It’s hard to believe, but GTA 5 is almost 12 years old. The game is still one of the most popular games on Twitch regularly. YouTube bloggers continue to release hundreds of videos, and modders release and update new ideas. We’ll tell you about the last one.
The plot has long been known to everyone, the world has been fully explored, and the graphics have become outdated after more than ten years. It doesn’t sound so promising, but you can turn to mods. We’ve collected the best GTA 5 graphics mods that will open the game anew, bring back former gamers and allow you to look at GTA 5 in a completely different way.
What Are Graphics Mods and How Do They Work?
Graphics mods are unofficial projects created by regular (or not quite) gamers. In 95% of cases, these are free options that you can download from various platforms. Graphic mods are reworking the visual aspects of the game, ranging from changing effects to improving the original version of shaders. Everyone can find something for themselves, and the main thing is to search a little.
!Mods are best used in GTA V’s single-player mode to avoid any complications. Otherwise, your account may be blocked forever.
Leading GTA 5 Graphics Mods to Download in 2025
Now that we have a clear understanding of what graphics mods are let’s look at what masterpieces are out there. In fact, there are more than ten thousand mods, but if we talk about graphics, the best of them are the following.
GTA V Redux
GTA V Redux is a graphics mod that works to improve all aspects of the game’s visuals. The mod improves lighting, textures, water and rain effects and also works to improve the game’s physics. Redux significantly improves the quality of textures and changes the atmosphere to make the game more cinematic. Main features of the GTA V Redux mod:
Improved textures:
- City objects such as buildings, roads and landscape elements have received higher-quality textures;
- New textures make the surrounding world more detailed and realistic;
- Reworked shaders system;
- Added brighter and more saturated colours, which gives each moment in the game more drama and atmosphere;
- Improved lighting effects for different times of day;
- Realistic water and rain effects;
- Water has become more dynamic and natural, and rain is more detailed, which enhances the effect of immersion in the game;
Game physics:
- Significantly improved physics, which makes the behaviour of vehicles more natural and smooth.
- Driving in GTA 5 with the Redux mod becomes more realistic and exciting, thanks to more accurate simulation of movement and car reactions.
In addition, Redux significantly improves the physics system, which makes driving smoother and more natural. Driving in GTA 5 with this mod becomes much more enjoyable and exciting, as cars behave like real cars and not like arcade vehicles.
Real California Map
The following mod does not so much improve the graphics as it adds new elements to the game, expanding the map and improving the visual component. The Real California Map mod increases the size of the GTA 5 map, adding new regions that are based on real places in California. The main features of the Real California Map mod:
New regions and cities:
- Added new cities, towns and natural areas based on real locations in California;
- Players can explore new territories, enjoying the views and atmosphere of real California.
Improved textures and objects:
- Improves the textures of the surrounding world, making it more alive and detailed;
- New roads, bridges, crossings and other objects are on the map.
Optimisation for good performance:
- The mod does not affect the performance of the game, and all models and textures are optimised so as not to reduce FPS;
- The textures of buildings and objects remain of the same quality as in the original game, and the architecture realistically conveys the atmosphere of real California.
But what if you combine the two mods? Redux improves the game’s cinematic and realistic textures, lighting, and atmosphere. At the same time, the Real California Map provides new areas to explore by improving and expanding the map based on real-world landscapes.
NaturalVision Evolved (NVE)
NaturalVision Evolved has long been considered one of the best graphics mods for GTA 5, and it remains a top contender. This mod completely overhauls the visual fidelity of the game, improving almost every aspect:
- It enhances the game’s lighting system, creating vibrant, cinematic visuals;
- Boosts the texture quality of almost everything in the game, from streets and buildings to trees and vehicles;
- A more immersive environment with improved rain, fog, and storm effects.
This mod is perfect for players looking for a near-photorealistic experience in GTA 5. However, due to its heavy graphical enhancements, players will need a powerful PC to run the mod smoothly. The best solution for a medium—or low-end PC would be to use the next mod.
VisualV
VisualV mod is an alternative to giants like Redux and NVE. It improves lighting, textures and weather effects while maintaining good performance, making it ideal for those who do not want to sacrifice FPS for a picture.
- The mod increases the quality of environmental textures, including roads, buildings, vegetation and other elements;
- VisualV improves the lighting in the game, making it softer and more natural, but does not overload the system, which helps maintain a stable frame rate;
- The mod improves weather conditions such as rain, fog and clouds.
One of VisualV’s key features is performance optimisation. It adds visual improvements without a significant drop in FPS, making it suitable even for PCs with modest characteristics. If you want to improve the graphics in GTA 5 but cannot afford a powerful PC, VisualV is a great choice.
A Few Words For the Rest
Even though GTA 5 is approaching its 12th anniversary, the game still has a lot of potential, thanks to the modding community. With these outstanding graphics mods, you can transform the visuals of GTA 5, whether you’re looking for a hyper-realistic overhaul, a cinematic experience, or just a small improvement.
