Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

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Proper Definitive Edition for San Andreas
By HeLiOn PrImE and 1 collaborators
Last updated: August 14, 2025

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is one of the most iconic games of all time, but since the original PS2 release in 2004, the list of inconsistent and broken features continued to grow, from the missing color filter on PC, the broken gym mechanics and clunky camera controls on mobile, and so on.

This attempts to fix many of the issues, such as restoring missing content, enhancing the game's overall aesthetic, and adding new quality-of-life features such as modernized controls, making it the true definitive way to play the game for modern audiences, while properly maintaining the game's original art style.

This guide is entirely written by Meesmoth.
I'm publishing this guide on his behalf, since he cannot publish a guide without owning the original game on Steam.

Credits also go to TJGM, for his input in this guide. Be sure to check his Ultimate Modding Guide for San Andreas on YouTube for even more details.
   
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Requirements
GTA San Andreas v1.0
Only way left to purchase the game legally on PC:
https://store.rockstargames.com/game/buy-grand-theft-auto-the-trilogy
  • ⚠ Must be downgraded to version 1.0 after installing
  • ⚠ Must be removed from C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games to prevent the launcher from updating files
  • ⚠ Delete gta-sa.exe as it's meant for Steam/RGL versions

Downgrader: https://mega.nz/file/xzBQkYgZ#bZDF3L9S2zE4Jj8DMH-lnNzQHmiXarlJERPaUT1-CNo
  • ⚠ Simply extract all files into the game folder, replace all files when asked
Essentials
LargeAddressAware
In order for GTA San Andreas to recognize 4GB of RAM:
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2016/09/iii-vc-sa-largeaddress-reconhecer-3-4-gb-de-ram/
  • ⚠ Extract it into the game folder, drag gta_sa.exe into largeaddress.exe, press Y on the window that appears, and delete largeaddress.exe afterwards
  • ⚠ The process will also create a backup of gta_sa.exe, which can be deleted (Optional)

Ultimate ASI Loader
Needed to load .asi script mods: https://github.com/ThirteenAG/Ultimate-ASI-Loader/releases
  • ⚠ For GTA San Andreas the .asi loader must be named vorbisFile.dll

CLEO 5
To load .cleo scripts: https://github.com/cleolibrary/CLEO5/releases
  • ⚠ Select SA.CLEO-v5.1.0.zip
  • ⚠ Extract only the cleo folder, cleo.asi and bass.dll files into the game folder

CLEO+
A plugin which expands CLEO: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2023/10/cleoplus/
  • ⚠ Select the EN folder, and extract CLEO+.cleo into cleo/cleo_plugins

Modloader
Allows mods to be installed without the need to replace original game files: https://gtaforums.com/topic/669520-mod-loader/
  • ⚠ Simply extract modloader.asi and modloader folder into the game folder
Dependencies
Starting here, almost all mods are a simple drag-and-drop into the modloader folder, unless specifically noted.

These mods are required for other specific mods to work properly.


PedSpec
Adds specular lighting to pedestrians:
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2015/02/ped-spec-iluminacao-specular-nas-pessoas-como-no-mobile/
  • Required for Mobile Hands
  • ⚠ Has to be installed in the game folder, where gta_sa.exe is located

Effects Loader
Allows the replacement of certain effects:
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2017/04/effects-loader-instalar-efeitos-sem-substituir-arquivos/
  • Required for IMFX
  • ⚠ Extract only the Effects Loader folder

PedFuncs
Adds new functions to pedestrians: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/07/pedfuncs/
  • Required for Original Peds Vary
  • ⚠ Select the EN folder
Fixes
SilentPatch
Fixes lots of issues with the game: https://gtaforums.com/topic/669045-silentpatch/
  • ⚠ Create a new folder called SilentPatch inside modloader folder and extract the SilentPatchSA.asi and SilentPatchSA.ini files there

Proper Fixes
Fixes lots of issues with the game: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2025/01/sa-proper-fixes/
  • ⚠ Select Proper Fixes for RoSA Evolved
  • ⚠ Extract only the Proper Fixes folder
  • ⚠ Go to Proper Fixes\Misc\data\.objectdat and place object.dat to the Proper Fixes\Misc\data folder
  • ⚠ A seperate fix regarding lag in Glen Park must be downloaded seperately[drive.google.com]

