Grand Theft Auto V Modding on OpenMods

Rockstar's open-world with a sprawling community modding scene

Grand Theft Auto V (2013 console, 2015 PC, with continuous live service via GTA Online) has one of the largest modding communities in PC gaming for a single-player perspective. Rockstar's stance on PC modding has been contradictory, tolerated for single-player, prohibited in any form for GTA Online (with bans for online mod use a real risk).

The modding stack is layered: Script Hook V + OpenIV at the foundation, with custom scripts (.asi files) and resource overrides on top. Game Online players should be aware: launching modded GTA V in any way risks a Rockstar ban from GTA Online. Many modded players maintain a separate "modded" installation for offline use.

The toolchain

• Script Hook V: Alexander Blade's runtime extension. The foundational mod loader.
• Script Hook V .NET: adds .NET (C#) scripting on top of Script Hook V's native C++ API.
• OpenIV: community-built editor for GTA V's archive formats (RPF, etc.). Required for modifying game assets.
• Manual .asi install: drop .asi mod plugins into the game folder.
• Vortex (with the GTA V extension): for managing larger mod lists.

What you'll find on OpenMods

GTA V mods live primarily on GTA5-Mods.com (the community hub) and Nexus Mods. GitHub hosts source for some larger script mods. OpenMods catalogues GitHub-hosted GTA V mods.

Practical notes

• NEVER launch modded GTA V with GTA Online. Use the offline launcher option, or maintain a separate modded install. Rockstar bans for online mod use are real and enforced.
• Rockstar updates break mods. Major GTA Online updates often break Script Hook V; the community catches up within days.
• OpenIV is required for asset modding. Texture replacements, vehicle replacements, all need OpenIV to repack RPF archives.
• Save file isolation. Modded save files use the same paths as vanilla. If you switch back to GTA Online play, restore unmodified saves first.