Edition is also available.
Windows
Humble Store (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Requires online activation
The Complete Edition is also available.
Windows
Rockstar Social Club is no longer needed to run the game since Patch 6 .[2]
The Complete Edition includes Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City.
The March 2020 update to the Steam version upgraded the game to the Complete Edition, addding achievements, introducing Rockstar Games Launcher DRM and removing multiplayer[3] and Games for Windows - LIVE and SecuROM PA DRM entirely (see Network for solutions).
CD keys can be redeemed on the Rockstar Games Launcher to activate the Complete Edition.[4]

DLC and expansion packs

The Complete Edition includes the DLCs now. All previously bought copies on Steam were freely upgraded to that version, and original retail versions can be freely upgraded to the Complete Edition by registering a Games for Windows - LIVE key on Rockstar Games Launcher.
Name Notes
The Ballad of Gay Tony
Windows
The Lost and Damned
Windows

Essential improvements

Patches

Patches after Patch 8 were released only for the game's digital versions.
Patch 8 updates the game version to 1.0.8.0.
Patch 7 is also available (may be as much needed for mods as Patch 4).

Skip intro videos

Install FusionFix or ZolikaPatch[5]
Edit loadingscreens_pc.dat[6][7]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\common\data\.
  2. Open loadingscreens_pc.dat with a text editor.
  3. Alter the value of "duration" for sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 to "0".
Use the No-intro Easy Fix[citation needed]
  1. Download and extract the NO-intro_easy-fix.rar file (mirror on PCGamingWiki).
  2. Move the loadingscreens_pc.dat file to <path-to-game>\common\data\ (replace the file when prompted).

Game data

In-game general settings.
In-game general settings.

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows %LOCALAPPDATA%\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\Settings\SETTINGS.CFG
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12210/pfx/[Note 2]
Configuration files are encrypted. See Command line parameters for an alternative.

Save game data location

System Location
Windows %LOCALAPPDATA%\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\savegames\<user-id>\
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\Profiles\<user-id>\ (Complete Edition)
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12210/pfx/[Note 2]

The Rockstar Games Launcher version searches for Games For Windows - LIVE saves.

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\XLive must also be backed up; the save data is bound to the Games for Windows - LIVE profile (old versions only).

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
OneDrive
Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers.
Steam Cloud
Rockstar Games' cloud saves can be disabled while playing the game in Online Mode using the overlay's menu.
Uses Rockstar Games Launcher cloud saves for the Complete Edition.
Uses Rockstar Social Club's savegame and settings cloud sync function.

Video

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

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen
Cutscenes and loading screens are Vert-.[8]
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)
Zolika1351's Trainer can be used to set a constant FOV or add a multiplier to the game's FOV. Ultimate Camera Control can be used to add a photo mode with adjustable FOV, but it does not allow adjustment of in-game FOV.
Windowed
Run the game with -windowed parameter.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Use Borderless Gaming, FusionFix or ZolikaPatch.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Up to 16 samples.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS
120+ FPS
Frame rates above 60 cause some bugs, like buggy vehicle physics, motorcycles getting extremely slippery, inability to complete some missions, too slow handbrake camera and regular camera movement and too zoomed-in cutscenes.
High dynamic range display (HDR)
[9]

Input

In-game key map settings.
In-game key map settings.
In-game keyboard/mouse settings.
In-game keyboard/mouse settings.
In-game gamepad settings.
In-game gamepad settings.

DirectInput Controller support (old versions only)

Run the game with -usedirectinput parameter[10]
Added on Patch 2.[11]
A separate option is located in Controller Options on the Controls section on Options after Patch 3.

PS3 controller buttons

It may be preferable to change the Xbox 360 buttons used in the game's UI to the DUALSHOCK buttons if using a PlayStation controller. Below are the instructions to do so.

