Grand Theft Auto IV

Grand Theft Auto IV

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

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.

The PC version allows importing music files for playback in a custom radio station. Rockstar Games has removed some music tracks from the game due to expired licenses as it has done with Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City. See Restore removed music

Visual effect shaders are known to be broken in the PC release when compared to both the Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360 releases. See FusionFix and Shader Fixes for partial fixes. The game has an extensive modding community, with mod compatibility split between the Complete Edition and older, retail versions. It is also notorious for poor performance (especially on maxed out settings) and frame-pacing issues, even on high-end systems. Lowering settings and/or DXVK are strongly advised.

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		Games for Windows - LIVE and SecuROM PA DRM. Additionally uses SecuROM 7 DRM for disc checking. Released on 2 DVDs. Custom DRM code may sabotage the game in several ways.
Official website		Complete Edition.
Steam		Complete Edition.
Amazon.com (unavailable)		The Complete Edition is also available.
GamersGate (unavailable)		The Complete Edition is also available.
Games for Windows Marketplace (unavailable)
(unavailable)		The Complete Edition is also available.
Green Man Gaming (unavailable)		The Complete Edition is also available.
Humble Store (unavailable)		The Complete Edition is also available.

Rockstar Social Club is not needed to run the game using retail patches 1.0.6.0, 1.0.7.0, or 1.0.8.0.

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, adding achievements, introducing Rockstar Games Launcher DRM and removing multiplayer, SecuROM PA DRM and Games for Windows - LIVE DRM entirely (see Network for solutions).

CD keys can be redeemed on the Rockstar Games Launcher to activate the Complete Edition.

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
The Lost and Damned

Essential improvements

Patches

The latest Steam/Rockstar Games Launcher version may be incompatible with some modifications, so downgrading to 1.0.8.0 or earlier may be required (check desired mods' requirements).

Patch 1.0.7.0 and 1.0.8.0 restores multiplayer, which is still officially available to play.

Patches after 1.0.8.0 were released only for the game's digital versions. Although the first numbered upgrade was referred as "1.20", subsequent versions of the game adopted a "1.2.x.x" model.

DXVK

Can vastly improve the game's performance.

Install DXVK

Install DXVK to <path-to-game>\GTAIV. Create a text file, name it dxvk.conf, and add d3d9.maxFrameLatency = 1 to it to avoid or reduce occasional frame skipping and stuttering Add d3d9.presentInterval = 1 to the file, which forces using DXVK's Vsync implementation. This may give less CPU overhead compared to the game's own Vsync implementation. Add d3d9.numBackBuffers = 3 to the file. This may further improve frametime stability while using Vsync. Notes: The game may wrongly detect the amount of VRAM available and only show 512 MB instead while using DXVK.

Ultimate ASI Loader

Ultimate ASI Loader is the primary tool used by the game's modding community to allow players to load mods into the game.

Needed by ZolikaPatch and included with FusionFix.

Installation
Download the Ultimate-ASI-Loader.zip file. Extract the file to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\.

FusionFix

Fixes various gameplay and visual issues, includes an accurate, adjustable frame rate limiter, and restores and improves broken shaders which were lost or broken as a result of porting from consoles to PC

Includes Ultimate ASI Loader.

Only the latest version includes most of the changes, and said version is only compatible with Complete Edition. If running an older patch, the only compatible version is 1.10

Installation
Go to Releases and download latest version (or 1.10 if running older patches) Extract the contents of the archive to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\ Update Shader Fixes if desired.

ZolikaPatch

Only compatible with older versions 1.0.4.0, 1.0.7.0, or 1.0.8.0.

Requires Ultimate ASI Loader.

Installation
Download the ZIP file from bottom of the first post. Extract the files to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\.

Shader Fixes

Restores console visual effects and addresses various visual effects issues introduced in the PC port and updates after 1.0.5.0. The goal is to restore and fix everything from here

Compatible with older patches.

Already included with FusionFix for Complete Edition, but can be updated with newer files from this patch.

