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Difference between revisions of "Grand Theft Auto IV"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(→‎Issues fixed: First draft about how to FINALLY play offline.)
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{{ii}} A comprehensive list of all of the game's error codes can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20090102104112/https://www.rockstargames.com/support/gta4pc/GTAIV_Error_Codes_ALL_EN.html here].  
 
{{ii}} A comprehensive list of all of the game's error codes can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20090102104112/https://www.rockstargames.com/support/gta4pc/GTAIV_Error_Codes_ALL_EN.html here].  
 
{{ii}} In case of old versions - for [[Games for Windows - LIVE]] on Windows 8 or later, install the latest [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1012-microsoft-games-for-windows-live/ Games for Windows - LIVE].
 
{{ii}} In case of old versions - for [[Games for Windows - LIVE]] on Windows 8 or later, install the latest [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1012-microsoft-games-for-windows-live/ Games for Windows - LIVE].
 +
 +
===Unable to play in Offline Mode with the Steam version of the game===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Launch the game from the Rockstar Games Launcher|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Bowi|date=2022-08-14|comment=Tested myself with both Steam's and Rockstar Launcher's clouds disabled.}}</ref>|fix=
 +
#Make sure both Steam and Rockstar Games Launcher are already set for offline mode: [[Store:Steam#Offline_Mode|Steam's how-to]]. [[Store:Rockstar_Games_Launcher#Offline_Mode|Rockstar Games Launcher's how-to]].
 +
#Disconnect your device from Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
 +
#Launch the Rockstar Games Launcher using Windows' Start Menu, which uses a shortcut to "LauncherPatcher.exe" (usually located in "{{p|programfiles}}\Rockstar Games\Launcher")
 +
#Launch the game from this launcher by clicking on "Play on Steam".
 +
}}
  
 
===Rockstar Games Launcher stuck at black loading screen===
 
===Rockstar Games Launcher stuck at black loading screen===

Revision as of 18:56, 14 August 2022

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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, along with Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City. See Downgrading.
PC version features the ability to import music files for playback in a custom radio station.
Certain graphical effects and details are different to the console versions (e.g. different grass coverage, more texture flickering, and weaker volumetric lighting).[1][dubious – discuss]
Rockstar Games has removed certain music tracks from the game due to expired licenses. Same with Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City. See Restore removed music.

General information

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

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
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.
CD keys can be redeemed on the Rockstar Games Launcher. Doing this will activate the Complete Edition.[2] Released on 2 DVDs.
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Official website
Icon overlay.png
Complete Edition.
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Complete Edition.
Windows
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, introducing Rockstar Games Launcher DRM while removing Games for Windows - LIVE and SecuROM PA DRM entirely and adding achievements, but also removing multiplayer[3] (see Network for solutions).

DLC and expansion packs

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

Essential improvements

Many suggestions here might belong to the Modifications section.

Skip intro videos

Edit loadingscreens_pc.dat[4]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\common\data\.
  2. Open loadingscreens_pc.dat with a text editor.
  3. Change the value of "duration" for sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 to "0".
Use GTA IV No-intro Easy Fix
  1. Download and extract the NO-intro_easy-fix.rar file.
  2. Move the loadingscreens_pc.dat file to <path-to-game>\common\data\ (replace the file when prompted).
Use FusionFix[5]
Apply XLiveLessAddon (old versions only)[6]
Apply the GTA IV Intro Patch[citation needed]
Use ZolikaPatch[7]

Use more than 2 GB of RAM

The game will only use a maximum of 2 GB of RAM by default; this can be adjusted up to 4 GB. Extending this limit may be necessary while using wrappers such as DXVK.
Edit stream.ini[8]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\GTA IV\pc\ and open the stream.ini file.
  2. Change every occurrence of 204800 to 409600 and save the file.

Patches

For patch releases after Patch 1.0.8.0, you must update through Steam or the Rockstar Games Launcher.
Patch 8 updates the game to version 1.0.8.0
Patch 7 is also available (may be required for some mods, as much as Patch 4).
Since Patch 6 Rockstar Social Club is no longer required to run the game.[9]

Ultimate ASI Loader

Required by FusionFix and ZolikaPatch.
Installation[10]
  1. Download the Ultimate-ASI-Loader.zip file.
  2. Extract the files to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\ (replace any file(s) when prompted).

