0. FROM SCRATCH
1. REQUIREMENTS
3. Main Mods
13. INSTALL MODS
14. MODLOADER
15. PRIORITY TABLE
16. Configure INI
17. SOLUTIONS
19. LIBERTY EXTENDED
20. THANK YOU
Welcome to this document about the mods I use to play Grand Theft Auto III for good.
The goal is to play with mods that don't alter Rockstar's original vision, aren't too drastic changes, no "realistic" graphics or animations, or random mods like cartoon skins/cars/weapons, nothing like that.
The mods you'll see today are totally "Lore-Friendly", mods that fit perfectly with the game, to the point of looking like an official update from Rockstar, which adds new content like things from the PS2/Xbox Versions, Beta Stuff, and that improve the gaming experience quite a bit.
These mods are EXCLUSIVELY FOR SINGLE PLAYER.
Ready to go, Count Zero! That's right, we'll do EVERYTHING from the beginning.
The first PC is the Programma 101, produced by the Italian company Olivetti between 1962 and 1964... Wait no.
If you've just bought/formatted a PC it's more than obvious that it's not ready to play yet. Well, we have to do a lot of things.
If you have just bought your PC, you will need to configure it to have maximum performance, call it activate XMP profile of the RAM memory, Drivers, etc.
Although it sounds obvious, we must install the most up-to-date drivers of our GPU to have maximum performance. You will download the Drivers from the official website of your GPU, either NVIDIA, AMD OR Intel.
NVIDIA:
https://www.nvidia.com/es-la/drivers/
AMD:
https://www.amd.com/es/support/download/drivers.html
Intel:
https://www.intel.la/content/www/xl/es/download-center/home.html
GTA 3 like many games need DLLs to work, call it VCredist, DirectX, Redistributables. This also includes mods, as most require code that includes such DLLs.
But how do I get those DLLs?
Don't worry, fortunately Mixmods includes an article where we can find the most important DLLs and their installers, both for 32 bits (x86) and 64 Bits (x64).
Don't worry, they're all official Microsoft installers, so there's no risk.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2015/08/download-de-todas-as-dll-que-voce-precisa/
DirectX (If the link in Mixmods page doesn't work):
https://www.microsoft.com/es-mx/download/details.aspx?id=35
If you're here, I assume you've already seen the complete guide to installing mods for GTA 3 in 2025, you've downgraded your GTA 3 from Steam/Rockstar Launcher, that you have the game on Version 1.0, and the Essentials Pack installed.
In that guide, I show you how to get the game (either through Steam Families, Rockstar Launcher, etc.).
DON'T KNOW HOW? Below you'll find the required information:
Obviously, we need GTA 3 on Version 1.0 FULL for all the mods to work properly. NOT Steam Versions (3.0) or Rockstar Launcher (3.0), these versions ARE NOT MOD COMPATIBLE.
But if for some reason you have those versions, you're in luck; just downgrade the game with the Essentials Pack!
Remember to have a GTA 3 1.0 BACKUP in case you install something wrong.
As you may know, installing GTA 3 from its original installer will install it in
"Program Files (x86) / Rockstar Games / GTA 3"
SERIOUS ERROR!
As I mentioned in my guide to optimizing GTA San Andreas, Windows is quite restrictive when it comes to changing the x86 Program Files folders, and GTA 3 IS NO EXCEPTION.
https://youtu.be/m5UMvc8L1po?si=aomO_XNHP87cSM8x&t=181
I recommend changing the game path, such as "Documents" or "Games". And of course, update the Desktop shortcut with the new path.
NOTE: If you have the game in the normal Steam path ("steamapps / Common / GTA 3"), don't worry. Fortunately, Steam allows us to install mods in its default path (or not, Rockstar Games Launcher?)
This is one everyone knows. In case an installation goes wrong, always have a clean copy of GTA 3 1.0 on hand. Always have a Backup.
This helps a lot when installing mods, as it fixes many Modloader errors and mods installed within it.
https://gtaforums.com/topic/922253-failed-to-open-the-log-file-modloader-issue/
This pack contains everything you need to install GTA 3 mods and optimize your game!