Installation
Go to Releases and download latest version Extract the Main folder of the archive to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\ (or <path-to-game>\GTAIV\update folder if using FusionFix) Note: If Console Gamma when using older patches is desired, also extract the folder in Addons

Downgrade Tool

ItsClonkAndre's downgrade tool is a simple-to-use tool to downgrade a digital copy of the game to a retail patch version, such as 1.0.8.0.

Useful for situations where a majority of desired mods and fixes will not work with the Complete Edition.

Also comes with a radio downgrader and additional mods with multiple options.

Skip intro videos

Install FusionFix if using Complete Edition or ZolikaPatch if using older patches

Edit loadingscreens_pc.dat
Go to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\common\data\. Open loadingscreens_pc.dat with a text editor. Alter the value of "duration" for sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 to "0".

Use the No-intro Easy Fix[citation needed]
Download and extract the NO-intro_easy-fix.rar file (mirror on PCGamingWiki). Move the loadingscreens_pc.dat file to <path-to-game>\common\data\ (replace the file when prompted).

Game data

In-game general settings.

Configuration file(s) location

System	Location
Windows	%LOCALAPPDATA%\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\Settings\SETTINGS.CFG
Steam Play (Linux)	<SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12210/pfx/

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)	<SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12210/pfx/

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

Uses Rockstar Games Launcher cloud saves for the Complete Edition.

Rockstar Games' cloud saves can be disabled while playing the game in Online Mode using the overlay's menu.

Video

In-game video settings.

Graphics feature	State	WSGF	Notes
Widescreen resolution
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen			Cutscenes and loading screens are Vert-.
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)		Modifiable using a trainer. ZMenuIV additionally allows an FOV multiplier. FusionFix allows modifying cutscene FOV.
Windowed		Run the game with -windowed parameter.
Borderless fullscreen windowed		Install FusionFix or ZolikaPatch.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)		Up to 16 samples.
Anti-aliasing (AA)		FXAA with FusionFix or Shader Fixes.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS
120+ FPS		Frame rates above 60 cause some bugs, like buggy vehicle physics, motorcycles getting extremely slippery. Unofficial fixes and patches, such as FusionFix and ZolikaPatch, do not completely fix these issues.
High dynamic range display (HDR)

Input

In-game key map settings.

In-game keyboard/mouse settings.

In-game gamepad settings.

Keyboard and mouse	State	Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration		Always on by default. Can be removed with FusionFix or ZolikaPatch.
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Full controller support
Controller remapping		Can only switch between preset layouts.
Controller sensitivity		Called Aim Sensitivity.
Controller Y-axis inversion

Controller types

XInput-compatible controllers
Xbox button prompts
Impulse Trigger vibration

PlayStation controllers		See the glossary page for potential workarounds.

Generic/other controllers		See DirectInput controller support.
Button prompts

Additional information
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

Steam Input
Steam Input API support
Hook input (legacy mode)
Official controller preset(s)
Steam Controller button prompts

DirectInput controller support

Run the game with -usedirectinput parameter

Enable support in in-game options
Open the in-game Options menu. From the list which appears, select Controls. Click Enable DirectInput under Controller Options.

Right trigger does not work when using Steam Input

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

Audio

In-game audio settings.

Audio feature	State	Notes
Separate volume controls		Music and SFX.
Surround sound		Up to 5.0 output.
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio

Command line arguments 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 audio quality; 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.

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. See this to enforce different language without having to change Rockstar Games Launcher or Steam language.
Polish				Fan translation, download. Download this for the Complete Edition.
Brazilian Portuguese				Fan translation, download. Download this for the Complete Edition.
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. 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 or Grand Theft Auto Connected. downgrade first if running the Complete Edition.

Connection types

Type	Native	Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer		Games For Windows - LIVE is P2P, Grand Theft Auto Connected has an optional toggle for P2P.
Dedicated		Requires a third-party multiplayer client, such as IV:MP or Grand Theft Auto Connected.
Self-hosting
Direct IP

Ports

Protocol	Port(s) and/or port range(s)
TCP	GFWL: 3074
UDP	GFWL: 3074, 88; IV:MP: 8888

This game supports Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) for automatic port configuration.