FusionFix

This projects aims to fix some issues present in the Complete Edition (patches 1.2.0.30 and above).
Requires Ultimate ASI Loader.
Installation[11]
  1. Download the GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix.zip file.
  2. Extract the files to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\ (replace any file(s) when prompted).

Notes

For patch 1.0.8.0, see here. Otherwise, it is recommended to use ZolikaPatch.

ZolikaPatch

For use with patches 1.0.4.0, 1.0.7.0, and 1.0.8.0. For the Complete Edition (patches 1.2.0.30 and above) see FusionFix.
Requires Ultimate ASI Loader.
Fixes issues that FusionFix doesn't address.
Installation[12]
  1. Download the ZolikaPatch_v6.9.4.zip file.
  2. Extract the files to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\ (replace any file(s) when prompted).

Fixes, tweaks, and content restoration

GTA IV&EFLC Graphics Fix & EFLC PC Quality Texture

For Patches 1.0.7.0 and 1.0.8.0.
Should be installed before installing FusionFix.
Fixes some minor graphical issues and replaces the low quality textures in Episodes from Liberty City with better quality ones.

ColAccel

Greatly reduces loading times.
When editing .IMG archives you need to delete colCache.dat and let it get re-created.
Place ColAccel script in <path-to-game>[13]
Requires an ASI Loader.

Restore removed music

Over 50 radio station tracks were removed from the game in April 2018 due to expired licences.[14]
Downgrading the Radio Stations[15]
  1. Download the (music) downgrader.
  2. Unpack to the installation folder.
  3. Run install.bat.

Run EFLC as DLCs

Not needed for the Complete Edition version.
Merges the radio stations and songs from EFLC into the base game.
Does not work with versions older than 1.0.6.0.
Removes RamJam FM, Self-Actualization FM and Vice City FM radio stations.

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

Not only does this fix some character textures, but it also makes characters look more consistent with their EFLC appearances.
Requires OpenIV

Player Outfit Texture Fixes

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

Improved Animations Pack

Fixes several issues with gun animations, such as the firing delay on the assault rifles.
Requires OpenIV.

Using DXVK to improve performance

DXVK is a DirectX to Vulkan API translation layer. It may drastically improve performance over ancient APIs due to advanced multithreading support, extended draw call handling capabilities and added shader/state cache systems.
Installation
  1. Download the DXVK files on GitHub.
  2. Extract the file and copy d3d9.dll from the x32 folder to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\.
    • Users who experience crashing, freezing, or infinite loading (especially after alt-tabbing or the game otherwise losing focus) should try using DXVK version 1.9.3 or later, as this version has been reported to solve these issues.[16]
    • As of August 2022, some users reported DXVK version 1.9.4 being the most performant for GTA IV, with less overhead on the GPU and causing less stutter when the game engine is under stress (the latest DXVK version at that moment being 1.10.3). [citation needed]

Notes

The game may require more than 2 GB of RAM to avoid stuttering while using wrappers such as DXVK; extending the RAM usage limits is highly recommended, see Use more than 2 GB of RAM.
The game may not detect the correct amount of VRAM available and only show 512 MB instead while using wrappers such as DXVK; see VRAM amount is incorrectly recognized for a fix.
To avoid or reduce occasional stuttering and frame skipping, create a new text file, add d3d9.maxFrameLatency = 1 to it, and save it as dxvk.conf in <path-to-game>\GTAIV\; this command ensures only a single frame is buffered by the CPU ahead of time, also possibly leading to a decrease in input lag in case V-Sync is active.[17]
Adding d3d9.presentInterval = 1 to the dxvk.conf file enables V-Sync; using V-Sync through DXVK may provide less CPU overhead compared to the game's own V-Sync implementation.
Adding d3d9.numBackBuffers = 3 to the dxvk.conf file may further improve frametime stability while using V-Sync; this command ensures Triple Buffering is active.
Using the game's -noprecache command with DXVK is not recommended as it may interfere with its caching system.[18]
Combining DXVK with different wrappers (e.g. DxWrapper) is not recommended as it may negate the performance improvement otherwise brought by the Vulkan API and possibly cause other issues as well (e.g. infinite loading screens and visual issues such as invisible character model).
DXVK can prevent some ENB shaders like global occlusion from caching and rendering.[19]

Additional information

A GPU with Vulkan support is required.
At least 4 physical CPU cores, 8 GB of RAM, and 2 GB of VRAM is recommended.
The game may stutter for a while upon the first run; this is due to the shader/state cache compilation and only temporary.