-Ultimate ASI Loader
-CLEO 2
-Modloader
-Silent Patch
-Widescreen Fix
-Etc.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2020/12/iii-essentials-pack/
Many of the compressed files are in .7z format. They are clearly files compressed in 7-Zip. That's why I recommend you have 7-Zip installed, which is 1000 times better than WinRAR and WinZip, due to all the advantages it has (Open Source, better compression, more compatibility with different compressed file formats, etc.).
These are Plugins required by some mods to work at 100%. Pay attention so that you don't say *"It crashes, it tells me that I need Open Limit Adjuster, what do I do?" *
Required by: Xbox Mod, Skin & Bones, Project2DFX
- Open "OpenLimitAdjuster.ini"
- The '[GTA3LIMITS]' section should be configured as follows:
StreamingInfo = 6524
TxdStore = 1024
MemoryAvailable = 2048
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/10/open-limit-adjuster/
Author: Rim (rmws.)
Collaborators: The Hero, _AG, DK22Pac, DimZet13 & GTA Community.
NOTE: "Open Limit Adjuster" and "SkyGFX" ARE ALREADY INCLUDED.
IMPORTANT: DELETE this folder from Xbox Mod:
- Skins
IMPORTANT: DELETE these ".col" files from the Xbox Mod:
- comNbtm.col
- industNE.col
- industNW.col
- industSW.col
- vehicles.col
INSTALLATION: Via Modloader
This mod has the objective of turning GTA 3 into the Classic Xbox Version, which is graphically superior to the rest of the versions, being practically a remaster, one made by a professional studio, not incompetent of a supposed Definitive Edition.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2021/06/iii-xbox-version-hd-versao-xbox-para-pc-em-hd/
Author: M. Osborn
NOTE: DELETE these files from the mod:
- "dyn" & "ext" folder
IMPORTANT: DELETE these ".col" files from the Xbox Mod:
- comNbtm.col
- industNE.col
- industNW.col
- industSW.col
- vehicles.col
INSTALLATION: Via Modloader
This mod adds some interiors to the GTA 3 map, in a similar way to GTA Liberty City Stories.
https://www.mediafire.com/file/2zmr9plkenx8faz/GTAIII_-_Extended_Interiors_Universe.7z/file
SHOWCASE: https://youtu.be/Ug1m7cwrcQQ
Author: aap (The Hero)
1. CONFIGURE FOR XBOX MOD:
"; WorldPipe=0" > "WorldPipe=1"
2. Enable PS2 loading screens:
"ps2Loadscreen=0" > "ps2Loadscreen=1"
3. Use "Windowed Mode" without Crashes:
"SeamFix=1" > "SeamFix=0"
RECOMMENDED: INSTALL "rwd3d9.dll" and d3d8.dll in the game's root path.
UPDATE: Also install "d3d8.dll"; it appears to have been updated.
https://youtu.be/eeCN13ilZU8?si=242Cmzm3GE7XKuQk&t=867
This mod brings us the graphics of the different versions of GTA 3, and visual corrections.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2020/02/iii-vc-skygfx-3-0b/
Author: aap (The Hero)
As the name implies, this is a debug menu for setting up some mods in real-time, such as SkyGFX.
https://sharemods.com/dugdkrw9s1a7/III_VC_SA_-_Debug_Menu.7z.html
Author: ThirteenAG
RECOMMENDED: Remove "scripts" and "menu.txd" from "Xbox Mod"
This mod remasters the entire GTA 3 interface, the loading screens of the PS2 version.
https://github.com/ThirteenAG/WidescreenFixesPack/releases/download/gta3/GTA3.WidescreenFrontend.zip
Author: _AG
This mod improves the gameplay of GTA 3, making it similar to that of GTA San Andreas:
- Being able to rotate the camera around the character
- Aim manually
- Walking with the "ALT" key
- Crouch with the "C" key
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/06/iii-vc-classic-axis/
Author: erorcun
This mod allows us to rotate the vehicle's camera. This mod includes a camera similar to GTA SA and another to GTA LCS, you choose the one of your preference.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2020/04/iii-vc-sa-lcs-vehicle-camera-port-camera-do-sa-e-lcs/
Author: The Hero
REQUIRED: Open Limit Adjuster
REQUIRED: Choose "PLAYA5" skin
IMPORTANT Remove "ExtraObjectsDir" in '[GTA3LIMITS]' from "III.VC.SA.LimitAdjuster.ini".
