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 do not work on later game versions (latest Steam one also lacks ⅒ of the original 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 the mobile version.
Steam		Windows release is DRM-free as of last patch (despite system requirements)

Version differences

This game has seen multiple revisions since its initial v1.0 release: v1.01 ("No More Hot Coffee" patch), v2.00 ("Second Edition" re-prints), v3.0 (initial Steam version), and "NewSteam r1/2" (latest Steam revisions).

The Microsoft Store version is a completely different port based on the mobile version of the game.

The Second Edition re-prints of the game has hard-coded checks that prevents major modifications to the game. See Downgrading on how to make it mod-friendly.

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)
Notes Any save game created previously must be converted. See Incompatible save game Downgrading restores all removed licensed songs from the game from the latest Steam version. US executable that is provided misses French, German and Italian localizations support. Check fix below.

ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix

Requires a US v1.0 executable.

Adds adjustable FOV and HUD/subtitles scaling.

How to Install Widescreen Fix

Download Widescreen Fix and Wessler's Widescreen Hor+ Support ASI (an alternative by ThirteenAG is also available in case Wessler's ASI does not work) here. Extract the contents of GTASA.WidescreenFix from the zip archive, then copy the vorbisFile.dll and scripts to <path-to-game> Extract the contents wshps.rar from the zip archive, go to the rel folder and then copy the models folder to <path-to-game> and the wshps.asi file to <path-to-game>\scripts.

SilentPatch

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

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

Adds new features to the game like FLAC codec support

Download SilentPatch
Place SilentPatchSA.ini and SilentPatchSA.asi into <path-to-game>\scripts\ Notes ASI loader required

Skip intro videos

Install SilentPatch

Use Improved Fast Loader[citation needed]
Place imfast.ini and imfast.asi into <path-to-game>\scripts\ Notes Can use alongside SilentPatch 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 ASI loader required

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

Skip device selection

If running more than one monitor, the game will display a message to configure your resolution every time you run the game

Use Skip Device Selection Window
Place SkipDeviceSelection.asi into <path-to-game>\scripts\ Notes ASI loader required

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

Rename the file extension from portablegta.dll to portablegta.asi. Place the file into <path-to-game>\scripts. Run the game, exit, then delete the contents inside <path-to-game>\userfiles. Extract everything from %USERPROFILE%\Documents\GTA San Andreas User Files to the <path-to-game>\userfiles folder Notes Moves the user files to the installation folder 1.0 version and ASI loader required Also works with Grand Theft Auto III and 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

Save games created with the v2.0 executable and newer will refuse to load with previous versions

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 save slot name 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-). Use ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix for proper widescreen support.

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

Windowed

Use ThirteenAG's Windowed Mode
Place III.VC.SA.WindowedMode.asi and (optionally) III.VC.SA.CoordsManager.exe into <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

Use ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix and create a wndmode.ini file in <path-to-game>

Field of view (FOV)

Use GTA: SA FOV Changer
Place fov.asi into <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.

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.

Features the ability to use the control layout from Grand Theft Auto IV.

Download GInput
Place GInputSA.ini and GInputSA.asi into <path-to-game>\scripts\. Place the models folder into <path-to-game>. Notes 1.0 version and ASI loader required

RAW input

Download RInput
Edit shortcut to RInput.exe like "...\RInput 1.44\RInput.exe" gta_sa.exe (or gta-sa.exe) Run the shortcut Run the game

Toggle aim down sights

Create AutoHotkey script
Download AutoHotkey Copy the code to the clipboard (CTRL+C). Open AutoHotkey, go to File>Edit script, paste the code in Notepad. Change "Fallout4" to "GTA: San Andreas" in the Notepad, save. Reload Script in AutoHotkey It is not working perfectly (you may need to hold a RMB for a short time)

Audio settings

Audio panel

To enable EAX (4) on Vista or newer, use Creative Alchemy. For non-Creative cards see here

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				Official localization by «1C-Softclub» retail version, download
Russian				1) Fan translation by «ENPY Studio/Sherhan Group/®‡™Mad?Dogg™‡® Crew/SerGEAnt's Zone Of Games» 2) Unofficial localization – «Потраченный перевод»
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
• Some missions such as Cleaning The Hood (after entering Crack Den building) or Cesar Vialpando (after entering to tune shop) shows black screen.

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
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 (already attached in San Andreas Downgrader) 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 and ASI loader is required for modding

Modding essentials

Mod Loader

Place the modloader folder into <path-to-game> Place modloader.asi into <path-to-game>\scripts\ Installing Mods Go to <path-to-game>\modloader\ Create a new folder with a name of choice Place mod files into that folder If installing multiple mods, install them in separate folders for organization purposes Notes Allows for mods to be installed through folders instead of using programs to replace game files Certain script mods may not function correctly when installed through ModLoader

CLEO4
Download and run the installer Re-direct the installation path if necessary Uncheck Silent's ASI Loader at the next page, as this version is likely outdated Notes Any savegames made with CLEO4 installed may not work without the mod

ASI loader

Required for many script-based mods and fixes.

Use Silent's ASI Loader
Place vorbisHooked.dll, vorbisFile.dll, and the scripts folder into <path-to-game>

Use ThirteenAG's Ultimate ASI Loader included in Widescreen Fix

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. (requires CLEO installed)
• 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
• SA_DX 2.0 - Featured ENB mod. Game graphics and lighting completly revamped. The game can work faster with GTASA.WidescreenFix.asi attached with downgrader, instead of DirectX 2.0's attached sa_widescreenfix_lite.asi. For keeping more stable 30 FPS, turn on frame limiter in game options. SALodLights.asi can fix bad vehicles textures bug. III.VC.SA.LimitAdjuster.asi can fix overall troubles with bad rendering. Downgrader binary generates slightly brighter image than Hoodlum one. Shadows flickering can be fixed by using this fix (it's d3d9.dll - attached in mod download link above) then in the game press Shift + Enter, then check in Effect "Complex Shadows" to activate it (can decrease FPS noticeably, the same for using Mix Sets).

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: Overall Improvements - 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)