Instructions[citation needed]
  1. Download the Controller Button Icon Change mod.
  2. Extract buttons_360.wtd and frontend_360.wtd to <path-to-game>\PC\textures\.

Right trigger does not work when using Steam Input

Bind Soft Pull Action to Right Trigger[12]
  1. Right-click the game in the Steam library and go to manage/controller configuration.
  2. Click Right Trigger and bind Soft Pull Action to Right Trigger.

Audio

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

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Music and SFX.
Surround sound
Up to 5.0 output.[13]
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio
Commands responsible for the in-game audio:
  • -fullspecaudio: forces higher quality audio (default).
  • -minspecaudio: forces lower quality audio, good for lower-end CPUs (removes some extra audio details, not reducing the audio's definition. reduces CPU load).
DSOAL for using as alternative DirectSound wrapper (with or without HRTF) works on the Rockstar Games Launcher version and on Windows 10 builds prior to 1809.
The game uses DirectSound[13], that can be handled by Creative Alchemy (set duration to 10).[14] Run LaunchGTAIV.exe as administrator to avoid crashes (unneeded in the Rockstar Launcher version).

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Czech
Fan translation, download.
French
German
Hungarian
Fan translation, download.
Italian
Japanese
Only the main game is translated, user must change game language to access DLC content.[15] See this to enforce different language without having to change RGL or Steam language.
Polish
Fan translation, download. Download this for the Complete Edition.
Brazilian Portuguese
Fan translation, download.
Russian
Official localization by «1C-Softclub» included in the Complete Edition. Download this for other versions.
Spanish
Turkish
Fan translation, download.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
Local play
4 Co-op, Versus
Use Nucleus-Coop Unofficial mod - Guide.
LAN play
32 Co-op, Versus
Use vanilla Games for Windows - LIVE's LAN feature, or use IV:MP or CitizenMP:IV. Downgrade first if running the Complete Edition.
Online play
32 Co-op, Versus
Use vanilla Games for Windows - LIVE's LIVE play feature, or use IV:MP, CitizenMP:IV or Grand Theft Auto Connected. downgrade first if running the Complete Edition.
GTA Connected gives the closest experience to the original multiplayer.

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Games For Windows - LIVE is P2P, GTA Connected has an optional toggle for P2P.
Dedicated
Self-hosting
Direct IP

Ports

Protocol Port(s) and/or port range(s)[16]
TCP GFWL: 3074
UDP GFWL: 3074, 88; IV:MP: 8888
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.

VR support

3D modes State Notes
Nvidia 3D Vision
Use Helix Mod: Grand Theft Auto IV for better support.
vorpX
G3D
Officially supported game, see official vorpX game list.

Issues fixed

Broken Space button in the missions "A Revenger's Tragedy" and "Out of Commission"

The helicopter quick-time event may wrongly respond to the inputs from the Space button above 60 FPS.
Cap frame rate to 60 FPS[17]

Too slow handbrake camera and regular camera movement and too zoomed-in cutscenes

These bugs occur when the frame rate exceeds 60 FPS.
Apply FusionFix (keyboard and mouse controls only)[18][19]
Cap frame rate to 60 FPS or lower[20]

Game language does not follow the Rockstar Games Launcher/Steam settings

Apply Language Loader[21]
Needs Ultimate ASI Loader.
  1. Download and extract Language Loader in <path-to-game>\plugins\.
  2. Alter GameLanguageID to wanted language in IVLanguageLoader.ini.

No bullet spread/recoil

Bullet spread/recoil is enabled only when playing with a controller by default, resulting in 100% shooting accuracy when using a keyboard and a mouse.[citation needed]
Apply FusionFix[22]
Works on the Complete Edition.
Apply Bullet Spread/Recoil Fix script[23]
Needs an ASI Loader.
Not recommended to use in Multiplayer.
Never got updated for the Complete Edition, likely incompatible.

