Introduction

In a world of open-world behemoths and fast-paced online games, some titles continue to stand tall long after their release. One of those is Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA IV)—Rockstar Games’ gritty, grounded, and unforgettable crime drama. But in 2025, is GTA 4 still worth playing?

With nearly two decades behind it, GTA 4 remains a masterclass in open-world storytelling. Let’s break down how Liberty City holds up in 2025, and why it’s still a must-play for gamers today.

A Story That Still Cuts Deep

At the center of GTA IV is Niko Bellic, an Eastern European war veteran who comes to America chasing freedom and redemption. But what he finds in Liberty City is corruption, betrayal, and the harsh reality of the so-called “American Dream.”

Unlike the bombastic, over-the-top approach of GTA V, GTA 4 is slow-burn, emotionally complex, and morally gray. The writing is sharp, the characters are unforgettable, and the narrative themes—family, trauma, identity—resonate more than ever in 2025.

Liberty City: A Living, Breathing World

Liberty City is a masterpiece. Modeled after New York, it offers rich boroughs, atmospheric alleys, bustling traffic, and a sense of verticality most open worlds still don’t achieve.

Even in 2025, the city feels alive. The random pedestrian chatter, the car radio updates, the small environmental details—everything adds to the immersion. The weather effects and lighting still look impressive, especially with modern mods.

Performance on Modern Hardware

Whether you’re playing on a gaming PC, Steam Deck, Xbox Series X/S, or PS5, GTA 4 holds its own. Here’s how:

  • PC: With HD texture mods and ENB enhancements, the game can look almost modern.
  • Steam Deck: Runs well with customized Proton settings.
  • Xbox Series X/S: Plays via backward compatibility with smoother framerates.
  • Mods: The GTA IV modding community is thriving, with 4K packs, car replacements, reshape filters, and character enhancements.

With the right setup, GTA IV looks and feels significantly upgraded in 2025.

Timeless Features That Still Shine

Here’s what makes GTA 4 stand out even today:

Strong Points:

  • Compelling narrative and anti-hero protagonist
  • Immersive radio stations with brilliant writing and music
  • Grounded driving physics that feel weighty and real
  • Moral decisions that affect gameplay outcomes
  • Dark humor and social commentary that feel eerily relevant in 2025

Aged Elements:

  • Slightly sluggish combat mechanics
  • Driving can feel stiff compared to newer titles
  • Limited interiors compared to Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk

Still, these flaws are minor when viewed through the lens of its narrative excellence and immersive design.

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Mods Breathe New Life

One of the main reasons to play GTA IV in 2025 is modding. Here are some community favorites:

  • ICEnhancer – Realistic lighting overhaul
  • Liberty Revamped – New pedestrian AI and environmental details
  • GTA IV Reimagined – 4K retextures + modern skyboxes
  • LCPDFR – Play as Liberty City police with mission packs

Mods make GTA IV not only relevant in 2025—but better than many new releases.

Why GTA IV Still Matters

Most modern open-world games focus on quantity—more quests, more icons, more fluff. GTA IV focused on depth:

  • A richly layered protagonist
  • A realistic city that feels reactive
  • Themes that make you think, not just play

In an age where many games feel manufactured, GTA IV feels crafted.

Will Rockstar Remaster GTA IV?

Rumors continue about a GTA IV remaster. But with GTA VI on the horizon, Rockstar’s attention is elsewhere. Until then, modders have essentially done the job—providing 2025 players with the definitive GTA IV experience.

Final Verdict

GTA IV in 2025 is more than worth playing—it’s essential.
Whether you missed it the first time or want to experience a deeper, more grounded GTA world, Liberty City still delivers.

If GTA V was an action blockbuster, GTA IV is a gritty crime film. And in today’s gaming landscape, that kind of raw storytelling is a rare gem.

Quick Recap:

  • Release Year: 2008
  • Play It On: PC, Xbox, Steam Deck, PS3
  • Best Experience: With HD mods + controller
  • Worth It in 2025? Absolutely.

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Buy GTA IV on Steam