Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Developers
	Rockstar North
Microsoft Store	War Drum Studios
macOS (OS X)	TransGaming Inc.
Publishers
	Rockstar Games
Japan	Capcom
Engines
	RenderWare
Release dates
Windows	June 1, 2005
macOS (OS X)	November 12, 2010

Warnings

The macOS (OS X) version of this game does not work on macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or later due to the removal of support for 32-bit-only apps.

Key points

Although unofficial, online mods have an active estimated monthly playerbase of over 500 000 players.

Extensive modding community with thousands of mods available. See Modding

Ability to import your music for your own custom radio station.

Exceeding 30 FPS introduces gameplay and physics issues.

Many visual features are either missing or broken without mods.

Downgrading is a must, as many fixes don't work with the newer game versions (which also lack ⅒ of songs)

General information

Official website

GTAForums - Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Discussion

Grand Theft Wiki

GTA Network - A huge network of fansites all dedicated to the Grand Theft Auto series

Steam Community Discussions (Windows)

Steam Community Discussions (OS X)

Availability

Source	DRM	Notes	Keys	OS
Retail		SecuROM 7 DRM disc check. Polish copies use StarForce 5 DRM.
Amazon.com
Green Man Gaming
Humble Store
Mac App Store
Microsoft Store		Different port of the game, same as mobile one
Steam		Windows release is DRM-free as of last patch (despite system requirements)

Version differences

The Microsoft Store and Steam versions lack some radio songs that were present in the retail release. To restore them in Steam version see Downgrading.

Essential improvements

Downgrading

Use San Andreas Downgrader (stub version)
Any savegames created previously must be converted. See Incompatible save game Downgrading restores all removed licensed songs from the game US executable that is provided misses French, German and Italian localizations support. Check fix below

ASI loader

Unpack both DLL files of Silent's ASI Loader in <path-to-game>

SilentPatch

Fixes many of the bugs introduced in the PC version like bugged sun flare, rotor blades, road reflections and some framerate related issues

Adds new features to the game like FLAC codec support

Limited new Steam version (December 9, 2014 patch) support

Unpack patch in the installation folder
ASI loader required

Skip intro videos

Install SilentPatch

Use Improved Fast Loader[citation needed]
Offers the ability to load the last used savegame automatically Offers the ability to disable the loading screen, which can speed up load times considerably Notes Can use alongside SilentPatch

Launch the game with -skip parameter
Notes Only works for 1.01 and 2.0 versions

Game data

Default configuration/saves folder path can be customized

Configuration file(s) location

System	Location
Windows	%USERPROFILE%\Documents\GTA San Andreas User Files\gta_sa.set
macOS (OS X)
Steam Play (Linux)	<SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12120/pfx/

Configuration file is encrypted, although it could be possible to edit

Save game data location

System	Location
Windows	%USERPROFILE%\Documents\GTA San Andreas User Files\GTASAsf*.b
Microsoft Store	%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\RockstarGames.GrandTheftAutoSanAndreas_3t068xe29zjvp\LocalState
macOS (OS X)	~/Documents/Rockstar Games/GTA San Andreas User Files/
Steam Play (Linux)	<SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12120/pfx/

Portable GTA
Moves the user files to the installation folder Download Portable GTA dll Save it as portablegta.asi inside <path-to-game>\scripts Run the game, exit, then delete the contents inside the newly-created "userfiles" folder Extract everything from "GTA San Andreas User Files" inside the "userfiles" folder Notes 1.0 version and ASI loader required Mod also works with GTA 3 and GTA Vice City

Save game cloud syncing

System	Native	Notes
OneDrive		Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers.
Steam Cloud

Incompatible save game

2.0 executable and newer will refuse to load savegames created with a previous .exe.

Saves made with original 1.0 scripts will fail to load when used with Hot Coffee patched ones, and vice versa. This can be fixed by converting them

Convert saves
Go to the save game data location Upload & convert your save file to GTA Save 'n' Play. Use the "Modifications" panel to fix what you need (e.g. downgraded game requires "Script/SCM" version v1) Download fixed save back with the name of your save slot of choice.