Anti-aliasing

While not available through DXVK or in-game, anti-aliasing can be added over DXVK by using the SweetFX DLL injector.[20]
  1. Install DXVK into <path-to-game>\GTAIV\ as described above.
  2. Rename the d3d9.dll DXVK file to d3d9_dxvk.dll.
  3. Download SweetFX 1.4u Boulotaur2024's Injector.[21]
  4. Extract all the contents of the file except for \X64_dll's and dxgi.dll to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\.
  5. Open SweetFX_settings.txt, and under "Misc settings" at the bottom of the file, set the external wrapper settings to the following:
    //external_d3d9_wrapper = d3d9_dxvk.dll
  6. Save the file and launch the game.
Both SMAA and FXAA are available.
The anti-aliasing levels, among other features, can be adjusted in SweetFX_settings.txt under "SMAA Anti-aliasing settings" and "FXAA Anti-aliasing settings".
Use the Insert key to toggle SweetFX entirely, the End key to create a screenshot, and the Delete key to reload SweetFX.

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. For an alternative, see Command line parameters.

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.

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

Save game cloud syncing

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

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-.[22]
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, does not allow adjustment of in-game FOV.
Windowed
Launch 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
Framerates above 60 may cause minor physics/collision bugs (Cutscenes may be zoomed in incorrectly; slow handbrake camera; handbrake camera is too fast on high FPS[23]). FusionFix fixes some of these issues. At least two end game missions (A Revenger's Tragedy and Out of Commission) cannot be completed above 60 FPS.
High dynamic range display (HDR)
[24]

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.

PS3 Controller Buttons

If using a PlayStation controller, you might want to change the Xbox 360 buttons used in the game's UI to the DUALSHOCK buttons. To do so, follow the instructions below.

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\

DirectInput Controller support (old versions only)

Launch the game with -usedirectinput parameter[25]
Added in Patch 1.0.2.0[26]
After Patch 1.0.3.0 a separate option was located in Options then Controls then Controller Options.

Audio

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

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
SFX & Music.
Surround sound
Up to 5.0 output[27]
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Commands responsible for the in-game audio:
  • -fullspecaudio: forces higher quality audio (default).
  • -minspecaudio: forces lower quality audio - good for lower-end processors (while it doesn't decrease the definition of the audio, some extra audio details were removed, therefore reducing CPU load).
The game uses DirectSound[27] which can be handled by Creative Alchemy (set duration to 10).[28] Just run LaunchGTAIV.exe as administrator just in case the game crashes (unnecessary in Rockstar Launcher version).

DSOAL for using as alternative DirectSound wrapper (with or without HRTF) is compatible with the Rockstar Games Launcher version and with Windows 10 builds lower than at least 1809.

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Czech
Fan translation, download.
French
German
Hungarian
Fan translation.
Italian
Japanese
Polish
Fan translation, download. For Complete Edition download this version
Brazilian Portuguese
Fan translation, download.
Russian
Official localization by «1C-Softclub» included in Complete Edition, for other patches download here.
Spanish
Ukrainian
Fan translation, download.
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 CitizenMP:IV or IV:MP. If running Complete Edition, downgrade first.
Online play
32 Co-op, Versus
Use vanilla Games for Windows - LIVE's LIVE play feature, or use Grand Theft Auto Connected, CitizenMP:IV or IV:MP. If running Complete Edition, downgrade first.
GTA Connected gives you 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)[29]
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
For better support use Helix Mod: Grand Theft Auto IV
vorpX
G3D
Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list.

Issues fixed

A comprehensive list of all of the game's error codes can be found here.
In case of old versions - for Games for Windows - LIVE on Windows 8 or later, install the latest Games for Windows - LIVE.

Unable to play in Offline Mode with the Steam version of the game

Launch the game from the Rockstar Games Launcher[30]
  1. Make sure both Steam and Rockstar Games Launcher are already set for offline mode: Steam's how-to. Rockstar Games Launcher's how-to.
  2. Disconnect your device from Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
  3. Launch the Rockstar Games Launcher using Windows' Start Menu, which uses a shortcut to "LauncherPatcher.exe" (usually located in "%PROGRAMFILES%\Rockstar Games\Launcher")
  4. Launch the game from this launcher by clicking on "Play on Steam".