Stuttering, texture popping and other performance issues after running the game for a while

Forcing available memory on Patch 8 is not recommended; it will make the game unstable.[citation needed]
Force maximum available memory[24]
  1. Create a file named commandline.txt in the game's root folder.
  2. Enter one of the following codes in to the newly created file depending on the texture quality set:
    • Low textures (256 MB VRAM): -memrestrict 230686720
    • Medium textures (512 MB VRAM): -memrestrict 314572800
    • High textures (1 GB+ VRAM): -memrestrict 681574400
  3. Save the file and run the game.

Unable to play in offline mode with the game's Steam version

This solution will enable offline mode with local game saves.
Run the game from the Rockstar Games Launcher[25]
  1. Ensure both Rockstar Games Launcher and Steam are already set for offline mode: Rockstar Games Launcher's how-to. Steam's how-to.
  2. Disconnect the system from Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
  3. Run the Rockstar Games Launcher using Windows' Start Menu, that uses a shortcut to LauncherPatcher.exe (usually located in "%PROGRAMFILES%\Rockstar Games\Launcher").
  4. Run the game from this launcher by clicking "Play on Steam".

VRAM amount is wrongly detected

The game can wrongly detect the amount of VRAM available, showing only 512 MB instead.
Claimed to be fixed on Patch 8,[26] but may still happen on certain system configurations[27] such as laptops with dual GPU configurations[28], when using wrappers like DXVK or when Downgrading to a pre-Patch 8 game version.
Use -availablevidmem XXXX command line argument and replace XXXX by the wanted amount of VRAM in MB[29]
Use ExtendVidMem[30]
Works on the Complete Edition.
  1. Download the dinput8.dll file in this page.
  2. Extract it to <path-to-game>\GTA IV\.

Notes

Rename the ASI loader's variant of the dinput8.dll file to dsound.dll to use this fix along with Ultimate ASI Loader.

DRM-related errors

Absent from the Complete Edition, where GFWL and SecuROM were removed from the game.
Install the latest Games for Windows - LIVE in case of old versions on Windows 8 or later.

Error: WS10

Install the updated Games for Windows Marketplace Client[citation needed]

Fatal error: WTV190

Reinstall GFWL client[citation needed]

Fatal error: WTV270

See In-game interface does not open

Release Date Check Failure

For older versions: Alter the system date to any date before June 28, 2015.[citation needed]

SecuLauncher: failed to start application. [2000] error

Install Visual C++ Redistributable 2005 SP1 and .NET 3.5[31]
Remove any administrator compatibility fix from <path-to-game>\GTAIV\GTAIV.exe

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9.0c
Shader Model support 3
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Physics Bullet, Euphoria
Interface Flash
Cutscenes Bink Video 1.9r
Used for in-game television.

