New York: The long-awaited GTA 4 RTX Remix Compatibility Mod is now officially available to the public, bringing full path tracing support to Rockstar’s 2008 classic. Modder xoxor4d released the updated build earlier today, complete with an easy-to-use installer that simplifies setup for players eager to experience Grand Theft Auto IV with modern lighting technology.
The new public release includes several improvements over last month’s test build. According to xoxor4d, the latest version offers visual refinements, performance enhancements, bug fixes, and new gameplay utilities. Below is a summary of the key changes:
What’s New in the Latest GTA 4 RTX Remix Compatibility Mod
- Added a simplified installer
- Removed incorrect alpha blending on certain emissive surfaces
- Night-time emissives now turn off during daytime
- Map markers can be shown or hidden based on weather or time of day
- Added teleportation to map markers
- Introduced FreeCam mode and a new Utilities tab in the menu
- Adjusted emissive intensity on several materials
- Fixed a bug affecting Remix debug views
- Replaced timecycle temperature with a hardcoded value for stable color tuning
- Added a custom Remix replacement to the first apartment
- Added raindrops and splash effects to wet surfaces (disabled for vehicles/pedestrians by default due to scaling issues)
- Introduced “puddle logic” to reduce mirror-like wet road reflections
- Improved control over emissive masks using the Ignore Lights category
The mod’s primary appeal is its full path tracing injection, drastically improving lighting, reflections, shadows, and overall ambience. Early screenshots and videos reveal a dramatic overhaul, transforming Liberty City with near-photorealistic visuals.
Performance Considerations and Optimization Tips
As with other RTX Remix mods, path tracing is extremely demanding, and even high-end GPUs struggle at native rendering.
Benchmark tests show that even the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 cannot maintain 60 FPS without DLSS Frame Generation enabled.
To assist players facing performance issues, the modder recommends several optimizations:
1. Reduce CPU Bottlenecks with Processor Affinity
Two batch files are included:
LaunchWithProcessorAffinity_2Cores_GTA4.bat— Assigns two cores to GTA 4 and the rest to Remix_LaunchWithProcessorAffinity_Half_GTA4__Half_Remix.bat— Splits CPU cores evenly
2. Adjust Path Tracing Settings
Players can press Alt + X to open the RTX Remix menu. Under Graphics, reduce quality presets or individual settings to boost FPS.
3. Increase Tree Alpha Cutout Value
This can improve performance but may make foliage look blockier.
Access via F4 → Game Settings → Rendering Related Settings.
4. Modify GTA IV’s Native Graphics Sliders
Lowering view distance to around 50 and quality to around 30 is recommended to avoid CPU saturation.
xoxor4d notes that the first launch may stutter, but restarting usually resolves issues.
A Visual Upgrade While Fans Wait for GTA 6
The mod’s release comes as fans brace for a longer wait for Grand Theft Auto VI, which has reportedly been delayed from May 26, 2026, to November 19, 2026. Rumors also suggest Rockstar may attempt to optimize the game for the Nintendo Switch 2, though this version would likely launch later.
Until then, the GTA 4 RTX Remix Compatibility Mod offers fans a spectacular way to revisit Liberty City with cutting-edge lighting enhancements.