Widescreen Fix
Fixes the game's widescreen resolution: https://github.com/ThirteenAG/WidescreenFixesPack/releases/tag/gtasa
  • ⚠ Create a new folder called Widescreen Fix inside modloader folder and extract the GTASA.WidescreenFix.asi and GTASA.WidescreenFix.ini files there

Framerate Vigilante
Fixes several issues when playing at 60fps: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/08/iii-vc-sa-framerate-vigilante/
  • ⚠ Select the GTA SA folder

Mobile Hands
Adds seperated fingers to cutscene characters: https://gtaforums.com/topic/752981-sa-mobile-hands/
  • ⚠ Create a new folder called Mobile Hands inside modloader folder and extract the default and news folder contents there

SkyGrad
Fixes jagged lines in the sky: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2020/01/skygrad-sky-gradient-fix-corrigir-linhas-no-ceu/

Missing Smokes Fix
Adds missing smoke effect on chimneys: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/05/missing-smokes-fix/

Missing Lampposts Fix
Restores missing lampposts in certain parts of the map: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/04/missing-lampposts-fix-more-light-posts/

Lighthouse & Pyramid Fix
Restores missing lights at Santa Maria lighthouse and on The Camel's Toe casino: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2020/01/lighthouse-pyramid-fix-farol-e-piramide-com-luz/
  • ⚠ Select the PC folder

MixSets
Modifies certain aspects of the game, highly configurable: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/03/sa-mixsets/
  • ⚠ Select the EN folder
  • ⚠ Archive comes with a password: mixmods.com.br

Fixed carcols.dat
Fixes the color of Big Smoke's car: No download available
  • ⚠ Create a copy of carcols.dat inside data folder, open it with Notepad, press Ctrl+F, search for 77.93,96, and replace it with 77,93,96, then save the file
  • ⚠ Can be placed inside Proper Fixes\Misc\data

No Extra Air Resistance
Removes the speed limits in certain parts of the map: https://gtaforums.com/topic/999800-no-extra-air-resistance/

No Aggressive Drivers
Removes the aggressive drivers: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ijmTag5MxICvHoJZ7SD-DfsbU-uCemGN/view

Dynamic Tram Signs
Makes the tram signs dynamic: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2017/06/dynamic-tram-signs-corrigir-variacao-da-placa-do-bonde/
  • ⚠ Create a new folder called Dynamic Tram Signs inside modloader folder

Unpause Zone Name
Shows current area name when unpausing the game: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2021/09/unpause-zone-name-mostrar-local-ao-despausar/

Improved Streaming
Optimizes the game's streaming: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/04/improved-streaming/
  • ⚠ Select the EN folder

Full Stream Radar
Loads the entire radar to prevent streaming issues: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2015/01/full-stream-radar-fix-radar-sumindo/
  • ⚠ Create a new folder called Full Stream Radar inside modloader folder

RepairGTA
Deletes duplicate blip icons & car spawners: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/10/repair-gta/
Interface
SkyUI
Replaces the game menu with one from the PS2 version: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2021/09/skyui-interface-do-ps2-para-pc/
  • ⚠ Create a new folder called SkyUI inside modloader folder and extract the (mod) folder contents there

Atmosphere Interface Pack
Replaces the game's interface and HUD with HD version: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2021/01/atmosphere-interface-pack-interface-hd/
  • ⚠ Delete the HQ Radar that comes with this mod

Remastered Minigames
Replaces the arcade minigame textures with HD version: https://www.nexusmods.com/gtasanandreas/mods/2836
  • Extract the Remastered Minigames Smooth folder contents into the Atmosphere Interface Pack\models\txd folder

Remastered Inside Track
Replaces the horse betting minigame textures with HD version: https://www.nexusmods.com/gtasanandreas/mods/2834
  • Extract LD_OTB.txd and LD_OTB2.txd into the Atmosphere Interface Pack\models\txd folder

Mobile Font Fixed
Replaces the game's font with HD version: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2019/12/mobile-font-fixed-fonte-do-gta-sa-mobile-corrigida/
  • ⚠ Select With ¨ (for other languages)
  • ⚠ You have to choose the version that matches your game's resolution

Proper Radar
Makes the radar HD and more accurate: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/07/proper-radar/

More Radar Icons
Adds missing radar icons to map, also adds completely new ones: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/01/more-radar-icons/

Impound Radar Blips
Adds the missing car impound blips to map and radar: https://gtaforums.com/topic/1003195-impound-radar-blips/
  • ⚠ Extract impound radar blips.cs into the cleo folder