INSTALLATION: Game root path
This mod improves GTA 3's pedestrian models, converting them to Xbox models. It also includes hands with separated fingers in cinematics.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2018/08/iii-skin-and-bones-3-0-xbox-peds-claude-corpo-suave/
https://libertycity.net/files/gta-3/169881-ispravlenie-golovy-kloda-dlja-skin-and.html
Author: Rockstar Leeds, ForeverL (Conversion), Jéssica Natália (Texturas Mobile)
REQUIRED: Skin & Bones
INSTALLATION 1: Move the "LCS Peds" folder to "Modloader" and set the priority to "Modloader.ini"
INSTALLATION 2: Move the ".dff" and ".txd" to the *"dff txd" folder of "Skin & Bones".
This mod replaces the cartoonish pedestrians from GTA 3 with those from LCS.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2021/07/iii-lcs-peds-pedestres-do-gta-lcs/
Author: George Costanza, CP, BeckermannDewitt, BEGINit, Blackbird88, EiF0hn, ermaccer, fastman92, Forever L, inadequate, Jitterdoomer, JohnnyK, Kalvin, Mr.Jago, Mugetsuga, Neo Anderson, niltwill, R4gN0r0K, Silent, SpooferJahk, TJGM, Tomasak, 5Zera
RECOMMENDED: Install ONLY the Audios.
INSTALLATION: GTA 3 Root Path.
This mod fixes some erroneous audios that GTA 3 presents on PC. Like the audio of Salvatore in the mission "Bomb that Base Act I" and the audio of Catalina in "The Exchange".
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2016/11/vc-iii-the-leftovers-fix-correcoes-do-ps2/
Author: TJGM & ThirteenAG
REQUIRED: Open Limit Adjuster.
REQUIRED: DELETE the 2 files "III.VC.SA.LimitAdjuster" in the mod folder.
This mod improves the map draw distance and lights of GTA 3.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2016/09/iii-project2dfx-4-4/ (MORE STABLE)
https://github.com/ThirteenAG/III.VC.SA.IV.Project2DFX/releases/tag/gtasa
Author: RusJJ
This mod adds more stars during the night, looking more alive.
https://gtaforums.com/topic/994443-starryskies-pc/
Author: erorcun
This mod adds snow weather for GTA III. For this mod to work in real time we must configure the "LCSSnow.ini" file:
"RandomlySwitchRainWithSnow=false"*** to "RandomlySwitchRainWithSnow=true"
https://gtaforums.com/topic/942893-lcs-psp-snowfall-port-r2/
Author: Fire_Head
INSTALLATION: Game root path
This mod improves the particle effects system of GTA 3. We can choose between the effects of "PS2", "PC" and "Xbox". To do this, we must modify the ".ini" file of the mod.
Author: _AG
INSTALLATION: Folder in Modloader
This mod allows us to access the game map from the pause menu, and also place a destination point, like in GTA San Andreas.
https://github.com/gennariarmando/menu-map/releases/
Author: ThirteenAG
INSTALLATION: Folder in Modloader
This mod allows us to return to the previous station with the mouse wheel, without having to go through the entire radio.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/03/iii-vc-mouse-wheel-radio-changer/
Author: Neon
This mod removes the leading zeros from the amount of money raised, just like in GTA San Andreas 10th Anniversary.
https://www.gtainside.com/en/gta3/mods/197442-gta-3-remove-hud-money-zeros/
Author: DimZet
This mod improves the system for buying weapons in Ammu-Nation, as in GTA Vice City.
https://libertycity.net/files/gta-3/127331-improved-weapon-purchase.html
Author: DimZet
This mod lets us activate the ice cream truck missions like in GTA Vice City.
https://www.gtainside.com/en/gta3/mods/95766-ice-cream-sale
Author: Fire_Head
This mod adds passengers to vehicles, bringing more life to the game's traffic.
