Complete GTA 5 Modding Setup Guide - From Zero to Modded 2025

Complete GTA 5 Modding Setup Guide

Everything you need to set up GTA 5 for modding from scratch. Follow this guide step by step.

Step 1: Backup Your Game

1. Copy entire GTA V folder
2. Name it GTA V Backup
3. Store on separate drive if possible

Step 2: Install OpenIV

1. Download OpenIV from openiv.com
2. Install to any location
3. Launch and set GTA 5 path
4. Go to Tools > ASI Manager
5. Install ASI Loader and OpenIV.ASI

Step 3: Create Mods Folder

1. In GTA 5 root, create mods folder
2. Copy update folder into mods
3. Now you can modify without touching originals

Step 4: Install Script Hook V

1. Download from dev-c.com
2. Copy ScriptHookV.dll to GTA 5 root
3. Copy dinput8.dll to GTA 5 root

Step 5: Install ScriptHookVDotNet

1. Download from GitHub
2. Copy ScriptHookVDotNet.asi to root
3. Copy ScriptHookVDotNet2.dll to root
4. Copy ScriptHookVDotNet3.dll to root
5. Create scripts folder in root

Step 6: Install Essential Mods

a) Gameconfig:

Install via OpenIV to mods/update/update.rpf/common/data/

b) Heap Adjuster:

Copy .asi to GTA 5 root

c) Packfile Limit Adjuster:

Copy .asi to GTA 5 root

Step 7: Install First Trainer

1. Download Simple Trainer or Menyoo
2. Copy .asi to GTA 5 root
3. Test by pressing F4 or F8 in game

Step 8: Test Installation

1. Launch GTA 5
2. Load Story Mode
3. Press trainer hotkey
4. If menu appears - success!

Your Folder Should Look Like:

GTA V/
├── GTA5.exe
├── dinput8.dll
├── ScriptHookV.dll
├── ScriptHookVDotNet.asi
├── ScriptHookVDotNet2.dll
├── ScriptHookVDotNet3.dll
├── [Trainer].asi
├── HeapAdjuster.asi
├── PackfileLimitAdjuster.asi
├── scripts/
├── mods/
│   └── update/

Troubleshooting First Launch

• Crash: Check Script Hook V version matches game
• No trainer: Verify .asi files in root
• Slow load: Normal first time with mods folder

Next Steps

Now you can install:

• Vehicle mods (add-on or replace)
• Character mods
• Graphics mods
• Script mods

Conclusion

Your GTA 5 is now ready for any mod! Follow individual mod guides for specific installations.