HD Loadscreens
Replaces the game's loading screens with HD versions: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2021/12/loadscreens-4k-definitive-artworks-widescreen-hd/
  • ⚠ You have to choose the version that matches your game's resolution

HD Intro
Replaces the game's intro with HD version: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2020/08/gta-sa-hd-movies-folder-intro-em-hd.html
  • ⚠ Has to replace original game files inside movies folder
Map and graphics
SkyGFX Extended
Restores PS2 color filter, adds vehicle reflections, and fixes transparency issues: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2024/03/sa-skygfx/
  • ⚠ Also download HD details ( Mobile_details.txd) for HD mobile detail map textures
  • ⚠ Replace Mobile_details.txd inside SkyGfx\models folder

PS2 Timecycle
Restores the timecycle effects from the PS2 version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wFhHexi_CPxLztYAakoG839sn_dRmBXY/view

PS2 Seabed
Restores more timecycle effects from the PS2 version https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IVmloSQD1FA72pWICaCXukvmqb-P7xrQ/view

Project2DFX
Adds LODs to coronas, and includes its own limit adjuster: https://github.com/ThirteenAG/III.VC.SA.IV.Project2DFX/releases/tag/gtasa
  • ⚠ Create a new folder called Project2DFX inside modloader folder

Real Skybox
Adds proper looking clouds in the sky: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2021/06/sa-real-skybox/
  • ⚠ Select the EN folder

Wind Project
Adds wind effects on vegetation and certain props: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/10/wind-project/

Original HQ Palms
Replaces the original palm trees with HD version with wind effects: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2021/03/savc-original-hq-palms-palmeiras-remasterizadas/
  • ⚠ Extract only the Original HQ Palms folder

RoSA Project Evolved
Replaces almost all textures with HD versions: https://www.patreon.com/posts/rosa-may-update-128890976
  • ⚠ Only the public access version is available, currently v1.4 - released on May 15, 2025
  • ⚠ Already includes Proper Player Retexture by default
  • ⚠ The mod gets updated every 2 months, so check the author's Patreon for newer releases.

Illuminated Vinewood Sign
Replaces the Vinewood Sign with a proper illuminated one: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2021/10/illuminated-vinewood-sign-placa-de-vinewood-iluminada/
  • ⚠ Select the PC folder

Illuminated Welcome to Las Venturas Sign
Replaces the Welcome to Las Venturas Sign with a proper illuminated one: https://www.gtainside.de/en/sanandreas/mods/119340-welcome-las-venturas-sign-remastered-final/

LS Lit Church
Illuminates the church in Jefferson: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/03/ls-lit-church-igreja-com-luzes-acesas/
  • ⚠ Extract only the LS Lit Church folder

Smuff Nut
Makes the donuts around the map more smooth: http://gtainside.de/en/sanandreas/mods/197513-smuff-nut

HD Grass
Replaces the grass textures with HD version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kvjGzcxVQCHZlA-WoLE8N2XM52tu1CQm/view

HD Night Windows
Replaces the night window textures with HD version: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2021/05/hd-night-windows-luzes-noturnas-hd/

HD Tags
Replaces the graffiti textures with HD version: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/02/sa-sade-hd-tags-made-with-fat-cap-pichacoes-hd/
  • ⚠ Select GTA SA (classic) – Light color

HD Underwater
Brings the underwater objects from The Definitive Edition to original game: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/06/sa-hd-underwater/
  • ⚠ Extract only the HD Underwater folder

Original Peds Vary
Adds variety to pedestrians' appearances: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2021/03/original-peds-vary-peds-originais-variando-pedfuncs/
  • ⚠ Select Upscale HD Version
  • ⚠ Extract only the Original Peds Vary folder

Lamppost Insects
Adds flying insects near lampposts: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2015/09/lamppost-insects-insetos-nas-luzes-dos-postes/
  • ⚠ Create a new folder called Lamppost Insects inside modloader folder

The Birds Update
Replaces the 2d birds with 3d ones: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2017/10/the-birds-update-passaros-realistas/
  • ⚠ Extract only the TheBirdsUpdate folder

IMFX
Replaces the Moon and road sign textures with HD versions: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2018/09/imfx-improved-fx/
Quality-of-life
GInput
Adds proper controller support to the game: https://gtaforums.com/topic/562765-ginput/
  • ⚠ Create a new folder called GInput inside modloader folder and extract the models folder, GInputSA.asi and GInputSA.ini files there

