Grand Theft Auto IV
Developers | |
---|---|
Rockstar North | |
Windows | Rockstar Toronto |
Publishers | |
Rockstar Games | |
Russia | 1C-SoftClub |
Engines | |
RAGE | |
Release dates | |
Windows | December 2, 2008 |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 90 |
IGDB | 88 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | Expansion pack |
Series | Grand Theft Auto |
Warnings
- For Games for Windows - LIVE on Windows 8 or later, install the latest Games for Windows - LIVE software.
Key points
- FusionFix fixes some issues not resolved in the official patches.
- Essentially the same as Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City in terms of its engine and performance.
- Extensive modding community, along with Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City. See Downgrading.
- Ability to import your music for your own custom radio station.
- Rockstar has removed music from the game due to expired licences. Same with Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City. See Restore removed music.
- March 2020 update has introduced new Rockstar Games Launcher DRM, removing Games for Windows - LIVE and SecuROM DRM entirely, but also removing multiplayer[1] (see Network for solutions).
- Retail GTA IV keys can be redeemed on Rockstar Launcher activating Complete Edition (so additionally giving Episodes from Liberty City).
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 | Uses SecuROM 7 and SecuROM PA DRM for disc checking. CD keys can be redeemed on the Rockstar Games Launcher. Doing this will activate the Complete Edition.[2] |
|||
Official website | Complete Edition. | |||
Steam | Complete Edition. |
- Complete Edition includes Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City.
DLC and expansion packs
- DLCs are now a part 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 | ||
The Ballad of Gay Tony |
Essential improvements
Skip intro videos
Use FusionFix[3] |
---|
Apply the GTA IV Intro Patch[citation needed] |
---|
Edit loadingscreens_pc.dat[4] |
---|
|
FusionFix
- This projects aims to fix some issues in Grand Theft Auto IV Complete Edition.
- FusionFix · GitHub
Applying FusionFix[5] |
---|
|
ColAccel
- Greatly reduces loading times
- Does not work for versions older than Patch 6
- If editing .IMG archives you need to delete
colCache.dat
and let it get re-created
Place ColAccel script in <path-to-game> [6]
|
---|
|
Restore removed music
- Over 50 radio station tracks were removed from the game due to expired licenses in 2018.[7]
- Downgrading isn't required to install this mod.
Downgrading the Radio Stations[8] |
---|
Notes
|
Run EFLC as DLCs
- Merges songs from EFLC into the base game.
- Does not work with versions older than Patch 6.
- Removes RamJam FM, Self-Actualization FM and Vice City FM radio stations
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %LOCALAPPDATA%\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\Settings\SETTINGS.CFG |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12210/pfx/[Note 1] |
- 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) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12210/pfx/[Note 1] |
- Rockstar Launcher version searches for Games For Windows Live saves.
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.
Video
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | |||
Multi-monitor | |||
Ultra-widescreen | Cutscenes and loading screens are Vert-.[9] | ||
4K Ultra HD | |||
Field of view (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 FusionFix. | ||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | Up to 16 samples. | ||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | Use SMAA injector for SMAA. The game does not support traditional methods of anti-aliasing.[10] | ||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | |||
60 FPS and 120+ FPS | Cutscenes may be zoomed in incorrectly; slow handbrake camera; handbrake camera is too fast on high FPS (gamepad only)[11] | ||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | See the glossary page for potential alternatives. |
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | ||
Mouse acceleration | Forced deadzone with no known way of disabling. | |
Mouse sensitivity | ||
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support | Go to Options then Controls then Controller Options and click Enable DirectInput . |
|
Full controller support | ||
Controller remapping | Can only switch between pre-set layouts. | |
Controller sensitivity | Called Aim Sensitivity. | |
Controller Y-axis inversion |
Controller types |
---|
XInput-compatible controllers | ||
---|---|---|
Xbox button prompts | ||
Impulse Trigger vibration |
PlayStation controllers | ||
---|---|---|
PlayStation button prompts | See PS3 Controller Buttons. | |
Light bar support | ||
Adaptive trigger support | ||
DualSense haptic feedback support | ||
Connection modes |
Generic/other controllers | ||
---|---|---|
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 |
PS3 Controller Buttons
If using a PlayStation controller, you might want to change the Xbox 360 buttons to the PS2/PS3 buttons. In order to do so, follow the instructions below.
Instructions[citation needed] |
---|
|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | SFX & Music. | |
Surround sound | Up to 5.0 output[12] | |
Subtitles | ||
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost |
- Commands responsible for audio in the game:
-fullspecaudio
: forces higher quality audio (default).-minspecaudio
: forces lower quality audio - good for low-end CPU's (e.g. radio cannot be heard outside car).