UPnP is used on the Games for Windows - LIVE version.

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 unresolved

Timing-related issues

A framerate higher than 60 FPS can result in timing issues, including, but not limited to:

• Mouse movement is very difficult while using a browser computer.
• In the mission "Out of Commission", while trying to climb onto the helicopter, no matter how often the jump key is pressed, the player character will not be able to get onto the helicopter.
• Brucie's garage door in the mission "Easy as Can Be" closes, prematurely leaving Niko trapped.
• The use of the virtual keyboard of the police car computer becomes impossible to control with the keyboard due to the sensitivity being increased too much.
• While playing pool, the balls physics breaks, balls don't go as far and as fast as they do.
• Handbrake camera and regular camera movement become excessively-slow, and cutscenes are zoomed-in to the point where the subjects are cut off.

Install Out of Commission Helicopter Bug Fix[citation needed]
Note: Specifically fixes the bug with the "Out of Commission" mission.

Use FusionFix
Note: Does not completely fix timing-related issues.

Issues fixed

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

Apply Language Loader
Requires Ultimate ASI Loader. Download and extract Language Loader in <path-to-game>\plugins\. Alter GameLanguageID to wanted language in IVLanguageLoader.ini.

No bullet spread/recoil

Apply Bullet Spread/Recoil Fix script
Notes: Requires Ultimate ASI Loader. Not recommended to use in multiplayer. Requires 1.0.8.0 or earlier.

Use FusionFix
Note: Requires 1.0.7.0, 1.0.8.0, or the Complete Edition.

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

Ensure both Rockstar Games Launcher and Steam are already set for offline mode: Rockstar Games Launcher's how-to. Steam's how-to. 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 "%PROGRAMFILES%\Rockstar Games\Launcher"). 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 1.0.8.0, but may still happen on certain system configurations such as laptops with dual GPU configurations, when using wrappers like DXVK or when downgrading to a pre-1.0.8.0 game version.

Use -availablevidmem XXXX.0 command line argument and replace XXXX by the wanted amount of VRAM in MB
Notes Using any value above 3072.0 on latest Complete Edition version is not recommended as it seems to cause texture popping all throughout the map.

Use ExtendVidMem
Works on the Complete Edition. Download the dinput8.dll file in this page. 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.

Fatal error: WTV270

See In-game interface does not open

SecuLauncher: failed to start application. [2000] error

Install Visual C++ Redistributable 2005 SP1 and .NET 3.5

Remove any administrator compatibility fix from <path-to-game>\GTAIV\GTAIV.exe

All civilian cars are taxis (taxi bug)

Example of a game affected by the "taxi bug".

During gameplay with mods, civilian cars can be entirely replaced with taxis.

Modify GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix.ini

Open GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix.ini with a text editor. Add the following lines, then save and close the file: [BudgetedIV] VehicleBudget=120000000 PedBudget=150000000 Note: Requires FusionFix and Complete Edition. The given values must be provided in bytes (i.e. 150,000,000 bytes is 143.05 MB divided by 1,048,576). The value given for VehicleBudget should be the size of vehicles.img in bytes plus the combined size in bytes of all vehicle model and texture mods in use. Increase this value if the bug re-occurs. Decrease it if cars stop having engine sounds.

Use Simple Traffic Loader[citation needed]
Note: Requires Ultimate ASI Loader and any retail version. Attempting to limit modded cars to specific in-game regions can result in the game world failing to render.

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
Audio	DirectSound
Interface	Adobe Flash
Cutscenes	Bink Video	1.9r Used for in-game television.

Launch options

Some commands work only on a game using version 1.0.3.0.^{[citation needed]}

It is possible to alter the way the game runs by creating a file called commandline.txt and saving it to <path-to-game>, or by using parameters as command line arguments.

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.[dubious – discuss]
-forcer2vb	Forces rendering to Vertex Buffer.
-frameLimit	Limits the FPS to the refresh rate of the monitor being used.
-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 3GB memory support on 32-bit OSes which have been set to allow games and applications to use that much memory.
-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 the monitor used).
-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 support 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.

