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 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.
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).

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. The game may not use the desired resolution and refresh rate while using DXVK. Use the respective commands to remedy this.

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.

Included with ZolikaPatch and FusionFix.

Installation
Download Ultimate-ASI-Loader.zip. Extract the file to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\. Note: Rename the included dinput8.dll file to xlive.dll to disable Games for Windows - LIVE.

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.

Shader fixes and improvements performed utilizing Shader Fixes.

Installation
Go to Releases and download latest version (if using a retail version, download Zolika's retail-compatible version instead). Extract the contents of the archive to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\

ZolikaPatch

Fixes various gameplay and visual issues, addresses several problems when running at high framerates, vastly improves loading times and removes certain limitations to make modding easier

Given user confirmation, downgrades the Complete Edition to retail version 1.0.8.0, automatically downgrades any incompatible mods it can, and removes the rest.

Compatible with 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 of the linked forum topic. Extract the files to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\.

Downgrading

Downgrading a digital (Complete Edition) copy of the game to a retail version of the game is useful for situations where a majority of desired mods and fixes will not work with the Complete Edition.

Use ZolikaPatch

Skip intro videos

Install FusionFix or ZolikaPatch

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.

Game data

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/

Configuration files are encrypted. See Command line parameters for an alternative.

Save game data location

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

If a Complete Edition save is not detected, Rockstar Games Launcher offers to search for retail (Games For Windows - LIVE) saves and import them.

On retail patches, %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\XLive must also be backed up; the save data is bound to the Games for Windows - LIVE profile.

See GTASnP to convert Complete Edition saves to retail-compatible 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 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.
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 disabled with ZolikaPatch for aiming with a sniper rifle.
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

DualShock 4 controllers		See the glossary page for potential workarounds.

Generic/other controllers		See DirectInput controller support.
Button prompts

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

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

Mouse deadzone

The game has a non-toggleable mouse deadzone that makes it really hard to aim at low DPI values.

Use FusionFix or ZolikaPatch
Notes: Can be enabled back by changing the MouseFix value to 0 in GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix.ini or ZolikaPatch.ini.

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 retail versions.
Spanish
Turkish				Fan translation, download.

Network

Multiplayer, whether official or unofficial, is only available using retail game versions 1.0.7.0 and 1.0.8.0.

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		Games for Windows - LIVE and Grand Theft Auto Connected both have an option for matchmaking, titled Quick Play in the in-game Multiplayer menu
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 becomes slower 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. Reportedly fixed with patch 1.0.8.0., but may still break above 60 FPS.
• 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 ball physics break. Balls don't go as far and as fast as they should.
• The handbrake camera and regular camera movement become excessively slow, and cutscenes are zoomed-in to the point where the subjects are cut off.
• The entire game runs faster than normal when above 250 FPS.

Cap frame rate to 60 FPS.
Note: FusionFix has an in-game FPS toggle, configurable in the in-game Graphics section of Settings.

Use FusionFix or ZolikaPatch on retail patches
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 to <path-to-game>\plugins\. Edit GameLanguageID in IVLanguageLoader.ini to the desired language.

No bullet spread/recoil

Not recommended to use in multiplayer

Use FusionFix
Note: Requires 1.0.7.0, 1.0.8.0, or the Complete Edition. The option is enabled by default, but can be toggled off by changing RecoilFix to 0 in GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix.ini.

Apply Bullet Spread/Recoil Fix script
Notes: Requires Ultimate ASI Loader. Requires 1.0.8.0 or earlier.

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.[dubious – discuss]

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 dinput8.dll 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.

Use RIL.Budgeted

Download the mod. Extract to <path-to-game>\GTAIV. Open RIL.Budgeted.ini with a text editor. Find the following line in the opened file: VehicleBudget=40000000 Change 40000000 to 120000000 Save and close the file. Note: Requires Ultimate ASI Loader. FusionFix already includes this mod, edit the value in GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix.ini instead. If using IV Tweaker on retail patches, edit the value in IVTweaker.ini instead. The value given for VehicleBudget should be the size of vehicles.img in bytes (i.e. the 120,000,000 bytes shown in the above instructions is 114.44 MB) 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
Note: Requires Ultimate ASI Loader and any retail version. Rather than being a direct solution, it's a workaround that completely changes how traffic is handled. Allows to limit selected cars to specific in-game regions. 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	Flash
Cutscenes	Bink Video	1.9r Used for in-game television.

Launch options

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.

GTASnP

Gives an incomplete checklist of objectives to reach 100% based on your save.

Can be used to convert Complete Edition saves to retail saves.

Converting Complete Edition saves to retail saves
Go to GTASnP Upload your save from %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\Profiles\<user-id>\ Expand the Modifications section At Downgrade Version, select 1.0.8.0 IV / 1.1.3.0 EFLC and older Select your download slot below to download the save After downloading, place your save at %LOCALAPPDATA%\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\savegames\<user-id>\

OpenIV

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

Required for mods which expect the user to package their contents into a format usable by the game.

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.

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

Important things to consider

Due to the nature of modding the game, here are some important things to consider before engaging in general (e.g. non-essential) mod installation:

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

Mods should not be used in multiplayer unless using a multiplayer-focused trainer such as ZMenuIV.

OpenIV may be required for some mods. Such mods do not depend on a specific version unless stated otherwise.

Installing mods that replace files on Complete Edition can follow a different procedure which don't require replacing files if you have Ultimate ASI Loader. For example, <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 downgrading.

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.

Console Visuals

Restores additional console-only visual effects and content.

FusionFix is required.

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).

Can be used alongside FastLoading option from ZolikaPatch for increased effect.

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