Video settings

Display options

Advanced display options

Widescreen resolution

Game normally renders stretched images. In-game widescreen option uses correct Aspect Ratio but cuts view (Vert-)

SilentPatch restores 5:4 and 16:9 resolutions with non-1.01 and non-2.0 versions, albeit far from perfection (see fixbox)

Perfect widescreen implementation
Download the first two files on ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix Place "wshps.asi" into <path-to-game>\scripts Also merge "GTASA.WidescreenFix.zip" scripts folder with this one Notes 1.0 version and ASI loader required

Field of view (FOV)

Use GTA: SA FOV Changer
Put fov.asi <path-to-game>\scripts\. Start and exit the game. Open fov.cfg to customize FOV. Notes 1.0 version and ASI loader required Zooming with sniper rifle and camera won't work properly.

Windowed

Borderless Windowed Mode
Go to the installation folder Create a new text file and rename it to "wndmode" Rename the extension from ".txt" to ".ini" Run the game once Notes ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix must be installed for this to work

ThirteenAG's Windowed Mode
Download the mod here Put the III.VC.SA.WindowedMode.asi and (optionally) III.VC.SA.CoordsManager.exe to <path-to-game>\scripts\ Shortcuts Alt+↵ Enter toggles Fullscreen/Windowed modes Ctrl+↵ Enter toggles Border/Borderless modes ⇧ Shift+↵ Enter toggles Coords Manager menu Notes 1.0 version and ASI loader required

Anti-aliasing (AA)

Enable SGSSAA
Install SilentPatch and enable 8x MSAA in game. Download and open NVIDIA Profile Inspector. Select the game profile. Set Antialiasing compatibility to 0x00001000. Set Antialiasing - Mode to Enhance the application setting. Set Antialiasing - Transparency Supersampling to 8x Sparse Grid Supersampling. Notes For better performance, decrease aforementioned settings to 2x or 4x.

Input settings

Input settings

Mouse settings

GInput

Adds full XInput controller support

Restores haptic feedback from console versions

Choice between Xbox and DualShock button prompts

Unpack patch in <path-to-game>\scripts
1.0 version and ASI loader required

Audio settings

Audio panel

Localizations

Language	UI	Audio	Sub	Notes
English
Arabic				Fan translation, download.
Brazilian Portuguese				Fan translation, download.
Czech				Fan translation, download.
French
German
Italian
Polish				Official translation, download.
Russian				Retail version, download.
Slovak				Fan translation, download.
Spanish

Add more localizations to language menu

Install Language Loader
1.0 version and ASI loader required Download language loader. Extract LanguageLoader.asi in <path-to-game>. Drag the right languages.ini file to <path-to-game>\text\, according to the number of languages actually available.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type	Native	Players	Notes
Local play		2	Co-op See Local play.
LAN play		See Multiplayer mods.
Online play		See Multiplayer mods.

Connection types

Type	Native	Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated		See Multiplayer mods.
Self-hosting		See Multiplayer mods.
Direct IP		See Multiplayer mods.

Multiplayer mods

Both multiplayer mods average 10,000+ daily players (even though SA-MP tends to have generally more than MTA:SA)

Downgrading your game is required to run these mods

San Andreas Multiplayer (SA-MP)
The longest-running, most popular, and most supported multiplayer mod for GTA:SA Struggling with getting a new release out after years

Multi Theft Auto (MTA:SA)
MTA:SA is generally more hassle-free and user-friendly than SA-MP Free and open source software

Local play

Instructions[citation needed]
Download 2 Player Missions Loader Extract everything inside Two Player Missions Loader 1.2 folder in <path-to-game>\cleo\ Configure controls: 1 keyboard: download SAAC 2.0 and map keys for every player 1 keyboard, 1 controller: make sure to force controller to second slot 2 controllers: nothing else Notes CLEO, Widescreen resolution and 1.00 version are required (GInput if using controllers)

VR support

3D modes	State	GG3D	Notes
Nvidia 3D Vision
TriDef 3D

Issues unresolved

Even though practically every major bug has been addressed by mods such as SilentPatch and TTDISA, there's no guarantee you won't encounter some of the rarest ones

Some save corrupting glitches can be worked around with an online repair tool or a savegame editor

German Steam version doesn't work on OS X

The German Steam version for OS X doesn't work. Rockstar is investigating this issue.