Rockstar Games Launcher stuck at black loading screen

Update your GPU drivers[31]

Fatal error: RMN20

Run game in compatibility mode[citation needed]
  1. Go to the installation folder.
  2. Right click on GTAIV.exe and enter its properties screen.
  3. Under the compatibility tab, set the compatibility mode to Windows Vista (Service Pack 2) and click OK.
If using Windows 7, Vista or XP, update your Windows to the latest available service pack[32]

Game stuck at disclaimer screen or Rockstar logo on Windows 10

Disable fullscreen optimization[33]
  1. Go to the installation folder.
  2. Right click on GTAIV.exe and enter its properties screen.
  3. Under the compatibility tab, tick Disable fullscreen optimisations and click OK.

Right trigger doesn't work when using Steam Input

Bind Soft Pull Action to Right Trigger[34]
  1. Right click the game in your steam library and go to manage/controller configuration.
  2. Click on Right Trigger and bind Soft Pull Action to Right Trigger.

Infinite loading loop

See Large framerate drops on densely detailed parts of the city[35][36]

Large framerate drops on densely detailed parts of the city

Lower the view distance to 25 or lower. Anything higher may cause drops in performance when looking at the city's skyline or densely detailed areas (particularly Middle Park) for little visual gain.
You may also increase your performance significantly while minimising pop-in and graphical glitches by setting the Detail Distance between 10 and 40.
If you need very high framerates, it is recommended that you disable shadows as they are CPU-intensive and also reduce the Vehicle Density to around 40 (33 is the console default if you want a "vanilla" experience).
Keeping V-Sync enabled (with the shadows disabled) may help the game maintain close to stable 60 FPS even on old Intel Core 2 Quad CPUs.
Alternatively, you can also try out disabling Clip Capture in the "Game" option in the main menu and setting -minspecaudio which can unload the CPU to some extent depending on your computer's specifications and -noprecache in some scenarios and -disableimposters excluding flying.

Texture popping, stuttering and other performance issues after running the game for a while

Force maximum available memory[37]
  1. Create a file named commandline.txt in the game's root folder.
  2. Depending on your texture quality, enter one of the following codes in to the newly created file:
    • 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 launch the game.
-reservedApp 0 is also worth a try for a 64-bit OS.[38]
Using high-resolution textures is not recommended for systems with less than 4GB of memory.[38]
Forcing available memory with Patch 1.0.8.0 is not recommended as it will make the game unstable.
Make sure Steam Overlay is enabled[39][citation needed]

No recoil/bullet spread

By default, recoil/bullet spread is only enabled when playing with a controller. This results in 100% shooting accuracy when using a keyboard and a mouse.
Apply FusionFix[40]
Install the Bullet Spread/Recoil Fix script[41]
Not recommended to be used in Multiplayer.
Requires an ASI Loader.

Regular camera movement and handbrake camera are too slow

This bug occurs when the framerate exceeds 60 FPS.
Apply FusionFix (keyboard and mouse controls only)[42]
Cap framerate to 60 FPS or below

Cutscenes are too zoomed in

This bug occurs when the framerate exceeds 60 FPS.
Apply FusionFix[43]
Cap framerate to 60 FPS or below

Game language doesn't follow the Steam/Rockstar Games Launcher settings

Change Windows language
Replace .gxt file
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\common\text\ and make a copy of .gxt file of the desired language
  2. Delete the language set you currently have.
  3. Rename the previously made copy to the name of the previously deleted file.
You need to do this separately for TLaD and TBoGT, as they use separate GXTs: <path-to-game>\TLaD\common\text\ and <path-to-game>\TBoGT\common\text\ folders respectively.

The game will load with minimal graphics settings and won't let you change them

For video cards that have more than 2 GB of VRAM the game will run but won't let you change the graphics settings to anything better. To force the game to allow the changes, load the game's executable with this extra parameter: -norestrictions.
Bypass graphics restrictions on Steam version[citation needed]
  1. Open your Steam library.
  2. Right-click on Grand Theft Auto IV and select Properties.
  3. Press the Set Launch Options... button.
  4. Enter -norestrictions into the text field, press OK.
  5. Start the game.
Bypass graphics restrictions on other versions[citation needed]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>.
  2. Create a new text file in this folder and name it commandline.txt.
  3. Open it and add the string -norestrictions to it.
  4. Save the file.
  5. Start the game.