https://libertycity.net/files/gta-3/114854-iii-passengers.html
Author: Silent
This mod gives us the possibility to destroy the Airtrain plane with the bazooka, and doing so will give us 4 search stars. A feature that is still in the game's code (You can see it in the German Trailer), but let's remember what happened in 2001, the same year that GTA 3 came out.
https://www.gtagarage.com/mods/show.php?id=26526
German Trailer:
https://youtu.be/jRSr_HSY-4Y?si=eDDYXcJYvhMR3m87&t=117
Author: MrFinger
This mod converts the vehicles of the PC Version to those of the Classic Xbox Version, this means better quality models and textures. Unfortunately there are some vehicles with bugs in the Xbox Mod (e.g. the Predator).
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JCiFqfQx0muk6-edAvvfypbBU0-TtYgJ/view
Author: MrFinger
IMPORTANT: Install ONLY the "Prop Vehicles" folder. The other 2 we are going to ignore.
This mod improves and fixes the vehicle models of cinematics.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zlYhxZlck-y1BU0NCrGpWUuoma-gNpc_/view
Author: Fire_Head
IMPORTANT: Install the "For Classic AXIS" Version
This mod gives us the ability to destroy the windshields of cars, in addition to eliminating the driver.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/06/iii-breakable-windshields/
Author: Fire_Head
IMPORTANT: Install ONLY the 2 "Burstable Tires" files. IGNORE the "SFX" folder
This mod gives us the ability to burst the tires of cars, making them unstable when driving.
https://www.moddb.com/addons/iii-burstable-tyres-v47
Author: Silent
As GTA 3 and GTA Vice City share the same code, this made it possible for Silent (yes, the author of the legendary Silent Patch) to create this fantastic mod. This mod adds air vehicles to GTA 3. They are conducted in a similar way to GTA Vice City.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2017/03/iii-iii-aircraft-pilotar-avioes-no-gta-3/
Here are some mods that didn't make it into the video, however I decided to include them in the file as an honorable mention.
Author: Fire_Head
NOTE: It may cause performance issues if there is a high density of pedestrians and vehicles.
This mod adds dynamic shadows to GTA 3, in a similar way to GTA San Andreas.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2021/02/iii-shadows-sombras-dinamicas-suaves/
Author: ThirteenAG
IMPORTANT: Disable the SeamFix setting of SkyGFX.ini ("SeamFix=1" > "SeamFix=0"), as it causes crashes.
As the name suggests, this mod allows us to play in Windowed Mode by pressing ALT + ENTER
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/10/iii-vc-sa-windowed-mode/
As I mentioned in the GTA 3 Guide, the mods are going to be installed in the Modloader folder. ALL MODS to be installed in Modloader must be in their respective folder.
"Xbox Mod", "SkyGFX", and "Project 2DFX", are 3 separate folders.
ALL FOLDERS MUST BE INSIDE THE MODLOADER FOLDER of GTA 3.
ParticleEX (Install on Root Path)
Skin & Bones (Install on Root Path)
Open Limit Adjuster (Install on Root Path)
Debug Menu (Install on Root Path)
In the Guide I mention many times "Set the priority", or "Increase the priority above 'x' mod". In it I explain this point in a summarized way:
https://youtu.be/MFPYJB4te4c&t=565s
How do I do this?
1. Unfortunately GTA 3 does not have a menu like in GTA San Andreas, the way to set the priority is similar.
In this file and section we can set the priority of mods. As the name implies, the PRIORITY indicates which mods are the most important, in this case the largest numbers ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT
In case of Not setting the Priority of the mods, they will CRASH the game since you don't know which one is the most important.
Both mods have identical files (.dff and .txd), however, the "LCS Peds" ARE THE IMPORTANT ONES, as they are the pedestrians that we are going to use.
We have 2 Options: "Lower Skin & Bones Priority" or "Increase LCS Peds Priority"
SOLUTION 1: We lowered the Priority of "Skin & Bones" from 50 to 49.
SOLUTION 2: We raised the Priority of "LCS Peds" from 50 to 51.
