GTA 5 mod shrinks file size to 2.5GB, as high storage prices force drastic measures

While the memory shortage is drawing headlines, demand from AI data centers is also inflating storage costs. With GTA 5 requiring 100GB+ installs, gamers often must make sacrifices. One fan has responded to the crisis by downsizing the Rockstar Games title to 2.5GB. Unfortunately, the GTA 5 mod requires severe compromises in visual quality and performance.

A slimmer GTA 5 with many drawbacks

Synth Potato shared a video demonstrating the mod’s impact on social media. It’s a technical achievement, given that the game is still somewhat playable. However, San Andreas and its famous residents are barely recognizable. Despite the drastic reduction in installation size, frame rates dip into the single digits.

To create this lighter version of the crime-themed adventure, the GTA 5 mod deletes sections of the map. Some missions and audio files also did not make the cut. The end result is flat textures, extensive clipping, and choppy animations.

Although the game has suffered a massive graphical downgrade, combat and various activities are options. Viewers see a player recklessly driving, opening fire with a rocket launcher, and even skydiving. That said, it appears much more difficult to avoid disaster with laggy controls.

Does GTA 5 need an SSD?

Rockstar’s title was once much trimmer, but regular updates have led to chunkier installs. GTA 5 Enhanced lists recommend specs that include 105GB of space on a DirectStorage-compatible drive.

Some players relying on spinning hard drives are satisfied with the performance. Still, gamers with an NVMe SSD avoid hiccups and long loading times. Sadly, as with memory modules, these components have become unaffordable.

Less dramatic cutbacks would have yielded a more appealing solution to rising storage prices. The task becomes much more difficult on consoles, where Rockstar prevents deep-level changes. On the other hand, a recent Sony patent may offer some hope for GTA 6. The company proposed a cloud streaming alternative that chops file sizes without adding latency.