Issues fixed

Timing-related issues

An unlocked or incorrect frame limiter can cause timing related issues.

Relevant issues:

Game-breaking bugs and glitches

• Some missions such as Amphibious Assault or Driving School missions are impassable or incredibly difficult

Physical weirdness

• Vehicles & bicycles handle like brakes are always on, decelerate almost immediately, and seem feathered whenever in-air
• Inability to dive underwater

Gameplay absurdities

• Aiming while walking is silly
• Inability to walk while aiming a rifle/desert eagle
• Climbing walls results in sudden deaths
• Vehicles and/or pedestrians move extremely fast

Crashes when listening to User Radio (fixed in patch 1.01)

Cutscenes not ending

Solutions:

Turn on in-game frame limiter[citation needed]
Game is limited to 25 FPS; 30 when using SilentPatch

Game doesn't start after downgrading

Delete gta_sa.set[citation needed]
Go to the configuration file(s) location. Delete gta_sa.set.

EU executable: make sure you have all 5 translations files inside text folder[citation needed]

Game crashes during or after loading screens

Delete gta_sa.set[citation needed]
Go to the configuration file(s) location. Delete gta_sa.set.

If this happens only with older save: convert it[citation needed]

Loading older save game starts a new campaign

Install SilentPatch

Convert save file[citation needed]

Mouse fails to work

Install SilentPatch

Intro movies not showing

Windows Vista/7: disable desktop composition

Windows 8+: enable DXMaximizedWindowedMode shim[citation needed]

Intro movies not showing and broken Alt+Tab ↹

Fix codec hell[citation needed]

Alt-tab makes game crash

Install SilentPatch

Broken Alt+F4

Install SilentPatch

User tracks don't play

Install SilentPatch

Bad reflections, lighting, transparency

Install SilentPatch

Game crashes on multi-monitor systems

Install SilentPatch

Game crashes when standing near escalators

Install SilentPatch

Sound issues

Downgrade EAX United dll

Enable Windows 98/Me compatibility mode

"A required security module cannot be activated" error

Enable Windows 2000 compatibility mode

Gym persistently reports to have been worked out enough

Install SilentPatch
If warning still persists, try to fix your savegame

Stuck in a gym

Push or quickly mash the left or right movement keys along with the jump button to exit the gym[citation needed]

Error on start due to a DirectX 9.0 prompt (Windows 8 and newer)

Install DirectPlay[citation needed]

Install SilentPatch

Shadowy terrain

Instructions[citation needed]
1.0 version and ASI loader required Download black roads fix Move fix.black_roads.asi to <path-to-game>.

Vegetation disappears in the distance

Tweak draw distance[citation needed]
Make sure Mod Loader is set up Download Project 2dfx Extract archive content to <path-to-game>\modloader\Project 2DFX If you want to disappear further, open SALodLights.ini and increase the number in "VegetationDrawDistance = 800.0" (it's in meters).

No moon phases

Install SilentPatch
Doesn't work in 16-bit color mode (nor windowed after Windows 8[citation needed])

Streaming memory bug, incorrectly rendered pedestrians

Install SilentPatch

Cannot find 800x600x32 video mode error

Install SilentPatch

Lens flare is too thin and barely visible

Install SilentPatch

Broken reflections when AA is enabled

Install SilentPatch
Enables up to 16x MSAA

Install Multi-sampling FIX[citation needed]
1.0 version and ASI loader required

Device selection window opens at launch

Use Skip Device Selection Window

Run the game at screen refresh rate

Fullscreen mode defaults to 60 Hz, even if the screen refresh rate is set higher than that.

Set screen refresh rate
Install Special K by following the Unofficial Special K Guide. Manual local installation is recommended. Go to the installation folder and rename SpecialK32.dll to dinput8.dll. Start the game once and close it to allow the configuration file of Special K to be created. Open <path-to-game>\dinput8.ini. Change RefreshRate=-1 to RefreshRate=0 under [Render.FrameRate].