Launch options

Few commands work only on clear game and on Patch 3.
It is possible to alter the way the game runs by creating a file called commandline.txt and saving it to <path-to-game>. Below is a list of all the parameters.
Parameter Description
-help Lists the available commands.
-adapter Uses the specified screen adapter.
-autoconfig Automatically adjusts the graphics settings depending on computer specifications.
-availablevidmem Sets the amount of available physical video memory.
-benchmark Launches the game in Benchmark mode and then quits it.
-detailquality Sets the game's detail distance (0-99).
-disableimposters Turns off imposter rendering for vehicles.
-forcehighqualitymirrors Enables 64-bit mirrors.
-forcer2vb Forces rendering to Vertex Buffer.
-frameLimit Limits the FPS to your monitor's refresh rate.
-framelockinwindow Forces framelock to work even in a window.
-fullscreen Forces fullscreen mode.
-fullspecaudio Forces high-end CPU audio footprint.
-gpucount Allows to manually set the GPU count if query fails.
-height Sets the vertical resolution.
-managed Uses D3D runtime managed resources.
-memrestrict Restricts the amount of available memory the game can use.
-minspecaudio Forces low-end CPU audio footprint.
-no_3GB Disables 32-bit OS with /3GB.
-noBlockOnLostFocus Prevents the game from blocking window updates during focus loss.
-noprecache Disables precaching of resources.
-nomemrestrict Disables memory restrictions.
-nominimize Disables the ability to restore the game from minimize and altering resolutions (reduces system memory footprint).
-norestrictions Disables restrictions on graphics settings.
-noswapdelay Disables sleep delay before Present (disables the hard present stalls fix).
-notimefix Disables Time Fix.
-novblank Disables vertical blanking for V-Sync.
-percentvidmem Percentage of video memory to be made available for the game.
-refreshrate Sets the refresh rate (values set must be supported by your monitor).
-reserve Sets the amount of memory to be used by other programs.
-reservedApp Sets the amount of memory to be left available within application space.
-renderquality Adjusts anisotropic filtering (0-4).
-safemode Sets the game's graphics to the lowest setting possible.
-shadowdensity Adjusts night shadows (0-16).
-shadowquality Sets the shadow quality (0-4).
-stereo Enables stereo audio support.
-texturequality Sets the game's texture quality (0-2).
-unmanaged Uses application managed resources.
-usedirectinput Allows DirectInput alongside XInput support.
-viewdistance Sets the game's view distance (0-99).
-windowed Forces windowed mode.
-width Sets the horizontal resolution.

Custom music

The game allows users to play their own music on a custom radio station: Independence FM.[32]

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.
iTunes must be installed for M4A support.
Supported formats are M4A, MP3 and WMA. Other formats and extensions are not detected.
Use shortcuts to audio files/folders to improve performance and save disk space.
Supports high-resolution audio files. Up to 96 kHz/24 bit.
Supports Surround audio files. Up to 6 channels.
FLAC is not supported. Convert them to WMA Lossless to use them in-game.
Monaural audio files are not supported.

Downgrading

ENB Series graphical enhancement was never meant to work on Patch 5 or later[33], and the particular ENB version must support Patch 8 (so also dax.dll fix included) (IV | EFLC), otherwise the game may display a black screen. This instruction is aditionally needed to fix the Social Club error on the RGL/Steam version.
Some mods may not work on the game's latest version.
The most recommended versions for modding are patches 4-7.
Steam guide for downgrading the Complete Edition to patches 8, 7 or 4

Notes

Delete any plugins, like FusionFix, from the game folder before using this method.
Can keep DLCs in one game, Steam achievements and the 3 EFLC-exclusive radio stations.
Works with GFWL (delete xlive.dll from the game folder and XlivelessAddon.asi from the plugins folder and get the GFWL code protection disabler to enable GFWL) and multiplayer clients.
Has a beginner-friendly installer with a guide.
It is alternatively possible to play Singleplayer without any requirements for GFWL thanks to xlive.dll.
Downgrading to Patch 4 removes DLC support.
Install Patch 4 (1.0.4.0)[citation needed]
  1. Extract and run the installer.
  2. Download the font fixes.
  3. Place fonts.dat and fonts_r.dat into <path-to-game>\common\data\.
  4. Download and install XLiveLess.

Notes

An older Script Hook version is needed for modding on Patch 4, found here.
Some mods only work on Patch 4, while other mods, like ColAccel, do not work on Patch 4 at all.
This version is claimed to have better game performance.[34][35]
Install Patch 7 (1.0.7.0)
  1. Extract the files.
  2. Run UpdateTitle.exe and install it.
  3. Download and install XLiveLess.

Notes

Only works when downgrading from patch 8 to 7.
Patch 7 has better graphics, DLC support, many bug fixes, secondary key-bindings and more.
Many report a performance decrease on this patch compared to Patch 5 or older due to a better shadow quality on Patch 6 or later.

