Script Hook V for GTA 5 Enhanced Edition — Complete Setup Guide 2026

Script Hook V — The Foundation of GTA 5 Modding

Script Hook V is the single most essential tool for modding Grand Theft Auto V on PC. Created by Alexander Blade, it provides the ASI loading framework that allows custom scripts and plugins to hook into the game's native functions. Without Script Hook V, the vast majority of GTA 5 mods simply cannot function — from trainers and gameplay scripts to police mods like LSPDFR and vehicle spawners. If you're installing any mod for GTA 5 singleplayer, Script Hook V is always your first download.

How Script Hook V Works

Script Hook V operates by providing a bridge between custom ASI plugins and GTA 5's internal native function table. The game engine uses thousands of "native" functions to control everything from vehicle physics to AI behavior, weather systems, and UI elements. Script Hook V exposes these natives to external plugins, allowing modders to call any game function from their custom code. It also includes a built-in ASI loader that automatically loads all .asi files from the game directory at startup.

Included Components

The Script Hook V package includes: ScriptHookV.dll (the core library), dinput8.dll (the ASI loader), and a native trainer (NativeTrainer.asi) for basic vehicle spawning, teleportation, and god mode. The native trainer serves as both a useful tool and a demonstration of what the Script Hook V API can do.

Installation for Enhanced Edition

Extract all files from the Script Hook V archive directly into your GTA 5 root directory (where GTA5.exe is located). The three essential files — ScriptHookV.dll, dinput8.dll, and NativeTrainer.asi — must be in the root folder, not in any subfolder. After a GTA 5 title update from Rockstar, Script Hook V must also be updated to match the new game version. Alexander Blade typically releases updates within days of each game patch.

Essential Companion Mods

Script Hook V is the foundation, but most modded setups also need: ScriptHookVDotNet (for .NET-based script mods), OpenIV (for modifying game files and RPF archives), a custom Gameconfig (for raising entity limits), and Heap Adjuster + Packfile Limit Adjuster (for memory and loading stability). Together, these tools form the complete GTA 5 modding toolkit for 2026.

Troubleshooting

If GTA 5 fails to launch after installing Script Hook V, the most common cause is a version mismatch — the Script Hook V version must match your game build exactly. Check that you have the latest version from the official source. If the game launches but mods don't work, verify that dinput8.dll is in the root folder and not being blocked by antivirus software, which sometimes flags ASI loaders as false positives.