AMD/ATI Radeon Water Fix

There is a problem where the water loses its details after a while on AMD/ATI cards. To fix this issue do this:
Replace the water shaders[citation needed]
  1. Download the fixed waterTex shader file.
  2. Go to <path-to-game>\GTAIV
  3. Go to common\shaders\win32_30_atidx10\
  4. Place your downloaded waterTex.fxc shader file and replace the original.
  5. Go to common\shaders\win32_30_low_ati\
  6. Place your downloaded waterTex.fxc shader file and replace the original.
  7. Play.

Notes

Make sure to backup the original files just in case something wrong happens.

Invisible fonts bug

A bug may occur which involves most of the game menu text not showing. This happens when you downgrade Patch 1.0.6.0 and later to any versions before it, as the older versions use a different font rendering technique.
Instructions[citation needed]
  1. Download the files fonts.dat and fonts_r.dat located here.
  2. Go to the installation folder.
  3. Drag and drop the files into common\data\ in <path-to-game>.

Frame rate drops after a short time in the game (e.g. 60 FPS suddenly drops to 45 FPS for no apparent reasons)

Launch the game via LaunchGTAIV.exe.

Not needed for the Steam/Rockstar Games Launcher versions.

The game stays in the foreground after hanging, making it impossible to see the Task Manager to close it

Click "Options" on the Task Manager and enable "Always on top", it will now be possible to Alt-Tab to it

Release Date Check Failure

May not happen on Complete Edition.
Use the Offline Installer package[44]
Change your computer's date to any date before the 28th of June, 2015[citation needed]

Error: WS10

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

SecuLauncher: failed to start application. [2000] error

Install Visual C++ Redistributable 2005 SP1 and .NET 3.5[44]
Remove any administrator compatibility fix from <path-to-game>\GTAIV\GTAIV.exe

Fatal error: WTV190

Reinstall GFWL client[citation needed]

Fatal error: WTV270

See In-game interface does not open

Game minimises after clicking Start

If the game minimises after selecting between GTA IV and EFLC and can't be made full screen again it may be a problem with PunkBuster. It can be fixed by stopping it from running.
Stop PunkBuster[citation needed]
  1. Press Ctrl+ Shift+Esc.
  2. Click PnkBstrA.exe in Processes.
  3. Click End task to stop it from running.

VRAM amount is incorrectly recognized

The game won't detect the correct amount of VRAM available, showing only 512 MB instead. This may happen while using wrappers such as DXVK.
Manually set available video memory[45]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\GTA IV\ and open or create the commandline.txt file.
  2. Add -availablevidmem XXXX to a new line and replace XXXX with the desired amount of VRAM.

Alternatively:

Use ExtendVidMem[46]
  1. Download the file in this page and extract it to <path-to-game>\GTA IV\.

Notes

To use this fix along with Ultimate ASI Loader, rename the loader's dinput8.dll file to dsound.dll.

Multiplayer: Login to Social Club failed

This was fixed in Patch 1.0.8.0.
Override paul.dll[citation needed]
  1. Rename <path-to-game>/paul.dll to paul.dll_old.
  2. Restart the game. It should load up directly.
  • Complete the GFWL setup first, so you can then take this shortcut.

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

The helicopter quick-time event may not correctly respond to the inputs from the Space button on high FPS (60+ FPS)
Cap framerate to 60 FPS or below[47]

Rancher collision bug

When driving a Rancher truck, its front bumpers will collide against obstacles like stairs that other vehicles can normally go over. This issue is not present in the console versions.
Apply FusionFix

Alternatively:

Apply a fix[48]
  1. Download and install OpenIV
  2. Download the rancher.zip file, and extract the "rancher.wft" file
  3. Open the OpenIV software and select "Grand Theft Auto IV" (If prompted to choose the installation folder, click "Browse...", navigate to where GTA IV is installed, and select the "GTAIV" folder)
  4. Click the "Edit mode" button on the navigation bar, then navigate to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\pc\models\cdimages and double-click "vehicles.img"
  5. Replace the original "rancher.wft" with the modded file.
  6. Exit OpenIV
Not recommended being used in Multiplayer.

