GTA V has just had its file size compressed from over 100GB to less than 2.5GB. As you’d expect, there are some compromises but it is still playable and an impressive feat achieved by a modder allowing the game to run on machines that it should not.
In a Tweet on Saturday, known modder @OptiJogos revealed their latest project: a heavily optimised GTA V. They state that they were able to reduce GTA V’s file size by 98%. This was achieved by cutting out a lot but still retain the game’s core gameplay. This allows old, low-end devices incapable of running the unmodified version of GTA V actually play the game. For example, Opti shows a government-issued netbook playing the game at around 30FPS. Not great of course but the hardware is super weak. The UI is all intact at least!
All of the game’s missions, audio and graphical effects and more had to be removed. Areas such as North Yankton were removed. The prologue area alone is 2GB. The game’s textures were also heavily compressed. The game’s map loses most of its textures and most of its playable area as it is the biggest thing in the game at around 7GB. The only playable area is a section of Los Santos that includes Michael’s house. You cannot play as Franklin or Trevor either.
You will also find the lowest level of LODs used for everything at any distance. There’s no GTA Online content, shops with interiors and cutscenes either. Despite the removal of all of these things and more, the game still functions. You can run around, steal vehicles and drive them plus use any base game weapon. The police and wanted system is also working.
But Why?
Some people might wonder why this was even done in the first place. Why would anyone want to try this highly modified, low-end version of GTA V? Well, not everyone can afford a device capable of running the game. In places like Brazil, taxes on technology are extremely high. Quite old hardware is far more popular due to its lower cost.
Some of our readers are from regions where GTA V is actually new to them. I’ve read comments about how it simply has inaccessible to hundreds of millions of people around the world until the past few years. This is why GTA 6 will not be absolutely everywhere at launch. Opti’s lite version of GTA V will allow some people the chance to just commit some Grand Theft Auto for the first time.
Plus, it is just an interesting experiment! Check out Opti’s video for extended gameplay here. If you want to try this version for yourself, you can download it now.
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