Stories Sprinting
Allows sprinting when carrying heavy weapons such as rifles and RPG: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cl7cjAh9RE19ejVfLGrT1Xxl22sqrQfp
  • ⚠ Extract sprint.asi and sprint.txt into the game folder, where gta_sa.exe is located
  • ⚠ Extract SA.StoriesSprinting.cs and SA.StoriesSprinting.ini into the cleo folder
  • ⚠ Create a new folder called Stories Sprinting inside modloader folder and extract the Core folder there
  • ⚠ Do not extract CustomFat.ifp, CustomMuscular.ifp, and CustomPed.ifp

Weapon Wheel
Adds a proper weapon wheel to the game: https://libertycity.net/files/gta-san-andreas/211490-void-weapon-wheel.html
  • ⚠ Extract only the VoidWeaponWheel_1.3 folder

Radio Wheel
Adds a proper radio wheel to the game: https://libertycity.net/files/gta-san-andreas/212112-void-radio-wheel.html

Modernized Drive-by
Makes the drive-by controls behave exactly like in The Definitive Edition: https://libertycity.net/files/gta-san-andreas/215460-modernized-driveby.html

GPS
Adds a GPS route on waypoint and mission objectives: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/10/sa-gps-redux/
  • ⚠ May crash the game while playing the main mission "Life's a Beach"

Radar Zoom
Adds the ability to zoom out the radar by pressing T: https://www.mixmods.com.br/2020/09/vc-sa-radar-zoom-dar-zoom-no-minimapa/
  • ⚠ Select GTA San Andreas
  • ⚠ Will crash the game when pressed while a sub-mission is active, such as Paramedic or Vigilante missions
Optional
Cheat Menu
Adds a cheat menu that fits the game's interface: https://www.gtagarage.com/mods/show.php?id=16581
  • ⚠ Extract cheats.cs into the cleo folder, and cheats.fxt into the cleo_text folder
Configuration
Many of the mods has configuration files, and may cause issues if you launch the game without configuring them first. Therefore, if you're done installing all the mods listed above, I highly recommend downloading this file[drive.google.com] which contains all configuration files already configured.
  • ⚠ Simply extract it into the game folder, where gta_sa.exe is located, replace all files when asked
  • ⚠ The folder names inside modloader are the default folder names that comes with the mods, so I strongly do not recommend renaming mod folders until after extracting the configuration files

The mouse and keyboard inputs are also configured heavily, which can be downloaded here[drive.google.com].
  • ⚠ Simply extract it into C:\Users\(Username)\Documents\GTA San Andreas User Files, replace gta_sa.set when asked
Known issues
While the goal of the modlist is to fix as many issues with the game, there are still a couple of issues that might affect gameplay, such as crashes caused by certain mods. These are the following known issues.

  • ⚠ GPS may crash the game while playing the main mission "Life's a Beach"
  • ⚠ Radar Zoom will crash the game when pressed while a sub-mission is active, such as Paramedic or Vigilante missions
Credits
I would like to thank TJGM for giving me inspiration on making this modlist, after having watched his video regarding a proper definitive edition of the 3D Trilogy games. Maybe in the future I will do seperate modlists for GTA III and Vice City if this gets enough recognition by the community.

Enjoy your proper definitive edition of GTA San Andreas!

3 Comments
HeLiOn PrImE  [author] 17 hours ago 
This is why we won't be turning this into a direct download. I hope you understand.
As mentioned in the introduction, TJGM made an outstanding guide that teaches you how to mod the game step by step. Try to follow it, and you'll see that it's not very difficult.
HeLiOn PrImE  [author] 17 hours ago 
@Birb You're basically asking for this to be turned into a mod pack.
While it may make things faster for the general user, we generally discourage it for multiple reasons.
1. We respect the mod creators.
We would need to ask permission from each creator to use their mod in a pack. That takes a lot of time, and in some cases, they may not respond in good time. Or they may flat out refuse.

2. A lot of these mods receive constant updates. It's best to know your build and keep track of all your modding just in case a major update is released that heavily improves the user experience.

ROSA, is an example where both of these reasons apply. Its author does not want it to be used in modpacks, or to see it uploaded anywhere without her permission (and for good reason). And Every 2 months, ROSA gets a public update.
Birb 18 hours ago 
is it possible to make a GDrive so its just Drag n Drop into the GTA:SA Folder?