World textures not loading on integrated GPUs

On integrated GPUs with low dedicated memory the world textures won't load properly / the world will appear invisible
Apply Patch 8

Alternatively:

Used the following commandline arguments for older patches:
  1. Create a blank text document in <path-to-game> and name it commandline
  2. -availablevidmem x //Replace x with the iGPU's dedicated memory (if it's 32 MB replace it with 30.0, if it's 64 MB replace it with 60.0, etc.)
  3. -norestrictions
  4. -memrestrict y //Replace y with one of the values from here
  5. -reservedApp 0 //For 64-bit operating systems only
  6. -minspecaudio
May cause an extreme increase in loading times, even infinite loading loops in some cases, using a wrapper such as DXVK, DxWrapper or even ENB Series may solve the problem

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9
Vulkan
See Using DXVK to improve performance
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

By creating a file called commandline.txt and saving it to your root installation folder you can alter the way your game runs. Below is a list of all the parameters.
Few commands works only on clear game and patch 1.0.3.0.
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 detail distance of the game (0-99)
-disableimposters Turns off imposter rendering for vehicles
-forcehighqualitymirrors Enables 64-bit mirrors
-forcer2vb Forces rendering to Vertex Buffer
-frameLimit Limits your 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 Lets you 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 that 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 minimise and changing resolutions (reduces system memory footprint)
-norestrictions Disables restrictions on graphics settings
-noswapdelay Disables sleep delay before Present (disables the fix for hard present stalls)
-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 programmes
-reservedApp Sets the amount of memory to be left available within application space
-renderquality Adjusts anisotropic filtering (0-4)
-safemode Sets the graphics of the game 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 texture quality of the game (0-2)
-unmanaged Uses application managed resources
-usedirectinput Allows DirectInput alongside XInput support.
-viewdistance Sets the view distance of the game (0-99)
-windowed Forces windowed mode
-width Sets the horizontal resolution

Custom music

GTA IV allows users to play their own music on a custom radio station: Independence FM.[49]

Simply place any audio files/folders or create shortcuts in the %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\User Music\ folder, and tune into the station in-game.
Supported formats are MP3, WMA, M4A. Other formats and extensions are not recognised.
iTunes needs to be installed for M4A support.
Use shortcuts to audio files/folders to save disk space and improve performance.
Supports High-resolution audio files. Up to 96 kHz / 24 bit.
Supports Surround audio files. Up to 6 channels.
FLAC is not supported. Convert them to WMA Lossless to use them in the game.
Monaural audio files not supported.

Downgrading

Many mods for GTA IV won't work with the latest version
The most supported versions for modding are any versions between 1.0.4.0 and 1.0.7.0
ENB Series graphical enhancement was never meant to work with anything above patch 1.0.4.0[50] and your particular ENB needs to support 1.0.8.0 (so also dax.dll fix included (IV | EFLC), otherwise you can encounter black screen. Additionally, for RGL/Steam version this instruction is necessary to fix Social Club error.
Steam Guide for downgrading Complete Edition to 1.0.8.0, 1.0.7.0 or 1.0.4.0

Notes

Has a beginner-friendly installer that will guide you through the proccess
Can keep Steam Achievements, DLCs in one game and the 3 EFLC-exclusive radio stations
Is compatible with multiplayer clients and GFWL (To enable GFWL, delete xlive.dll from the game folder, delete XlivelessAddon.asi from the plugins folder and get the GFWL code protection disabler)
Alternatively, you can play Singleplayer without any requirements for GFWL thanks to xlive.dll
Downgrading to 1.0.4.0 doesn't have support for DLCs
Delete any plugins such as FusionFix from the game folder before using this method
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 version of ScriptHook is required for modding on Patch 1.0.4.0, found here
This version is claimed to have improved game performance[51][52]
Some mods work only with Patch 1.0.4.0, while other mods, such as ColAccel, won't work with Patch 1.0.4.0 at all
Install Patch 7 (1.0.7.0)
  1. Extract the files anywhere on your computer
  2. Run UpdateTitle.exe and install it
  3. Download and install XLiveLess

Notes

Patch 1.0.7.0 has enhanced graphics, secondary key-bindings, several bug fixes, support for the DLCs and more
Many have reported a performance decrease in this patch in comparison to patches prior to 1.0.6.0. This is because the shadow quality has been improved in 1.0.6.0 and later.
This only works when downgrading from 1.0.8.0 to 1.0.7.0.
To remove the Social Club login screen, remove "Paul.dll" from the game's installation folder

XLiveLess / ASI loader

XLiveLess disables Games for Windows - LIVE.
Despite it's name, it may still be useful on the Complete Edition.
The location of the savegames changes to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\savegames\
Disables access to LIVE multiplayer. LAN multiplayer is still accessible but connecting to a LAN lobby will crash the game.
ASI loader is a tool that loads custom libraries with the file extension .asi.

