When GTA V came out on PC, gamers immediately began to look for opportunities for modding. Some were more interested in playing other characters, and for others, the basic set of actions the player could perform with NPCs was not enough. Only a couple of months passed after the release, and the first mods began to appear.
Initially, the installation took a lot of time and required literally combing through all the files, changing scripts, etc. Fortunately, software for faster modding began to appear to facilitate the whole process. If you do not know how to do this, then this guide is what you need.
Getting Started with Mods
While Rockstar supports mods in single-player, the installation process can seem complicated. Unlike games like Skyrim, which have built-in modding tools, GTA 5 requires the use of third-party applications. Don’t worry — we’ll make this process easier for you!
We will introduce you to three of the most popular modding tools and discuss the process of installing mods and the advantages of each.
Important: Game Safety
Before you learn how to install mods for GTA 5, keep in mind that using mods in single-player is generally safe. However, if you decide to play GTA Online, make sure that mods are disabled or allowed on your GTA Online servers to avoid getting banned. If you don’t know how to do this, follow the instructions below.
Step-by-Step Guides
Modding is available through several software programs: Script Hook V, LUA Plugin, and Mod Manager. While these options are similar, they have slightly different aspects, including installing mods. Let’s start in order.
Script Hook V
Script Hook V is a key tool for adding mods to GTA 5. It allows the game to run custom scripts and makes installing various modifications much easier. Here’s how to install it:
- Download Script Hook V: Get the latest version from the official website.
- Unzip the files: Open the downloaded archive and find the ScriptHookV.dll file in the bin folder.
- Copy to the game folder: Place ScriptHookV.dll in the GTA 5 installation folder where the GTA5.exe file is located.
- Add Asi Loader: Copy dsound.dll from the bin folder to the GTA 5 directory.
- Enable Native Trainer: Copy NativeTrainer.asi to the same folder. This tool will help activate cheats such as super jump and boost.
- Now you are ready to install mods!
To add other mods, simply copy their .asi files to the same folder with GTA 5. Most mods are single .asi files, but some may have multiple components. Always check the specific instructions for each mod.
LUA Plugin
Installing the LUA plugin is recommended for more modding options. This plugin allows you to add and edit scripts required by some mods. That is, this program is suitable for both simple mods and more advanced ones, including your own. Here is how to install it:
- Download LUA Plugin: Find the plugin files on the Internet.
- Unzip the folder: After unzipping, you will see a script folder and a LUA_SDK.asi file.
- Copy to game folder: Move both items to the GTA 5 directory. In the scripts folder, there will be a subdirectory called add-ins.
- Add .lua files: If you have mods with .lua files, place them in the add-ins folder.
The advantage of the LUA Plugin is that gamers can edit and add scripts to mod the game. Most mod developers choose LUA, so if you are interested in not only downloading but also creating, this is your choice.
Mod Manager
With the variety of mods available, Mod Manager can be a useful tool. GTAV Mod Manager makes it easy to install mods, manage conflicts, and activate or deactivate mods as needed. It is a fairly straightforward program that, although inferior in functionality to the previous one, is still quite good. To install Mod Manager:
- Download GTAV Mod Manager: Follow the instructions on the official website or find a tutorial video.
- Manage mods: Use the manager to install and uninstall mods without worrying about file conflicts.
Mod Installation Example: Ragdoll on Demand
To illustrate the process, let’s look at installing the Ragdoll on Demand mod:
- Download the mod: Find it on a trusted site.
- Find the .lua file: In the downloaded files, look for the ragdoll-on-demand .lua file.
- Copy to add-ins folder: Move this file to the add-ons folder created when you installed the LUA Plugin.
- Test the mod: Launch the game and press ‘U’ to activate the mod.
Some mods are activated in their own way, and developers often use standard keys. Mod Manager allows you to configure each one for a separate key or combination so as not to break the scripts of different mods. Plus, additional mod settings are made simply and intuitively.
Conclusion
In terms of the number of mods on PC, GTA 5 is second only to Skyrim. In both cases, most mods are intended for single-player play. But even GTA 5 Online gets its share of interesting updates in the modding aspect (except for cheats and game-breaking scripts). Want to know which mods are the most popular or want to share your collection? Leave your comments and share the modding vibe with other gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Safe to Use Mods in GTA 5 Single-player?
Yes, it is generally safe to use mods in single-player. Some mods may be incompatible with each other or require other modifications. The developers indicate this in the description if you suddenly have errors or the game crashes.
Can I Use Mods in GTA 5 Online?
Most of the modifications that are available in the single-player game are not available online. The only exceptions may be mods for graphics, shadows, and other visual aspects, but there are exceptions.
Why Do You Need a Mod Manager for GTA 5 Mods?
A Mod Manager, such as GTAV Mod Manager, helps organize the modding process. It simplifies the installation, configuration, and removal of mods, preventing conflicts and providing a comfortable gaming experience with customized key settings.