In my case I am going to modify the priority of LCS Peds.
With LCS Priority Peds set the game won't crash, because you already know which mod is the most important!
At the request of many, here is the priority of mods. It took me time to research which mods are more important than others.
Let's open Modloader.ini with Notepad.
LOCATION: GTA 3 / Modloader / "Modloader.ini"
In the Modloader.ini File you will see a section that says "[Profiles.Default.Priority]".
This section stores the Priority settings that we configured in the Modloader menu.
Below that text they are going to paste the following:
ASI Mods & CLEO=51
Breakable Windshields=54
Extended Interiors Universe=54
Fixed Xbox Vehicles=50
GTA3. WidescreenFrontend=52
III Aircraft=53
LCS Peds=53
Prop Vehicles=54
Skin and Bones=51
Xbox Mod=48
As the name implies, these mods CANNOT BE INSTALLED ON MODLOADER.
Debug Menu (Install in Root Path)
Open Limit Adjuster (Install on Root Path)
ParticleEX (Install on Root Path)
Skin & Bones (Install folders in root path)
If you've read some mods, you'll notice that they have annotations like "To change this edit the .ini file."
Those ".ini" Files are commonly called "Configuration Files", they are present in video games, in this case, to Configure Mods.
How can I edit this?
Easily, it will always be with Notepad, but to better guide you use Notepad++.
If we configure this mod we will activate the snow weather in real time.
- RandomlySwitchRainWithSnow=false
This setting will cause the rain and snow weather to be changed, "false" indicates that it is disabled, to Enable it we change the "false" for "true".
- RandomlySwitchRainWithSnow=true
This enables snow in real time, without the need to press F8.
Nothing is perfect, this also includes mods, as some can have bugs. That's why I, AlexRed29, took some time to research possible solutions to problems with some mods.
If you know a better solution you can write it in the comment box of the video, and I will update the document.
I already mentioned it in the "Guide to Installing Mods 2024", ALWAYS check the files of the mods you are going to install, check if they have files with the same name.
The best example is with Project 2DFX, which includes the Open Limit Adjuster. Remove it, since we are using the plugin separately (The one in the "Scripts") folder, in case you don't delete it the game will crash, since for some strange reason, Open Limit Adjuster does NOT work inside Modloader.
Seriously, check the mod files, this happens occasionally with the so-called "Random Mods", which include packs of Skins, Cars, weapons, etc, most of the time you will find repeated .dff and .txd files, this causes files to collide with others, therefore, CRASHEOS.
If your PC isn't very powerful, let's change a Widescreen Fix setting.
To fix this:
- GTA 3 Root Path
- Open the folder "_ESSENTIALS"
- Open the folder "Widescreen Fix by ThirteenAG"
- Open the gta3.widescreenfix.ini" file
- Change the value from "ForceMultiSamplingLevel = max" to "ForceMultiSamplingLevel = 0"
- This solves the lag!
As the mod says, this setting puts Antialiasing to the max, but this can lead to performance issues.
Unfortunately, the Xbox Mod menu and HD interface are not supported.
The Best Solution is:
- Let's go to the Xbox Mod
- We deleted the "scripts" folder
- We delete the "menu.txd" file
- Perfect!
Does the Extended Interiors Universe have any bugs with Xbox Mod, such as white textures and collision bugs? To fix this we're going to delete a few files from both mods.
DELETE these files from the "Extended Interiors Universe":
- "dyn" & "ext" folder
DELETE these ".col" files from the "Xbox Mod":
- comNbtm.col
- industNE.col
- industNW.col
- industSW.col
Perfect! The Extended Interiors Universe can now be used alongside the Xbox Mod!
Again, we're going to delete files from the Xbox Mod.
- vehicles.col
Perfect! The windshields are completely destructible!
-
Remember that we should have set up the Open Limit Adjuster, specifically removed the "ExtraObjectsDir" line, as it has bugs with skin & Bones.
-
Go to "Options" > "Change Character Appearance" > Select "PLAYA5".
-
Let's install "Claude Head Fix". Moving your .dff and .txd files to the Skin & Bones folder.
