weapons.meta Guide - Configure Weapon Properties in GTA 5 2026

What is weapons.meta in GTA 5?

The weapons.meta file is the master configuration file for all weapon properties in GTA 5. It defines every aspect of weapon behavior including damage values, range, accuracy, recoil patterns, ammo capacity, fire rate, and physics interactions. For weapon modders in 2026, this file is the primary resource for creating custom weapons or rebalancing the entire weapon system in both single-player and multiplayer environments.

File Structure Overview

Each weapon entry in weapons.meta follows a standardized XML structure containing nested elements for different property categories. The root element identifies the weapon by its hash name, model, and audio references. Sub-elements define combat properties (damage, range), handling characteristics (recoil, spread), ammunition details (clip size, max ammo), and animation references. The file supports inheritance, allowing weapons to share base properties while overriding specific values.

Core Weapon Properties

The most commonly modified properties in weapons.meta include Damage (base damage per hit), DamageType (bullet, explosive, melee), WeaponRange (maximum effective distance in game units), and TimeBetweenShots (fire rate control). The AccuracySpread parameter affects bullet deviation from the crosshair center, while RecoilShakeAmplitude controls camera shake during sustained fire. These values work together to create the weapon's overall feel and combat effectiveness.

Recoil and Accuracy System

GTA 5's recoil system in weapons.meta uses multiple parameters working in concert. RecoilShakeAmplitude sets the overall recoil intensity. RecoilShakeFrequency controls the speed of recoil recovery. AccuracyOffsetMax determines maximum accuracy penalty during rapid fire. The MinHeadShotDistanceForAI parameter affects how AI opponents use the weapon. Understanding this system is crucial for creating weapons that feel responsive yet balanced for gameplay.

Creating Custom Weapons

Adding entirely new weapons to GTA 5 in 2026 requires a complete weapons.meta entry along with supporting files. You need to define the weapon's model hash, assign animation groups for first-person and third-person views, set up audio references for firing sounds, and configure all combat parameters. The WeaponFlags field uses bitwise flags to enable features like drive-by capability, dual-wield support, and suppressor compatibility. A well-configured weapons.meta entry ensures your custom weapon integrates smoothly with the game's combat AI, weapon wheel, and ammunition systems.