Timecycle Mods Guide - Custom Lighting and Colors in GTA 5 2026

Timecycle Mods - Master Lighting, Colors, and Atmosphere in GTA 5

The timecycle system controls how GTA 5 looks at every time of day and weather condition. Modding timecycle files lets you create cinematic lighting, realistic colors, or stylized visuals.

What Timecycle Controls

Key Timecycle Files

How to Edit Timecycle

1. Extract timecycle files via OpenIV to mods folder
2. Open XML in a text editor — each entry represents a time-of-day slot
3. Modify parameters — adjust colors (RGB), multipliers, and distances
4. Test with time changes — use a trainer to cycle through 24 hours and all weather types
5. Fine-tune — iterate until each time period looks right

Common Modifications

• Warmer sunsets — increase red/orange in sky_east_col and light_dir_col for sunset hours
• Darker nights — reduce light_natural_amb and postfx_bright in night entries
• Reduced fog — increase fog_start and fog_range for clearer views
• Higher contrast — increase postfx_contrast slightly (1.05-1.2) for punchier visuals
• Cinematic look — desaturate slightly with postfx_sat at 0.85-0.95
• Blue tint removal — adjust ambient light colors to remove GTA 5's default blue cast

Popular Timecycle Mods

1. NaturalVision Evolved — complete visual overhaul with photorealistic timecycle
2. VisualV — balanced, realistic timecycle with good performance
3. Pinnacle of V — cinematic timecycle with dramatic lighting
4. Real California Architecture — timecycle matched to real LA lighting