- Game uses DirectSound[12] which can be handled by Creative ALchemy (set duration to 10)[13]. Just run
LaunchGTAIV.exe
as admin in case of game crash (unnecessary in Rockstar Launcher version).
DSOAL for using as alternative DirectSound wrapper (w/ or w/o HRTF) is compatible at least with Rockstar Launcher version and Windows 10 build 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» retail version, download. | |||
Russian | Fan translation by «ENPY Studio» | |||
Spanish | ||||
Ukrainian | Fan translation, download. | |||
Turkish | Fan translation, download. |
Network
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|
LAN play | Use CitizenMP:IV or IV:MP. | ||
Online play | Use CitizenMP:IV or IV:MP. |
Connection types
Type | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Matchmaking | ||
Peer-to-peer | ||
Dedicated | ||
Self-hosting | ||
Direct IP |
Ports
Protocol | Port(s) and/or port range(s)[14] |
---|---|
UDP | 8888 |
- Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.
VR support
3D modes | State | GG3D | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nvidia 3D Vision | For better support use Helix Mod: Grand Theft Auto IV | |||
TriDef 3D | ||||
iZ3D | ||||
vorpX | G3D Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list. |
Issues fixed
Fatal error RMN20
Run game in compatibility mode[citation needed] |
---|
|
If using Windows 7, Vista or XP, update your Windows to the latest available service pack[15] |
---|
Game stuck at disclaimer screen or Rockstar logo on Windows 10
Disable fullscreen optimization[16] |
---|
|
Large framerate drops on diverse parts of the city
Lower view distance to 20 or lower. Anything higher causes high drops in peformance impact when looking at the skyline for very little visual gain. |
---|
|
Texture popping, stuttering and other performance issues after running the game for a while
Force maximum available memory[17] |
---|
|
Make sure Steam Overlay is enabled[19][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 mouse.
Apply FusionFix[20] |
---|
Regular camera movement and handbrake camera are too slow
- This bug occurs if the frame rate is very high.
Apply FusionFix[21] |
---|
Cutscenes are too zoomed in
- This bug occurs if the frame rate is very high.
Apply FusionFix[22] |
---|
Game language doesn't follow Steam/Rockstar launcher settings
Change Windows language |
---|
Replace .gxt file
|
---|
|
Game will load with minimal graphic settings and won't let you change them
- For video cards that have more than 2 GB or VRAM the game will run but won't let you change the graphics settings to anything better. In order to force the game to allow the changes, load the .exe with the extra parameter:
-norestrictions
.
Bypass graphics restrictions on Steam version[citation needed] |
---|
|
Bypass graphics restrictions on other versions[citation needed] |
---|
|
Infinite loading loop
Launch the game with -availablevidmem 0.9 -percentvidmem 100 parameter[23][24]
|
---|
AMD/ATI Radeon Water Fix
- There is a problem where the water loses its features and details after a while. To fix this issue do this:
Replace the water shaders[citation needed] |
---|
Notes
|
Invisible fonts glitch
- An invisible fonts glitch may occur which involves game menu text disappearing.
Instructions[citation needed] |
---|
|
Frame rate drops after a short time in game (e.g. smooth 60 FPS to a choppy 45 FPS)
Launch game via LaunchGTAIV.exe
|
---|
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 |
---|
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
Direct3D | 9 | |
Shader Model support | 3 |
Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Windows |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Physics | Bullet Physics Library, Euphoria | |
Interface | Adobe Flash | |
Cutscenes | Bink Video | 1.9r Used for ingame television |
Custom music
Grand Theft Auto IV allows users to play their own music on a custom radio station, Independence FM.[25]
- 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 recognized.
- QuickTime or 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 to WMA Lossless to use in-game.
- Monaural audio files not supported.
