Free ‘GTA’ Mod Introduces ‘San Andreas’

Rockstar has long held a special place in gamers’ hearts with its beloved titles, though many of these classics haven’t seen VR adaptations—until now. Thanks to the efforts of modder ‘Holydh,’ players can now dive into the iconic world of GTA: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition (2021) in an entirely new way. This mod introduces VR capabilities to the 2004 classic on PC, enhancing the game for those using VR headsets.

This innovative mod, titled the ‘GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition – 6DoF UEVR Plugin,’ transforms the Steam version of the game into a first-person VR experience complete with 6DOF motion controls. However, it’s important to note that this mod is not compatible with the Epic Games Store or Rockstar launcher versions.

Developed using the Unreal Engine VR (UEVR) plugin by ‘praydog,’ Holydh’s mod brings fresh features that extend beyond what UEVR offers. One major improvement is the stabilization of the camera, which no longer spins on its own to follow CJ. Players will also find support for all on-foot actions, including crouching, and the ability to drive any vehicle—let’s not forget the iconic jetpack. The mod adds camera comfort adjustments, automatic handling of camera settings during cutscenes, and weapons that respond to motion controllers. Expect to be fully immersed, as sniper scopes are functional too, making it possible to play through the entire game in VR.

Want to see it for yourself? Check out Holydh’s mod in action through the video below.

To experience this mod, head over to Nexus Mods, where you can download it for free. Keep in mind, it requires the Steam version of the game. Additionally, you’ll need Praydog’s UEVR Nightly 01042 build, conveniently linked on the Nexus Mods page.

In terms of hardware requirements, users with NVIDIA RTX 2080 graphics cards have reported good results. However, for those with older GPUs, the mod includes various settings adjustments to optimize performance.

Even though the project is open-source and available for adjustments via GitHub, it’s wise to remain cautious. Rockstar Games’ parent company, Take-Two, has a history of taking legal action against mods. For example, in 2022, they targeted mods by Luke Ross, including VR adaptations for GTA 5, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Mafia Definitive Edition. However, in those instances, the takedown notice was issued to Patreon, as Ross offered early access to mods through paid tiers. With Holydh’s plugin being free, it may have more staying power for long-term VR enjoyment of GTA: San Andreas.

Unfortunately, anyone hoping for an official VR adaptation on the Quest platform might need to hold their horses, as GTA: San Andreas for Quest has been delayed indefinitely. For now, this mod might be the best way to experience the game in VR.