Reduce loading times

You must delete colCache.dat and let it get re-created when editing .IMG archives.
Place ColAccel script in <path-to-game>[36]
Needs an ASI Loader.
Greatly reduces loading times.
Supports the Complete Edition.
May cause bugs and/or other inconsistencies, mostly related to scripted models or objects that alter their appearance via story progression.[37]

Restore removed music

Over 50 radio station tracks were removed from the game in April 2018 due to expired licenses.[38]
Downgrading the Radio Stations[39]
  1. Download the (music) downgrader.
  2. Unpack to the installation folder.
  3. Run install.bat.

Ultimate ASI Loader

Ultimate ASI Loader is a tool that loads custom libraries with the ASI file extension.
Needed by FusionFix and ZolikaPatch.
Installation[40]
  1. Download the Ultimate-ASI-Loader.zip file.
  2. Extract the file to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\.

Use over 2 GB of RAM

The game will only use up to 2 GB of RAM by default; this can be adjusted to up to 4 GB. Extending this limit may be needed while using wrappers, like DXVK.
Edit stream.ini[41]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\GTA IV\pc\ and open the stream.ini file.
  2. Alter every occurrence of 204800 to 409600 and save the file.

XLiveLessAddon

Disables Games for Windows - LIVE.
Includes Ultimate ASI Loader.
The location of the savegames alters to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\savegames\.
Adds borderless windowed mode.
Allows running the game directly from GTAIV.exe.
Gives an option to skip intro videos and the main menu.
Disables LIVE multiplayer acess. LAN multiplayer is still accessible, but connecting to a LAN lobby crashes the game.[citation needed]
Installation[42]
  1. Download the XLivelessAddon.zip file.
  2. Extract the contents of the download to <path-to-game> (replace the file when prompted).

DXVK

DXVK is a Vulkan-based translation layer for Direct3D 9-11 games.
May vastly improve the game's performance due to its added shader/state cache systems, advanced multithreading support and extended draw call handling capabilities.
May prevent some ENB shaders, like ambient occlusion, from caching and rendering.[43]
Install DXVK[44]

Notes

Create a text file, add d3d9.maxFrameLatency = 1 to it and save it as dxvk.conf in <path-to-game>\GTAIV\ to avoid or reduce occasional frame skipping and stuttering; this command ensures only a single frame is buffered by the CPU ahead of time.[45]
Adding d3d9.presentInterval = 1 to the dxvk.conf file enables Vsync; using Vsync via DXVK may give less CPU overhead compared to the game's own Vsync implementation.
Adding d3d9.numBackBuffers = 3 to the dxvk.conf file may further improve frametime stability while using Vsync; this command ensures Triple Buffering is active.
The game may wrongly detect the amount of VRAM available and only show 512 MB instead while using DXVK.
The game may need to use over 2 GB of RAM to avoid stuttering while using DXVK.

Modifications

It is strongly recommended to backup any files these mods may replace.
Should not be used in multiplayer.
Use Script Hook and CE Hook for other mods.

FusionFix

Aims to fix some issues on the Complete Edition (version 1.2.0.30 or later).
Installation[46]
Needs Ultimate ASI Loader.
  1. Download the GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix.zip file.
  2. Extract the files to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\ (replace the files when prompted).

Notes

See this for Patch 8. It is recommended to use ZolikaPatch otherwise.

ZolikaPatch

For patches 4, 7 and 8. See FusionFix for the Complete Edition (version 1.2.0.30 or later).
Needs Ultimate ASI Loader.
Started as a bug fixing mod and added some graphical overhauls.
Fixes issues that FusionFix does not address.
Installation[47]
Needs downgrading.[48]
  1. Download the ZIP file from bottom of the first post.
  2. Extract the files to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\.

Run EFLC as DLCs

For patches 6-8.
Unneeded on the Complete Edition.
Merges the radio stations and songs from EFLC into the base game.
Removes RamJam FM, Self-Actualization FM and Vice City FM radio stations.

IV HUD & Radar overhaul

Aims to accurately remake every texture of the HUD in higher resolution.

