GTA 5 Mod Installation Guide: Tools, Steps, and Tips

Modding Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) lets you add new cars, realistic graphics, gameplay tweaks, and fun scripts to the single-player mode. If you’ve never installed a GTA 5 mod before, don’t worry — this guide walks you through everything step by step.

⚠️ Important: Mods are meant for single-player only. Using mods in GTA Online can get you banned. Always keep mods disabled when playing online.

What You Need Before Installing Mods

Before downloading any mods, make sure you have:

• A PC version of GTA 5 (Steam, Epic Games, or Rockstar Launcher)

• GTA 5 fully updated

• Basic file-copy knowledge (drag & drop)

It’s also highly recommended to back up your GTA 5 folder before modding.

Most Popular GTA 5 Modding Tools (Required)

These tools are used by almost every GTA 5 mod. Install them before adding mods.

🔧 OpenIV

Website: https://openiv.com

OpenIV is the core GTA 5 modding tool. It lets you edit game archives, install add-on cars, replace textures, and manage mod folders.

Why you need it:

• Access GTA 5 game files

• Install car, map, and graphics mods

• Use Mods Folder (safe modding without touching original files)

🔧 Script Hook V

Website: http://www.dev-c.com/gtav/scripthookv/

Script Hook V is required for script-based mods such as trainers, gameplay mods, and custom scripts.

Why you need it:

• Enables .asi script mods

• Required for most trainers and gameplay mods

🔧 Script Hook V .NET (Optional but Common)

Website: https://github.com/crosire/scripthookvdotnet

Some mods are written in C# and require Script Hook V .NET.

Why you need it:

• Runs advanced .NET script mods

• Required by many modern gameplay mods

Step-by-Step: How to Install GTA 5 Mods

Step 1: Locate Your GTA 5 Folder

Depending on where you bought the game:

• Steam:
  SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Grand Theft Auto V

• Epic Games:
  Epic Games\GTAV

• Rockstar Launcher:
  Rockstar Games\Grand Theft Auto V

This is your main GTA 5 directory.

Step 2: Install OpenIV

1. Download OpenIV from the official website

2. Run OpenIV and select Windows

3. Point it to your GTA 5 installation folder

4. Enable Mods Folder when prompted

✔️ This creates a safe /mods directory for modding.

Step 3: Install Script Hook V

1. Download Script Hook V

2. Extract the ZIP file

3. Copy these files into your GTA 5 folder:

   • ScriptHookV.dll

   • dinput8.dll

That’s it — Script Hook V is now active.

Step 4: Install a Mod

Most GTA 5 mods fall into one of these types:

🚗 Add-On Cars

• Installed using OpenIV

• Files go into:
  mods\update\x64\dlcpacks

• Requires editing dlclist.xml

🎮 Script Mods / Trainers

• Usually .asi or .dll files

• Copy directly into the GTA 5 root folder

🌆 Graphics Mods

• Installed via OpenIV

• May replace textures or shaders

• Always read the mod description carefully

📌 Always follow the mod’s install instructions, as each mod can be different.

Recommended Beginner Mods (Optional)

Once everything is set up, beginners often start with:

• Simple trainers (spawn cars, teleport, god mode)

• Realistic car packs

• Visual enhancement mods

• Police or roleplay mods (single-player)

Common Problems & Tips

• ❌ Game crashes on launch → Mod may be outdated

• ❌ Script Hook V not working → GTA 5 updated, Script Hook V not yet updated

• ✔️ Keep mods inside the mods folder when possible

• ✔️ Disable mods before playing GTA Online

Final Notes

GTA 5 modding is easy once your tools are installed. Start small, read mod instructions carefully, and always keep backups. With the right setup, you can completely transform your single-player GTA 5 experience.