How to Install RAGE Plugin Hook for GTA 5 - Complete Guide 2026

RAGE Plugin Hook — The Essential Framework for GTA 5 Modding

RAGE Plugin Hook (RPH) is a powerful framework that lets you run advanced plugins in GTA 5's single-player mode. It's the backbone behind LSPDFR, the most popular police roleplay mod, as well as hundreds of other plugins that add new gameplay mechanics, AI behaviors, and features to GTA 5.

Unlike Script Hook V which handles .asi scripts, RAGE Plugin Hook loads .dll plugins that can interact deeply with GTA 5's RAGE engine. If you want to run LSPDFR, Stop The Ped, or any RPH-based plugin, you must install RAGE Plugin Hook first.

What You Need Before Installing

Step 1: Download RAGE Plugin Hook

Visit the official RAGE Plugin Hook website at ragepluginhook.net and download the latest version for GTA 5. As of 2026, the current version is v1.107+. Always download from the official site — third-party sources may contain outdated or modified files.

Important: The version of RPH must match your GTA 5 game version. If you've downgraded GTA 5 for LSPDFR compatibility, make sure you download the RPH version that supports your specific game build.

Step 2: Extract the Files

Use 7-Zip or WinRAR to extract the downloaded archive. You'll see these key files:

Step 3: Install to GTA 5 Directory

Copy all extracted files into your GTA 5 root installation folder. Common locations:

• Steam: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Grand Theft Auto V
• Epic Games: C:\Program Files\Epic Games\GTAV
• Rockstar: C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\Grand Theft Auto V

When it asks to merge the Plugins folder, click Yes. Your GTA 5 directory should now contain RAGEPluginHook.exe alongside GTA5.exe and PlayGTAV.exe.

Step 4: First Launch and Configuration

1. Right-click RAGEPluginHook.exe → Run as Administrator
2. Accept the EULA (End User License Agreement) on first run
3. The RPH launcher window will appear with settings you can configure

Key RPH Launcher Settings

Click Launch GTA V to start the game through RPH.

Step 5: Using the RPH Console

Once in-game, press F4 to open the RAGE Plugin Hook console. This is your command center:

Step 6: Installing RPH Plugins

To install plugins that require RAGE Plugin Hook:

1. Download the plugin (usually a .dll file or a .zip containing one)
2. Place the .dll file into the Plugins folder inside your GTA 5 directory
3. If the plugin includes a config file (.ini or .xml), place it in the same Plugins folder
4. Restart the game through RAGEPluginHook.exe — plugins load automatically

Popular RPH Plugins

RAGEPluginHook.ini — Configuration Deep Dive

The RAGEPluginHook.ini file in your GTA 5 directory controls RPH behavior. Edit it with any text editor:

Troubleshooting Common Issues

“RAGE Plugin Hook has crashed” on Startup

Cause: RPH version doesn't match your GTA 5 build, or files are corrupted.

Fix: Download the latest RPH version. Verify GTA 5 game files through Steam/Epic/Rockstar. Make sure you're running GTA 5 Legacy Edition, not Enhanced.

Game Loads but RPH Console Never Appears

Cause: RPH failed to hook into the game process.

Fix: Run RAGEPluginHook.exe as Administrator. Switch to DirectX 11 and Windowed Mode in RPH settings. Add your GTA 5 folder to antivirus exclusion list.

“Plugin [X] has timed out and was unloaded”

Cause: A plugin took too long to initialize.

Fix: Open RAGEPluginHook.ini and increase PluginTimeoutThreshold from 10000 to 30000. Common with LSPDFR on slower drives.

Black Screen After RPH Launch

Cause: Fullscreen hooking conflict or outdated GPU drivers.

Fix: Start in Windowed Mode, update GPU drivers, disable overlay software (Discord, GeForce Experience, MSI Afterburner).

“Incompatible Game Version Detected”

Cause: GTA 5 was updated by Rockstar and RPH hasn't been updated yet.

Fix: Wait for a new RPH release (usually 1-2 weeks after a GTA update), or downgrade GTA 5 to the previous version.

Plugins Not Loading (No Errors)

Cause: Plugin .dll files are not in the correct folder, or missing dependencies.

Fix: Ensure .dll files are in GTA5Directory/Plugins/ (not a subfolder unless specified). Check the plugin readme for additional requirements.

Crashes During Gameplay

Cause: Plugin conflict, corrupt game files, or too many mods loaded.

Fix: Check RagePluginHook.log in your GTA 5 folder for specific error details. Disable plugins one by one to find the conflict. Use an OpenIV mods folder to keep original game files clean.

RPH vs. Script Hook V — What's the Difference?

Important Safety Notes

• Single-player only: RAGE Plugin Hook is strictly for GTA 5 single-player. Never use it in GTA Online — you will be banned.
• Backup first: Always back up your GTA 5 directory before installing RPH. Use OpenIV's mods folder system for safety.
• Antivirus alerts: RPH modifies game memory at runtime, which may trigger antivirus false positives. Add your GTA 5 folder to exclusions.
• Keep updated: After every GTA 5 update from Rockstar, you'll need a new RPH version. Bookmark ragepluginhook.net for updates.

Recommended Setup Order

For the best experience, install everything in this order:

1. Clean GTA 5 install — verify game files first
2. Downgrade GTA 5 — use version rollback for maximum mod compatibility
3. Script Hook V — base requirement for most mods
4. ScriptHookVDotNet — needed for .NET scripts
5. RAGE Plugin Hook — this guide
6. OpenIV — for managing replacement files safely
7. LSPDFR — if you want police roleplay
8. LSPDFR plugins — Stop The Ped, Computer+, Ultimate Backup, etc.