Beta Whiz Phone

Makes the phone model better match the Whiz Phone's cutscene model.

CG4 Radar/Map

Adds more details and information on the world map and improves its look.

Clean IV

Improves the game's saturation and removes the gray-green filter.

DayL's Natural Timecyc

Makes the game less dark/grey, more natural and more vibrant.

Draw Distance Tweak

Allows larger draw distances.

EFLC PC Quality Texture & GTA IV&EFLC Graphics Fix

For patches 7 and 8.
Should be installed before FusionFix.
Fixes some minor graphical issues and replaces the low quality textures in EFLC by better quality ones.

First Person

Works on VR.

Fixed Combat Shotgun Icon

Makes the Combat Shotgun icon better match the in-game model.

Grand Theft Auto IV and Episodes From Liberty City: Characters Fixes

Needs OpenIV.
Fixes some character textures and makes the characters better match their EFLC appearances.

iCEnhancer Natural

Incompatible with other ENB mods.
Overhauls the game's visuals from lighting and reflections to vegetation.
Optimized for Patch 4.[49]

Improved Animations Pack

Needs OpenIV.
Fixes many issues with gun animations, like the firing delay on the assault rifles.

Plane Flight Path Improvements

Alters the paths the planes take around the city.

Player Outfit Texture Fixes

Needs OpenIV.
N.O.O.S.E. and Ped Outfit Texture Fixes do not replace files from Grand Theft Auto IV and Episodes From Liberty City: Characters Fixes.
Fixes coloring issues on the N.O.O.S.E., pedestrians and player textures.
Player Outfit Texture Fixes replaces files from Grand Theft Auto IV and Episodes From Liberty City: Characters Fixes.

Potential Grim

For patches 7/EFLC 2 (recommended) and 8/EFLC 3.
Increases the gangs' hostility and violence and expands their influence, relying on proper backgrounds and story details.
Fixes a coding error where some gangs should be more hostile after certain points in the game.

Project 2DFX

Needs an ASI Loader.
Makes street lights render from greater distances.

Replace D3D/DDraw renderer to fix lag and stutters

Fixes the game's legacy D3D/DDraw renderer with DDrawCompat or translates it to DX11/12 or Vulkan renderers, likely giving better frame rates and less stutter.
The game uses multi-core systems more efficiently.

Responsive Plus

For patches 7/EFLC 2 (recommended) and 8/EFLC 3.
Rebalances gunplay, substantially reducing total ammo pool and magazine size and increasing damage output in guns, making firefights more challenging and engaging, where time to kill is shorter for both the player and enemies. Ammo and weapons are also more expensive now.
Slightly adjusts the vehicle handling model.
Makes many fixes/tweaks across the game, notably to vehicle flags/spawning.

Road Textures by DKT70

Better results with an ENB mod.
Gives high-definition textures to roads.

Ultimate Graphics Tweak

For patches up to Patch 4.
Restores effects from the console versions, like depth of field and motion blur.

VisualIV

Fixes and improves the game's visuals based on Liberty City's real life inspiration.

System requirements

Windows
Minimum
Operating system (OS) XP SP3, Vista SP2, 7 SP1
Processor (CPU) Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz
AMD Athlon X2 64 2.4 GHz
System memory (RAM) 1.5 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 22 GB
Video card (GPU) ATI Radeon X1900
Nvidia GeForce 7900
256 MB of VRAM
DirectX 9.0c compatible


Notes

  1. Games for Windows - LIVE DRM features: Legacy activation, supports local profiles.
  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>/12210/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (12210) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.

