Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Key points

The Steam version has no third-party DRM and supports both Windows and Mac OS X.

General information

Steam Forums - The Steam forums for the GTA series

GTAForums.com - Popular community forum

Improvements

Patches

A version 1.0 executable is required by some mods.

Steam users can downgrade to version 1.0 by following the instructions in this Steam thread. Non-Steam uses can downgrade to version 1.0 by replacing the gta_sa.exe file with a No-CD cracked 1.0 version (search online).

Utilities

CamHack 1.5 provides among other features support for any Aspect Ratio and unlimited FOV adjustment. Version 1.5, although unofficial, includes a fix needed for Windows versions later than XP.

SAAC 1.2, San Andreas Advanced Control, allows you many configuration options for gamepads. The analog, axis-based controls allow for far more precise driving.

Mods

Currently two major multiplayer mods exist, Multi Theft Auto: San Andreas, and San Andreas Multiplayer, Multi Theft Auto is arguably more advanced, however San Andreas Multiplayer currently holds a larger community. Both mods require a version 1.0 executable.

Issues and Fixes

Car handles like the handbrake is always on

This is caused by the game running too fast and can be corrected several ways.

• Enable Frame Limiter in the game settings. (Note: this will limit the frame rate to 25)
• Force vertical sync in the driver control panel.
• Use GTA:SA FPS Limit Adjuster.

Game Crashes when Cars Explode

This problem usually occurs on Windows Vista and Windows 7 when running the game with 32-bit graphics. To fix this, run gta_sa.exe in Windows 2000 compatibility mode.

Mouse Fails to Work

This is an issue where the mouse becomes inactive in game if the game is running on a multi core processor. To fix this start the game and ALT+TAB to the desktop when the game initially opens, start the Task Manager and select the Processes tab. Right-click gta-sa.exe and select Set Affinity. Uncheck all the boxes except CPU 0 and ALT+TAB back to the game. This process must be repeated every time the game is initiated.

A simpler fix is to use SilentPL's ASI loader for GTA: SA and drop Risugami's Mouse Fix file into the game directory.

Can't Dive Underwater

To fix this switch frame limiter to on in the games options menu. This will dramatically reduce frame rate however characters will now dive underwater so it's advised to select this option only when necessary.

CamHack Utility Crashes Upon Opening

The CamHack 1.5 utility may crash immediately upon opening on Windows 7 64-bit. Search online for dx8vb.dll and copy the file to C:\Windows\SysWOW64. Run the Camhack 1.5 setup 64bit.bat file as an Administrator.

Game crashes with User Radio

The game may crash when playing with User Radio Player. To fix this, turn on the frame limiter in the Options menu. This bug was fixed in patch 1.01.

Mouse Sensitivity Issues

When aiming the vertical sensitivity may be higher than the horizontal sensitivity (or vice-versa). To fix this:

1. Open the game and go to Options -> Controller Setup -> Mouse Settings.
2. Set the Mouse Sensitivity to the middle (8 bars).
3. Adjust your mouse sensitivity outside of the game using the Windows Control Panel, the DPI button on your mouse, or the software that came with your mouse.

Alternatively there is a DLL plugin fix available here.

Alley Oop Driving School Mission Difficulty

The Alley Oop mission at the driving school may be impossible unless the frame limiter option is turned on.