Instructions

Place any audio files/folders or create shortcuts into %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\User Music\ folder. Go into the in-game settings. From the in-game settings, go to Audio. Click on either Quick Scan or Complete Scan to perform a one-time scan of User Music or enable Auto Scan to have the game automatically scan User Music). Tune into the Independence FM radio station in-game. Notes: The minimum amount of tracks in the folder for the station to work is 3. 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. Monaural audio files are not supported.

Restore removed music

Over 50 radio station tracks were removed from the game in April 2018 due to expired licenses.

Install music 'downgrader'
Download the music 'downgrader'. Extract the contents of the downloaded file to <path-to-game>. Run install.bat.

XLiveLessAddon

Disables Games for Windows - LIVE on retail versions (Complete Edition does not use Games for Windows - LIVE).

Includes Ultimate ASI Loader.

Alters the location of the savegames 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.

Installation
Download the XLivelessAddon.zip file. Extract the contents of the download to <path-to-game> (replace the file when prompted). Note: If using ZolikaPatch, all values inside XLivelessAddon.ini must be set to 0.

Use over 2 GB of RAM/VRAM

The limit can be adjusted from 2GB to 4 GB. Extending this limit may be needed while mods with big RAM and/or VRAM requirements.^{[citation needed]}

Edit stream.ini
Go to <path-to-game>\GTA IV\pc\ and open the stream.ini file. Alter every occurrence of 204800 to 409600 and save the file.

OpenIV

Used to install mods that are packaged in .oiv format.

Trainers

While trainers are usually used for fun and extra features, ZMenuIV is highly recommended for multiplayer play as it permits the creation of custom game modes similar to what can be done in GTA:Online.

ZMenuIV

Multiplayer-focused - highly recommended for multiplayer.

Includes a variety of useful and fun options, such as noclip or Chaos mod for streamers.

Requires ASI Loader or XLiveLessAddon.

Not compatible with Complete Edition.

Liberty's Legacy Trainer

Compatible with Complete Edition, 1.0.7.0 and 1.0.8.0

aru's Script Hook (additionally, Compatibility Patch for CE if you're using Complete Edition) and ASI Loader are required.

Modifications

• GTA Gaming Archive
• GTA Garage
• GTA Inside
• GTA Land

It is strongly recommended to backup any files these mods may replace.

Should not be used in multiplayer.

aru's Script Hook (additionally, Compatibility Patch for CE if you're using Complete Edition) is a prerequisite for some mods

OpenIV might be required for some mods - those mods do not depend on some version unless stated otherwise.

Installing mods that replace files on Complete Edition can follow a different procedure that doesn't require replacing files if you have Ultimate ASI Loader - <path-to-game>\GTAIV\update can include all non-img files in their respective folder structure, while all the .img files can be separately batched into one (or three if they affect EFLC too) .img file with OpenIV in a separate folder.

Run EFLC as DLCs

For older patches - 1.0.6.0 to 1.0.8.0. Unneeded on the Complete Edition.

Unneeded after using Downgrade tool

Merges the radio stations and songs from EFLC into the base game.

Removes RamJam FM, Self-Actualization FM and Vice City FM radio stations.

Improved Animations Pack

Requires OpenIV.

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

Ammo depletes much faster on weapons, such as Micro SMG.

TBoGT Vehicle Fix

Requires OpenIV.

Fixes the missing headlights on TBoGT vehicles.

Already included with FusionFix on Complete Edition.

Mirror Fix

Fixes broken mirrors in the game.

A similar fix is already a part of Shader Fixes.

Console Visuals

Restores additional console-only visual effects and content.

FusionFix is required for Complete Edition; for retail patches, OpenIV and Shader Fixes are required instead.

ColAccel

Drastically decreases loading times

Requires Ultimate ASI Loader.

Compatible with Complete Edition and retail patches (the releases are different - 1.5 is for CE and 1.4 is for retail).

Produces memory issues and increased load times on some PC's instead.

May cause bugs and/or other inconsistencies, mostly related to scripted models or objects that alter their appearance via story progression.

System requirements

Windows
	Minimum	Recommended
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