References

  1. GTA IV PC - Games For Windows - last accessed on 2022-09-09
  2. Grand Theft Auto IV Patch Changelog - last accessed on 2022-09-20
    "Separate RGSC application no longer required to launch game."
  3. Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City updates to remove Games for Windows Live - Rockstar Games Customer Support - last accessed on 2022-09-20
    "As a result of this update the following services will no longer be available in Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition – Games for Windows Live, Multiplayer mode, Leaderboards."
  4. Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City updates to remove Games for Windows Live - Rockstar Games Customer Support - last accessed on 2022-09-20
    "Players with existing CD keys will be able to redeem them via the Rockstar Games Launcher."
  5. Verified by User:Tomasak on 2022-11-29
    Both have option to skip intro
  6. Remove/Skip annoying intro sequence! - /r/GTA
  7. Verified by User:Bowi on 2022-08-19
  8. GTA IV (2016 Patch) | 21:9 Review - YouTube
  9. Verified by User:Blackbird on 2021-04-17
  10. Currently Supported Controllers for GTA IV PC - Rockstar Support
  11. Title Update v. 1.0.2.0 - Help & Support - GTAForums
  12. https://gtaforums.com/topic/825999-ps4-anyone-else-having-trouble-with-their-right-trigger
  13. 13.0 13.1 PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up
  14. Creative Alchemy - GTAForums
  15. Japanese support - last accessed on 2022-12-01
  16. IV:MP T4 Manual - IV-MP Community Forum
  17. GTA IV: Bugs and Glitches compilation
  18. Handbrake camera is too slow · Issue #10 · GTAmodding/GTAIV-Issues-List
  19. Zoomed in cutscenes · Issue #1 · GTAmodding/GTAIV-Issues-List
  20. Verified by User:Mrtnptrs on 2022-08-23
  21. Verified by User:Tomasak on 2022-12-01
    Checked if mod works on latest CE version
  22. Recoil behaves differently between gamepad and kb/mouse · Issue #6 · GTAmodding/GTAIV-Issues-List
  23. Archived Requests, need ideas? - GTAForums
  24. How to use -memrestrict to fix stuttering - GTA Forums
  25. Verified by User:Bowi on 2022-08-14
    Tested myself with both Steam's and Rockstar Launcher's clouds disabled.
  26. Grand Theft Auto IV Patch 8 Title Update Notes (PC only) - last accessed on 2022-08-23
  27. GTA IV – How to fix Resource Usage (VRAM) stuck on 512 MB
  28. Verified by User:Tomasak on 2022-11-29
    Checked on laptop with GTX 1060 and Intel HD 630 GPU combination
  29. Verified by User:Tomasak on 2022-11-29
    Tested on both platforms
  30. Newest patch - VRAM 512MB limit !!
  31. SecuROM™ Support Website - Grand Theft Auto IV
  32. Independence FM (user radio) in GTA IV - Rockstar Support
  33. https://www.reddit.com/r/GTAIV/comments/um4b8c/comment/i8ger42/?context=3
  34. Patch 1.0.4.0 vs Patch 1.0.7.0 - GTA Forums
  35. Project2DFX - GTAForums
  36. ColAccel - reduce loading time by 50%* - Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums
  37. Post by Marsi4eg
  38. Grand Theft Auto IV music cut patch - Rock Paper Shotgun
  39. IV/EFLC Radio "downgrader" - GTA Forums
  40. Ultimate-ASI-Loader/readme.md at master · ThirteenAG/Ultimate-ASI-Loader · GitHub
  41. How to really play this game + improving game performance
  42. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named XLiveLessAddon
  43. (fix) ENB finally works back with Rockstar Games Launcher (and probably Steam) - n0emo comment - Reddit - last accessed on 2022-10-29
  44. DXVK works magic on GTA IV - Reddit - last accessed on 2022-10-29
  45. How to fix choppiness and stutters in GTA IV - last accessed on 2022-10-29
  46. GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix/readme.md at master · ThirteenAG/GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix · GitHub
  47. [IV] ZolikaPatch - Page 1 - Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums
  48. Page mentions support for unpatched game, patch 4, 7 and 8 - last accessed on 2022-11-29
  49. [missing title] - last accessed on 2022-08-09