Other information

API

Technical specs	Supported	Notes
Direct3D	9
OpenGL	2.0	OS X only.
Shader Model support	1.1, 2.0

Executable	32-bit	64-bit	Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)

Enhancement pack

Contains much of the most used fixes

Quite outdated.

Adjust post-processing

Disable post-process effects
Install Mix Sets. Open Mix Sets.ini and make your changes. For example: DisableMoBlur = 1 - Disable motion blur when driving. DisaNitroBlur = 1 - Disable motion blur when using nitro. DisableHeat = 1 - Disable heat effect on screen. DisaRainNoise = 1 - Disable noise effect when it rains. Notes 1.0 version required

Install fixed resources

to replace game assets[citation needed]
Set up Mod Loader Download Fixed Vehicles pack Download Map Fixes pack (both Maps and .DFFs) Download Map textures fix Download Fixed Pre-lighting Extract all archives in subdirectories inside modloader one Notes SkyGfx is advised 1.00 version and ASI loader required

Fix broken lighting

Restore original time cycle file
Go to <path-to-game>\data and delete timecyc.dat. Rename timecycp.dat to timecyc.dat. Notes Best with SkyGfx and increased lighting distance

Modding

Downgrading your game and installing the ASI loader is essential for modding

Essentials for modding

Mod Loader
Download the latest version. Extract the "modloader" folder into <path-to-game> Extract "modloader.asi" into <path-to-game>\scripts

CLEO4
Any savegames made with it enabled won't work anymore without Download and run the installer for GTA SA Make sure the program is installing to the right directory. At the next page, uncheck "Silent's ASI Loader"

Modding tools

• Magic.TXD - Easy to use program that lets you edit .txd files.
• IMG Factory - Powerful and feature-rich tool to edit .img files.

Featured websites

• GTAInside - Very popular and long running GTA modding site with a huge catalog of mods.
• GameModding - Mod site with many mods available for many games; similar to NexusMods.
• GTA Garage Mod Database
• GTA-All - Newer website with lots of high-quality mods available.

Featured mods

• Mix Sets - Collection of various mods which add many tweaks and features.
• SkyGfx - Brings accurate PS2 and Xbox graphics and effects to the PC version of San Andreas.
• Project2DFX - Improves draw distances, asset streaming, and adds distant lights.
• Remastered GUI Textures - Adds the remastered GUI from the mobile versions.
• ThirteenAG's CLEO Scripts
• Enterable Hidden Interiors - Allows to enter buildings otherwise confined only in cutscenes or not used.
• First Person Mod
• Improved Vehicle Features

Total conversions

View the Total Conversions page on GTAForums here

• GTA Underground - An work-in-progress mod that attempts to bring the GTA III, Vice City, Bully, and Manhunt maps to San Andreas. View video updates here.
• GTA Vice City Stories: PC Edition - A standalone total conversion that attempts to port and remaster GTA: VCS to PC (does not require GTA: SA to play).
• Things to do in San Andreas (TTDISA) - Total conversion mod that returns cut content from the final game and fixes them (requires new game to be started)

Mod Index

In Mod Index you can find a bigger list of mods.

System requirements

Windows

macOS (OS X)

Windows
	Minimum	Recommended
Operating system (OS)	2000, XP
Processor (CPU)	AMD Athlon 1.0 GHz Intel Pentium III 1.0 GHz	AMD Athlon XP Intel Pentium 4
System memory (RAM)	256 MB	384 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD)	3.6 GB	4.7 GB
Video card (GPU)	Nvidia GeForce 3 ATI Radeon 8500 64 MB of VRAM DirectX 9.0c compatible	Nvidia GeForce 6 ATI Radeon X800 128 MB of VRAM DirectX 9.0c compatible
Sound (audio device)	DirectX 9 compatible	Sound Blaster Audigy 2

macOS (OS X)
	Minimum
Operating system (OS)	Snow Leopard 10.6.8
Processor (CPU)	Intel Core 2 Duo
System memory (RAM)	1 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD)	5.2 GB
Video card (GPU)	ATI Radeon X1600 Intel GMA X3100 Nvidia GeForce 7300 GT
Other	This game will NOT run on PowerPC (G3/G4/G5) based Mac systems (PowerMac)