Grand Theft Auto V is one of the most popular games in the world. One reason for its long-term popularity is the active modding community, which creates a huge number of modifications. GTA 5 mods can range from minor changes in gameplay to radical changes in graphics, mechanics or storylines. In this article, we will look at the great GTA 5 mods, which offer both improved gameplay and something new, crazy or even illogical.
Graphics Enhancement Mods
Graphics mods for GTA 5 are some of the most popular and sought-after. Why? For modern gamers, graphics below RDR 2 may seem like something not worth their attention. And the difference between these games is 5 years. Therefore, in order to continue enjoying the game but in a more pleasant “graphic shell”, players download special mods.
QuantV
- Release date: December 2020
- Mod size: 4.5 GB
QuantV is one of the top graphics mods. Noticed that its size is more than 4 GB, right? If your computer is ready to handle 4k graphics, new elements, visual effects and maximum realism, then this mod is for you. QuantV optimizes lighting effects, adds new textures for objects and improves visibility at long distances. This is literally a complex of all graphics boosts that were collected from dozens of modifications into one. However, not all PCs can withstand such performance.
True Real Life Reshade
- Release date: December 2019
- Mod size: 5-20 MB
True Real Life Reshade is a simple tool for improving visual effects in GTA 5. It allows you to improve the color palette, add Bloom effects, improve lighting, contrast, etc. This is a universal tool whose technology has been used in various games, including Skyrim, Fallout, Resident Evil, etc. Visually, the game changes deeply, but your PC will use only a couple of percent more power than without it. So, if you are not ready to warm up near your computer playing GTA, then True Real Life Reshade is your choice.
NaturalVision Evolved
- Release date: December 2020
- Mod size: 7 GB
It is one of the most popular graphics mods that significantly improves the lighting, textures, and atmosphere of the game. This mod creates more realistic conditions in the game, improving both day and night scenes and adding additional visual effects. Compared with QuantV, NaturalVision Evolved is like its improved version.
The mod will take up 7 GB of free space. Why is that? The modification not only changes the existing effects but also adds a number of others, including completely new mods. That is, it is literally a set of dozens (or even hundreds) of small mods collected in one place. Fortunately, it can be customized for your PC, but still, instead of a couple of percent (as it was with QuantV), your PC will be loaded by 10%+ even with minimal setting changes.
New Cars and Vehicles
The above are three mutually exclusive graphics mods. Fortunately, modifications can also change other aspects of gameplay. The main gameplay of all GTA games is cars and everything that can be moved. The standard set of vehicles in GTA 5 is not bad, but it can always be improved with one single mod.
Real Cars Pack
- Release date: January 2021
- Mod size: 1.5 GB
The mod adds real cars with high detail to the game. Each model was designed with precision down to the smallest detail, including engine sounds and elaborate animations. This can be useful for those who want to recreate real car racing or just enjoy more detailed vehicles in the game. You can get new cars through a special command in the console or just meet them on the street.
The important thing is that this is a standalone mod. That is, it does not replace existing car models with new ones. So you can build your garage and compare the original cars with those added with the mod.
Weapon Mods
GTA 5 weapons can also be modified with mods, such as adding new weapons or changing existing ones. Of the entire modding collection, the best, in our opinion, are the two most classic ones today.
Realistic Gun Sounds
- Release date: July 2018
- Mod size: 150 MB
This mod replaces the default weapon sounds in GTA 5 with more realistic ones. It covers all types of weapons, including pistols, rifles, and grenades.
The Weapon Pack
- Release date: August 2019
- Mod size: 500 MB
Now that you’ve boosted the sounds, it’s time to add something new to your arsenal of weapons. The Weapon Pack includes several new weapons, including rifles, pistols, and knives. All weapon models have unique textures and animations. It already has its sounds, but it is compatible with the Realistic Gun Sounds mod so you can experiment a little.
Maps and Locations
Mods that add new maps or locations to GTA 5 open up new horizons for players to explore. If you already know all the corners of Los Santos and have discovered all the Easter eggs with Bigfoot, aliens, ghosts, etc., then there are a couple of mods to feel the vibe of exploring locations again.
Vice City Map Mod
- Release date: March 2020
- Mod size: 3 GB
This mod recreates the map from GTA: Vice City in GTA 5. It adds many familiar locations to the game, such as Ocean Beach and Vice Point, with great detail, as well as new textures and an atmosphere that creates the same 80s style. The main element of Vice City is the neon vibe, which is transferred simply gorgeously, thanks to the GTA 5 build. Even the vanilla version of the game looks good, but what if you boost it with graphics mods?
Mount Chiliad Expanded
- Release date: June 2022
- Mod size: 200 MB
The mod expands the area around Mount Chiliad, adding new trails, viewpoints, and additional objects to explore. This is a great way to update one of the game’s most iconic locations. Unfortunately, the modders did not add any new Easter eggs or secrets, but it is still a good expansion of the game’s territory.