Free ‘GTA’ Mod Revives ‘San Andreas’

Several of Rockstar’s adored games have, unfortunately, missed out on proper VR support over the years. However, a talented modder known as ‘Holydh’ has swooped in to change that. They’ve introduced a special UEVR plugin modification for the 2021 PC version of GTA: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition. This revamped 2004 classic can now be experienced in stunning PC VR.

This inventive mod, called the ‘GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition – 6DoF UEVR Plugin’, equips the game with a fully immersive first-person VR mode that offers six degrees of freedom motion controls for the Steam edition. Holydh points out, though, that this isn’t compatible with the Epic Games Store or the Rockstar launcher versions just yet.

The plugin builds upon the groundwork laid by ‘praydog’s’ Unreal Engine VR (UEVR) plugin, introducing several new enhancements that weren’t originally present. Previously, the game’s camera would automatically rotate to trail CJ’s movements, but thanks to Holydh’s modifications, this aspect sees a significant improvement.

What’s more, the mod incorporates every type of movement on foot (yes, even crouching), and the ability to drive all vehicles including the iconic jetpack, while integrating various comfort-focused camera adjustments. It also takes care of UEVR camera settings during cutscenes and supports motion-controller-operated weapons. Sniper scopes are functional too, allowing players to truly finish the game from beginning to end in VR.

Curious about how it looks in motion? You can actually watch Holydh’s work in action right here:

For those eager to try out Holydh’s creation, it’s available for free over on Nexus Mods. Getting it to work involves a few steps, but it’s designed to run specifically with the Steam version of the game. In addition, you’ll need Praydog’s UEVR Nightly 01042 build, conveniently linked on the Nexus Mods page.

In terms of system requirements, some players have noted that an NVIDIA RTX 2080 handles the mod quite well. There are various graphical settings included, so you might be able to tweak them for older graphics cards too.

The project is open-source, hosted on GitHub for anyone to copy or modify. This is worth noting because Rockstar Games’ parent company, Take-Two, has a history of legal action against similar mods. Back in 2022, they took down several beloved mods by Luke Ross, including VR versions for GTA 5, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Mafia Definitive Edition.

Interestingly, the DMCA takedown wasn’t directed at Ross himself, but at Patreon, where he was offering early access to his mods with paid subscriptions. Holydh’s mod, in contrast, is totally free, probably giving it a better chance of survival for fans who enjoy playing GTA: San Andreas on PC VR headsets.

On a different note, for those waiting to play GTA: San Andreas on the Quest, the game’s release has been postponed indefinitely. So, we might not see an official standalone VR version available any time soon.