XLiveLessAddon

Can skip the intro videos and even the main menu.
Adds borderless windowed mode.
Allows to launch through GTAIV.exe directly.
Includes Ultimate ASI Loader.
Installation[6]
  1. Download the XLivelessAddon.zip file.
  2. Extract the contents of the download to <path-to-game> (replace the file(s) when prompted).

XLiveLess

Built-in ASI loader.
Installation[53]
  1. Download XLiveLess.
  2. Extract the contents of the download.
  3. Move the xlive.dll file to <path-to-game> (replace the file(s) when prompted).

Modifications

These should not be used in multiplayer.
It is strongly recommended to make backups of any files these modifications may replace.
For using with other mods, use Script Hook and CE Hook

ZolikaPatch

This started as a bug fixing mod and added a few graphical overhaul.
Requires downgrading.

IV HUD & Radar overhaul

This mod aims to remake every part of the HUD that uses textures, making them higher resolution but without making any other changes where that's possible.
Might requires downgrading.

Beta Whiz Phone

Makes the phone model look more consistent with the Whiz Phone's cutscene model.

CG4 Radar/Map Mod

Adds additional details and information on the world map while improving its look.

Clean IV

Color fix mod.

Dayl's Natural Timecyc mod

Natural Timecyc mod.

Draw Distance Tweak

Allows for larger draw distances.

Excellent ENB

Compatible with 1.0.3.0 - 1.0.0.4, 1.0.6.0 - 1.0.8.0 & EFLC versions, for RGL version also follow this instruction for Social Club error.
This ENB may be very bright for some users, so for an alternative download ENB for natural and realistic lighting (may not work on anything newer than Patch 1.0.4.0).
Graphical modification that overhauls the game's visuals [citation needed].
Includes multiple presets suitable for any computer.
Compatible with all patches.
Contains an optional ASI loader.
Contains an optional trainer.
Contains optional textures for roads and trees.
Cannot be used with the iCEnhancer mod.
A minor graphical bug is present on street lights when Night Shadows are enabled on Patch 1.0.6.0 or later.

First person mod

Compatible with VR.

Fixed Combat Shotgun Icon

Corrects the icon of the Combat Shotgun to better match the in-game model.

GTA IV Optimizer

May boost performance[dubious – discuss]
There is a V2 in Beta. Download

iCEnhancer

Overhauls the game's visuals from lighting and reflections to vegetation.
Optimized for version 1.0.4.0[54].
Cannot be used with other ENB mods.

Karin Sultan Trunk fix

Fixes a texture issue with the lights on the trunk of the Karin Sultan.

Plane Flight Path Improvements

Changes the paths that the planes take around Liberty City.

Potential Grim

Fixes a coding error where certain gangs were supposed to be more hostile after certain points in the game.
Increases the violence and hostility of gangs and expands their influence, relying on story details and proper backgrounds.
Compatible patch versions: 1.0.7.0 / 1.1.2.0 (recommended) & 1.0.8.0 / 1.1.3.0.

Project 2DFX

Makes streetlights render from a farther distance.
Needs an ASI Loader.

ProVehicleMod v .1.0.1

ProVehicleMod is a mod that is equipped with a user-friendly GUI that lets you spawn any vehicles you need at any time.

Replace D3D/DDraw renderer to fix lag and stutters

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

Responsive Plus

Makes various tweaks/fixes across the game, notably to vehicle flags/spawning.
Rebalances gunplay, substantially reducing total ammo pool and magazine size, and increasing damage output in firearms. This makes for more challenging and engaging firefights, where time to kill is shorter for both yourself and enemies. Weapons and ammo are also now more expensive.
Makes small adjustments to vehicle handling model.

Road Textures by DKT70

Graphical improvement that includes high-definition textures for roads.
Combine it with an ENB modification for the best results.

Speedometer KM/H (Not necessary)

Adds a speedometer to GTA IV.

Ultimate Graphics Tweak

Modification which allows bringing back missing effects, that were presented in console versions (like motion blur and depth of field).

