Summary

Grand Theft Auto 5was and still is one of the best open-world experiences of all time, standing as Rockstar’s highest-selling game. It provided a great level of storytelling, character development and interactions, and gameplay.

While Rockstar’sother titles such asRed Dead Redemption 2managed to replicate similar levels of success, particularly within storytelling, many would argue they do not come close to the likes ofGTA 5. Afterthe long-awaited reveal ofGrand Theft Auto 6,fans will be contemplating what to do in the meantime until its 2025 release. Fortunately, thanks to a plethora of mods forGTA 5,players on PC have the capability of pushing the highly successful title toward its full potential.

Natural Vision Evolved mod

5Natural Vision Evolved

Overhauls lighting systems, tonemapping, and more

After seeing theGTA 6trailer, fans were quick to point out the huge leap in graphical fidelity compared toGTA 5, and even 2018’sRed Dead Redemption 2.Since the wait for the sixth installment in the franchise will be a long one, one of the best ways to make up for it is with the Natural Vision Evolved graphics mod forGTA 5.

With enhanced lighting along with a wide array of texture upgrades and enhancements, Razed Mods' NVE proves to be one of the best choices for an upgrade that PC players can make for a new playthrough of the critically acclaimed title. While it certainly won’t live up to thejaw-dropping visual experiencethat awaits fans inGTA 6, it is most certainly worth utilizing in the meantime.

Trevor shooting

4Realistic Gun Sounds 4.1.1

Improves tactile feedback and the overall shooting experience

The base game’s audio experience when it comes down to weapon sounds isn’t very realistic to modern-day standards. Rather than true-to-life gunshot sounds, they are more arcade-like. This was somewhat improved when it came down to the release ofRed Dead Redemption 2,with more authentic gun sounds that align well with itsWild West periodsetting. This is crucial in terms of immersion, allowing players to make each gun battle feel as realistic as possible.

WithGTA 5, there are a plethora of options for players to choose from for weapon sound mods, but we prefer the Realistic Gun Sounds mod made by XENORT. It blends perfectly with the aforementioned upgraded visuals with the NVE mod. When in the middle of gun battles or traversing through the city, these improved weapon sounds play a massive part in improving the overall experience.

Three main characters

3Ultimate Outfit Pack

There are mods for the clothing of all three main characters

While the base game includes a variety of different clothing options for itsthree main characters, Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, a great number of mods expand this even further. These are often functional through the use of trainer mods for single-player only. One example, the Ultimate Outfit Pack by Menyoo, gives players the chance to change into new outfits at any given opportunity.

While there is still the issue of characters changing back into unwanted outfits when players switch away from them for a while, it still certainly helps add variation. Since each character maintains their own style of clothing, most clothing mods follow the pattern of the base game, creating outfits that suit these characters directly.

Driving

2Epic Explosions XX 2.0

Improves textures, sound effects, impact range and damage, and much more

At the time of its release,GTA 5impressed many fans with its incredible action spectacles and how intense each violent encounter was. This was further amplified by the huge explosions, especially on roads filled with vehicles. While the blast radius of these explosions is already great within the base game, the multiple options of mods take this to an even greater level with realistic and larger explosions.

One mod we like for this enhancement is Epic Explosions XX 2.0 by IIvELITEzX. The explosions within this mod can sendboth players and NPCsflying long distances, even if they are a decent distance away from the chaos, which is very authentic. Since it is largely expected thatGTA 6will adopt this same feature of more realistic elements, particularly in gameplay, this is a great way for players to set themselves up for the upcoming experience.

Motorbike

1Gta5KoRn Car Pack

A slew of new vehicles in every class, from muscle cars to speedsters

If there is any mod that will help modernizeGTA 5while fans awaitGTA 6, it is the addition of new vehicles. A pivotal factor inGTA 5’s success is the impressive driving mechanics, which are often lauded asthe best in anyopen-world game. The Gta5KoRn Car Pack enhances the driving experience dramatically.

With the addition of 48 new cars, fans can experience custom designs and appearances, along with better speed and handling. This should help keep fans occupied with a variety of activities in the single-player campaign, while the anticipation forGTA 6grows.

Grand Theft Auto 5 Tag Page Cover Art

A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto 5 showing main characters Michael, Trevor, and Franklin

Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA 5 Are Still Selling Very Well

A helicopter flying over the highways and skyscrapers at sunset in Los Santos in GTA 5-1

Grand Theft Auto 6 Los Santos Skyline