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 | Use the specified screen adapter |
-autoconfig | Automatically adjust quality setting to maintain desired frame rate (15-120) |
-availablevidmem | Set amount of physical Video Memory |
-benchmark | Launches the game in Benchmark mode and then quits it |
-detailquality | Set the detail quality of the game (0-99) |
-disableimposters | Turn off imposter rendering for vehicles |
-forcehighqualitymirrors | Enable 64 bit mirrors |
-forcer2vb | Force Render to Vertex Buffer |
-frameLimit | Limits your FPS to your refresh rate |
-framelockinwindow | Force framelock to work even in a window |
-fullscreen | Force fullscreen mode |
-fullspecaudio | Force high-end CPU audio footprint |
-gpucount | Lets you manually set the GPU count if query fails |
-height | Sets the vertical resolution |
-managed | Use D3D runtime managed resources |
-memrestrict | Set the restriction the amount of available memory for the game |
-minspecaudio | Force low-end CPU audio footprint |
-no_3GB | Disable 32-bit OS with /3GB |
-noBlockOnLostFocus | Don't block the window update when it loses focus. |
-noprecache | Disable precache of resources |
-nomemrestrict | Disable memory restrictions |
-nominimize | Disables the ability to restore the game from minimize and changing resolutions (Reduces System Memory Footprint) |
-norestrictions | Do not limit graphics settings |
-noswapdelay | Disable sleep delay before Present (Disable fix for hard Present stalls) |
-notimefix | Disable Time Fix |
-novblank | Disables V-Sync |
-percentvidmem | Percentage of Video memory to make available for the game |
-refreshrate | Set the refresh rate (Must be supported by your monitor) |
-reserve | Amount of memory to set aside for other applications |
-reservedApp | Amount of memory to leave available within application space |
-renderquality | Set the render quality of the game (0-4) |
-safemode | Sets graphics setting to lowest setting |
-shadowdensity | Set the number of lights that cast shadows (0-16) |
-shadowquality | Set the shadow quality (0-4) |
-stereo | Set game to support stereo rendering mode |
-texturequality | Set the texture quality of the game (0-2) |
-unmanaged | Use application managed resources |
-usedirectinput | Allow DirectInput alongside XInput support. |
-viewdistance | Set the view distance of the game (0-99) |
-windowed | Force windowed mode |
-width | Sets the horizontal resolution |
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | XP SP3 | Vista SP1 |
Processor (CPU) | AMD Athlon X2 64 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz |
AMD Phenom X3 2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4 GHz |
System memory (RAM) | 1.5 GB | 2.5 GB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 16 GB | 18 GB |
Video card (GPU) | ATI Radeon X1900 Nvidia GeForce 7900 256 MB of VRAM DirectX 9.0c compatible | ATI Radeon HD 3870 Nvidia GeForce 8600 512 MB of VRAM |
Sound (audio device) | 5.1 Channel Audio Card |
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
- File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
- Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
- The app ID (12210) may differ in some cases.
- Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
- See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.
References
- ↑ 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"
- ↑ 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"
- ↑ ThirteenAG/GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix: This projects aims to fix or address some issues in Grand Theft Auto IV Complete Edition
- ↑ Remove/Skip annoying intro sequence! - /r/GTA
- ↑ GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix/readme.md at master · ThirteenAG/GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix · GitHub
- ↑ ColAccel - reduce loading time by 50%* - Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums
- ↑ Grand Theft Auto IV Music Cut Patch - Rock Paper Shotgun
- ↑ IV/EFLC Radio "downgrader" - GTA Forums
- ↑ Grand Theft Auto 4 21:9 Gameplay (2560x1080) (60fps) (Ultrawide) - YouTube
- ↑ pc technical issues - How can I force anti-aliasing in GTA IV? - Arqade - last accessed on 2020-04-03
- ↑ Handbrake camera is too fast on high FPS (gamepad only) · Issue #21 · GTAmodding/GTAIV-Issues-List
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up
- ↑ Creative Alchemy - GTAForums
- ↑ IV:MP T4 Manual - IV-MP Community Forum
- ↑ GTA IV: Error Code RMN20 - Rockstar Support
- ↑ https://steamcommunity.com/app/12210/discussions/0/2592234299551921423/#c2592234299552032969
- ↑ How to use -memrestrict to fix stuttering - GTA Forums
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Extreme Texture Pop-in - GTAForums
- ↑ How do i get over 60 fps in GTA 4 ?? - Steam Community Discussions
- ↑ Recoil behaves differently between gamepad and kb/mouse · Issue #6 · GTAmodding/GTAIV-Issues-List
- ↑ Handbrake camera is too slow · Issue #10 · GTAmodding/GTAIV-Issues-List
- ↑ Zoomed in cutscenes · Issue #1 · GTAmodding/GTAIV-Issues-List
- ↑ READ THIS if your GTA 4 gets stuck on loading screen after pressing play! Easy Fix. :: Steam Community Discussions
- ↑ Need help running GTA IV (Steam) on Windows 8.1, page 1 - GOG.com Forum
- ↑ Independence FM (User radio) in GTA IV - Rockstar Support