Perfect! We've fixed the bugs in Skin & Bones!
A: I already said it in my video Guide to installing mods in GTA 3, In Modloader, in addition to the Priority, other factors can be present, such as the way in which the mod is installed.
- Check ALL the mods you're going to install, and see if you don't have any duplicate files.
- Check that you save the mods in Folders in Modloader.
- Check that the name of your mod folder is not in Russian, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, etc. (ONLY if your PC is not in that language).
Unfortunately 99% of mods do not work in Liberty City Extended. Since this mod is created for GTA 3 Reverse Engineered (re3), which is a recreation of the GTA 3 code (NOT the original from Rockstar Games), therefore, a history of mods do not work in re3.
Fortunately it is possible to install only the Xbox Mod, and enjoy some features of Liberty Extended such as photo mode.
A: That's not a question, you're not giving me more details. Check that you have the required add-ons installed (Essentials Pack, Open Limit Adjuster, etc.). Check the mods if they are properly installed, and if they have their priority set in Modloader. In extreme cases, reinstall GTA 3 1.0 with its Essentials Pack.
A: Reinstall it, you created a GTA 3 1.0 Backup for something. I don't know why you got corrupted if you installed everything in Modloader (except for Skin & Bones and Debug Menu which go in the Root Folder, but don't damage anything), and if you got "damaged" it's because maybe you didn't follow the instructions or didn't read the mod's "Read-Me" to learn more. Don't blame me for not paying attention.
A: NO, I'M NOT GOING TO UPLOAD THEM TO A SINGLE FILE. I want you to learn how to install mods on your own, I'm not going to waste time or internet uploading all mods to make it 20 GB and reupload it every time there are updates to a specific mod (like Urbanize or RoSA Project).
You won't always have everything at hand, don't be useless lazy people who have to demand (Isn't it "... there is a reason why you are there"?).
Unfortunately 80% of mods do not work in Liberty City Extended. Since this mod is created for GTA 3 Reverse Engineered (re3), which is a recreation of the GTA 3 code (NOT the original from Rockstar Games), therefore, a history of mods do not work in re3.
Fortunately Liberty Extended ALREADY INCLUDES these mods:
- Classic AXIS
- Vehicle Camera Port
- Project 2DFX
- SkyGFX (In part)
- Interactive Menu Map
We can install these mods:
- Leftovers Fix (AUDIOS)
- Burstable Tyres
- Breakable Windshields
Thanks to partial support with Modloader in Liberty Extended 2.0 we can install these mods in Modloader:
- Xbox Mod
- Prop Vehicles
- Fixed Xbox Vehicles
UNFORTUNATELY due to the absence of CLEO we CAN'T install excellent mods like:
- III Aircraft
- Extended Interiors Universe
- Improved Weapon Purchase
- Ice Cream Sale
- ParticleEX
Hopefully very soon in the next Liberty Extended update it will have better support for mods.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2017/01/magic-txd-criar-editar-txd/
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2021/07/mipmapping/
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2018/01/varios-jogos-ambient-occlusion-sem-enb-series-sem-mods/
This is the end of the Gits.
If we add up all the mods including those present in Xbox Mod, GIVES US A TOTAL OF 50 MODS!
I don't plan to put all the mods in a single file in a third party link, I want YOU to learn how to install mods on your own.
Reuploading mods is a great lack of respect to modders, they are taken away from recognition when they see that some random reuploaded their work and taking away the credits.
I love that most of the mods were created in the last 5 years, showing that no one cares if GTA 3 is already almost 25 years old.
NO, the game is NOT dying, no one has stopped talking about it, neither in 2019, nor in 2014, so stop ***** everyone saying to let GTA 3 die, that "It has no more juice to squeeze", or "They only release random mods of skins".
If you want to talk about these mods or continue talking about GTA 3, do it, it is a timeless game, the years will pass and everyone will continue to remember it.
And for the modders, you have earned all my applause and respect, you have improved this game, more than Rockstar Games itself (or not Definitive Edition without updating?), I wanted to make this document and video to publicize your work and contributions to the community.
Keep going!
ありがとうございます!