System requirements

Windows
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 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 4: Complete Edition: Xbox vs. PC Version - Detailed Comparison - last accessed on 2020-12-15
  2. 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 2020-03-25
    "Players with existing CD keys will be able to redeem them via the Rockstar Games Launcher"
  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 2020-03-25
    "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. Remove/Skip annoying intro sequence! - /r/GTA
  5. ThirteenAG/GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix: This projects aims to fix or address some issues in Grand Theft Auto IV Complete Edition
  6. 6.0 6.1 [REL|GTAIV] XLiveLess - Page 32 - Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums
  7. [IV] ZolikaPatch - Page 1 - Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums
  8. How to really play this game + improving game performance
  9. https://games.softpedia.com/progChangelog/Grand-Theft-Auto-IV-Patch-Changelog-30489.html
  10. Ultimate-ASI-Loader/readme.md at master · ThirteenAG/Ultimate-ASI-Loader · GitHub
  11. GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix/readme.md at master · ThirteenAG/GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix · GitHub
  12. [IV] ZolikaPatch - Page 1 - Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums
  13. ColAccel - reduce loading time by 50%* - Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums
  14. Grand Theft Auto IV Music Cut Patch - Rock Paper Shotgun
  15. IV/EFLC Radio "downgrader" - GTA Forums
  16. [1]
  17. http://ant-sh.blogspot.com/2020/07/gta-4-stutter-choppiness-fix.html
  18. https://ant-sh.blogspot.com/2020/09/easy-downgrade-gta-iv-to-1040.html
  19. https://www.reddit.com/r/GTAIV/comments/um4b8c/comment/i8iaai1/
  20. [2]
  21. [http://sfx.thelazy.net/downloads/
  22. GTA IV (2016 Patch) | 21:9 Review - YouTube
  23. Handbrake camera is too fast on high FPS (gamepad only) · Issue #21 · GTAmodding/GTAIV-Issues-List
  24. Verified by User:Blackbird on 2021-04-17
  25. Currently Supported Controllers for GTA IV PC - Rockstar Support
  26. Title Update v. 1.0.2.0 - Help & Support - GTAForums
  27. 27.0 27.1 PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up
  28. Creative Alchemy - GTAForums
  29. IV:MP T4 Manual - IV-MP Community Forum
  30. Verified by User:Bowi on 2022-08-14
    Tested myself with both Steam's and Rockstar Launcher's clouds disabled.
  31. https://translate.google.pl/translate?sl=pl&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fforum.pclab.pl%2Ftopic%2F1303525-Gta-5-si%25C4%2599-nie-wczytuje%2Fpage__pid__15789133__st__0%26%23entry15789133
  32. GTA IV: Error Code RMN20 - Rockstar Support
  33. https://steamcommunity.com/app/12210/discussions/0/2592234299551921423/#c2592234299552032969
  34. https://gtaforums.com/topic/825999-ps4-anyone-else-having-trouble-with-their-right-trigger/
  35. READ THIS if your GTA 4 gets stuck on the loading screen after pressing play! Easy Fix. :: Steam Community Discussions
  36. Need help running GTA IV (Steam) on Windows 8.1, page 1 - GOG.com Forum
  37. How to use -memrestrict to fix stuttering - GTA Forums
  38. 38.0 38.1 Extreme Texture Pop-in - GTAForums
  39. How do i get over 60 fps in GTA 4 ?? - Steam Community Discussions
  40. Recoil behaves differently between gamepad and kb/mouse · Issue #6 · GTAmodding/GTAIV-Issues-List
  41. Archived Requests, need ideas? - GTAForums
  42. Handbrake camera is too slow · Issue #10 · GTAmodding/GTAIV-Issues-List
  43. Zoomed in cutscenes · Issue #1 · GTAmodding/GTAIV-Issues-List
  44. 44.0 44.1 SecuROM™ Support Website - Grand Theft Auto IV
  45. Issues with GTA IV showing video cards with over 2 GB as under spec – Rockstar Support
  46. Newest patch - VRAM 512MB limit !!
  47. GTA IV: Bugs and Glitches compilation
  48. GTAIV-Issues-List - Rancher's collision #51
  49. Independence FM (User radio) in GTA IV - Rockstar Support
  50. https://www.reddit.com/r/GTAIV/comments/um4b8c/comment/i8ger42/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
  51. Patch 1.0.4.0 vs Patch 1.0.7.0 - GTA Forums
  52. [REL|III|VC|SA|IV] Project 2dfx - GTAForums
  53. [REL|GTAIV] XLiveLess - Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums
  54. [missing title] - last accessed on 2022-08-09