Do you still love playing Grand Theft Auto V? Of course, you do. Even after all these years, it’s still an amazing game. But if you’re looking for something new, then mods are the answer. They can change the game in incredible ways.
The modding community for GTA 5 is huge and always creating new things. In 2025, there are some truly outstanding mods that can make your game look and feel completely different. We’ve put together a list of the 10 best GTA 5 mods you need to try right now.
Here are the mods that will give your game a fresh new feel.
1. NaturalVision Evolved (NVE)
First off, let’s talk about looks. NaturalVision Evolved, or NVE, is a total game-changer for graphics. It makes the world of Los Santos look unbelievably realistic. This mod changes everything: the lighting, the weather, and even the textures. The colors are more vibrant, and the rain looks so real you’ll think you’re watching a movie. If you want to make GTA 5 look like a next-gen game, NVE is a must-have. (Image: A screenshot of Los Santos at sunset with incredibly realistic lighting, vibrant colors, and detailed textures, showing the NaturalVision Evolved mod in action.)
2. LSPD First Response (LSPDFR)
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a cop in Los Santos? The LSPDFR mod lets you do just that. Instead of causing chaos, you get to stop it. This mod turns GTA 5 into a detailed police simulator with different callouts and missions. You can patrol the city, respond to robberies, and chase down criminals. It’s a completely different way to play the game. (Image: A player-controlled police officer in a patrol car with flashing lights, parked next to a crime scene in a nighttime Los Santos street, from the LSPD First Response mod.)
Learn how to play GTA 5 on your Android device.
3. Redux
The Redux mod is another fantastic option for a visual overhaul. It improves textures, adds new weather effects, and even makes explosions more realistic. Redux is known for its cinematic style, giving the game a grittier and more intense feel. It’s a great choice if you want to update the game’s look and feel without a massive performance hit. (Image: A side-by-side comparison of a default GTA 5 screenshot and a Redux mod screenshot, showing enhanced color grading and more detailed textures.)
4. Menyoo PC Trainer
Sometimes, you just want to have fun and mess around. That’s where a trainer mod comes in handy. Menyoo PC is one of the most popular trainers for GTA 5. It gives you a simple menu to control almost everything in the game. You can spawn any car, change the weather instantly, and even teleport anywhere on the map. It’s the ultimate tool for a creative and chaotic single-player experience. (Image: A screenshot of the in-game Menyoo PC mod menu, showing options like “Player Options,” “Vehicle Spawner,” and “Teleport Options” with simple text.)
5. Complex Control
For players who want a new challenge, Complex Control is a perfect fit. This mod turns GTA 5 into a rogue-lite game with battle royale elements. Every time you play, you get a new character with different powers. There are random missions and a permadeath system, so every session is a unique and unpredictable adventure. It keeps the game exciting and fresh. (Image: An in-game screenshot of a player character with a glowing effect, surrounded by multiple enemies in a large open area, from the Complex Control mod.)
6. Simple Zombies
If you’re a fan of zombie movies, this mod is for you. Simple Zombies turns Los Santos into a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The city is full of zombies, and your main goal is to survive. You’ll need to find food, weapons, and build a safe place to hide. It completely changes the game from an action-packed crime story to a tense survival horror experience. (Image: A lone character standing on a destroyed street in GTA 5, with multiple zombie character models shambling towards them, illustrating the Simple Zombies mod.)
7. The GTA V Realism Beyond Mod
This mod is for players who want a more realistic game world. It improves a lot of small details. For example, it makes the traffic behave more like real life, and the police react more smartly. This mod focuses on small changes that add up to a big difference, making the world feel more alive and believable. (Image: A screenshot of a realistic traffic scene in Los Santos, showing cars behaving more naturally and detailed road textures from the Realism Beyond mod.)
8. Open All Interiors
Ever get annoyed that you can’t go inside most of the buildings in GTA 5? The Open All Interiors mod solves that problem. It unlocks many of the buildings that were only for missions. Now, you can explore places like the LifeInvader offices or the FIB building at your leisure. It’s a great mod for explorers who want to see more of the game world. (Image: An in-game screenshot showing the interior of a previously inaccessible building in GTA 5, with a character standing inside and a clear view of the detailed room.)
9. Enhanced Driving
The driving physics in GTA 5 are pretty good, but this mod makes them even better. It changes how cars handle, giving them more realistic weight and traction. Suddenly, every car feels different to drive. It makes car chases and races much more thrilling and challenging. If you love driving in GTA, you’ll love this mod. (Image: A sports car in GTA 5 mid-drift on a winding road, demonstrating the improved physics from the Enhanced Driving mod.)
10. Gang and Turf
This mod brings gang warfare to Los Santos. You can take over territories and fight against other gangs to control the city. It adds a new layer of strategy to the game. You’ll have to manage your gang members, plan attacks, and defend your turf from rivals. It’s like playing a whole new game within GTA 5. (Image: A map of Los Santos with different colored territories, illustrating the territory control system from the Gang and Turf mod.)
How to Install These GTA 5 Mods: A Simple Guide
Installing mods for GTA 5 can seem tricky, but it’s easy once you know the basics.
Before You Start
- Backup Your Game Files: Always make a copy of your main
Grand Theft Auto Vfolder before you install any mods. This way, if something goes wrong, you can easily restore the original files. - Use Mods in Single-Player Only: Never use these mods in GTA Online. Rockstar Games will detect them, and you will be banned. These mods are only for the single-player story mode.
Essential Tools
You’ll need two main tools for most mods:
- Script Hook V: This tool allows you to use many of the popular mods and trainers. You can download it from the official website.
- OpenIV: This program lets you open and edit the game files. It’s necessary for installing mods that replace or add textures, models, and other game assets. Download it and install it first.
Step-by-Step Installation
- Download Your Chosen Mod: Go to a trusted modding website like GTA5-Mods.com and download the mod you want. Most mods come as a
.zipor.rarfile. - Extract the Files: Use a program like WinRAR or 7-Zip to open the downloaded file. You’ll see a folder or a set of files inside.
- Read the Instructions: Every mod is different. Always look for a “Readme” file or an “Installation” section. The mod creator will explain exactly where to place the files.
- Use OpenIV (If Required): If the instructions say to use OpenIV, open the program and navigate to the correct folder in your GTA 5 directory. Then, drag and drop the mod files into OpenIV. Remember to enable “Edit Mode” in OpenIV first.
- Place Files Directly (For Simple Mods): For simpler mods like trainers (e.g., Menyoo), you might just need to drag and drop the files directly into your main GTA 5 folder. The instructions will tell you if this is the case.
In conclusion, these mods are a great way to breathe new life into Grand Theft Auto V. Whether you want better graphics, new gameplay, or just a little bit of chaos, there’s a mod out there for you.
