A drastically reduced version of Grand Theft Auto V, stripped of significant assets and functionality, has been created by modders, resulting in a game file size of just 2.5 gigabytes. The project, dubbed “ultra low end mod,” demonstrates the extent to which the game’s data can be compressed, though at a severe cost to visual fidelity and content.
The original PC release of Grand Theft Auto V, launched in 2015, remains a substantial download, currently requiring 119 GB of storage space on Steam, according to the platform’s store page. This mod aims to circumvent that large file size, but the resulting experience is a far cry from the commercially released game.
The reduction in size was achieved through aggressive data removal and simplification. Modders eliminated entire missions, excised portions of the game’s map, and removed the majority of audio files. Graphical assets were too drastically simplified, resulting in a visual style reminiscent of PlayStation 1-era games.
The resulting visuals feature blocky character models, delayed texture loading, and simplified environments rendered as largely untextured gray masses. Despite these limitations, the core functionality of driving vehicles within the city remains operational.
While the mod is not intended to provide a standard gameplay experience, its creators aimed to explore the technical limits of data compression. The project successfully demonstrates how significantly the game’s size can be reduced, even if the resulting product is barely recognizable as Grand Theft Auto V. The Steam store currently lists Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced, offering upgraded visuals and faster loading times for a fresh generation of players, a stark contrast to this extreme compression effort.
The mod utilizes OpenIV, a popular tool for modifying Grand Theft Auto V on Windows, requiring users to replace existing game files. Instructions for installation, posted on gta5-mods.com, detail the specific files and folders that need to be modified. The site’s comment section reveals that some users have experienced installation issues, while others have expressed nostalgia for the retro aesthetic.
