Prerequisites, Requirements, and Tools for Installing Mods

Requirements for most modifications

By default, GTA V's limits for added content such as DLCs, add-on vehicles, add-on weapons or map mods are just high enough to work with the default game and its updates. For this reason, most mods require certain prerequisite mods to increase these limits.

gameconfig.xml

A gameconfig.xml is required for most modifications and therefore always recommend.

Limit adjusters

The following two limit adjusters will almost always be required and are therefore also always recommended:

• Packfile Limit Adjuster
• HeapAdjuster

In addition, depending on the mods you are using, you may also need the following limit adjusters:

• fwBoxStreamerVariable and decals limit patch (Map modifications)
• Modkit Limit Adjuster (Add-on modkits for vehicle mods)
• Weapon Limits Adjuster (Add-on weapons and weapon components)
• PedProp Limit Adjuster (Add-on ped props such as hats and glasses)

Tools

Unpacking archives

Downloaded mods are usually stored in .zip, .rar or .7z archives. While most .zip files can be opened in Windows by default, .rar or .7z requires external tools. Commonly used tools are 7-Zip (free and open source) or WinRAR (proprietary).

Models, textures and audio files

Any mods that change original game files, for example vehicles, pedestrians, sounds and textures or models in general are installed using OpenIV.

When using OpenIV, it is recommended to create a mods folder. We provide guides with more information regarding the installation of vehicles and textures.

Scripts

In almost every cases, script mods only need to be moved to specific directories within the GTA V directory, requiring no further tools. However, they require different hooks to work. Commonly used hooks include Script Hook V, Script Hook V .NET and RAGE Plugin Hook. Take a look at the script's description or readme file to see which hook(s) are necessary.

Editing configuration files

The game uses .ymt or .meta files for data entries, such as peds, vehicles or weapons. These files use the .xml format, though .ymt files are encrypted and must be exported using OpenIV before they can be read. Many script mods include .ini or .xml files for configuration.

Most configuration files can be modified without requiring any further steps. Files can be modified using any plain text editor, for example Windows' default Editor or more extensive editors like Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code, which can include tools for formatting and validating to prevent errors. Rich text editors such as Word or Wordpad will not work.