As fans await a possible modern re-release of GTA 4, a brand new mod release improves the game’s graphics and even fixes a number of issues Rockstar Games left behind. The PC port of GTA IV had a botched launch with so many issues which still plague players to this day. This is the way GTA IV is meant to be played.
Titled Fusion Fix 4.0, this new mod update addresses many of the problems facing players. It is easy to install and even usable on the Steam Deck. We’ll be taking a look at what Fusion Fix 4.0 has to offer those that want to explore Liberty City.
The team behind the mod call it a “comprehensive open-source modification” of Grand Theft Auto IV: The Complete Edition. We are approaching two decades of GTA IV and the community are still dedicated to patching up Rockstar’s mistakes.
As part this mod’s launch, a new website inspired by Rockstar’s GTA 6 website is now live. Featuring the same scrolling reveal elements, the webpage gives you a great look at what Fusion Fix is capable of.
Fixing Fundamentals
For starters, the mod fixes Rockstar’s broken “Definition” option. In the vanilla game, putting the setting to OFF actually turns if on and vice versa. When the”Definition” setting is actually on in-game, it makes GTA IV look better for the most part. However, due to left over anti-aliasing code, it blurs the whole image. Fusion Fix removes this and makes the game have a clearer presentation.
Depth of field also has issues and connected to Definition. Plus, it does not appear correctly when playing in resolutions greater than 720p. The background blur has now been resolved to up to 4K and is a separate option instead of being part of the Definition setting. There is even the ability to adjust its strength when viewed in gameplay.
Motion blur was yet another effect connected to Definition. It even features issues when running the game at higher frame rates. With Fusion Fix 4.0, it is now a standalone setting and works correctly at higher FPS. You can choose between Off, Low, Medium, High and Very High.
Cut scenes have also always had jitter when running above 30FPS and even changed field of view. Fusion Fix eliminates these problems above 30FPS. Same goes for mouse control which would also break past 30.
Much like depth of field, bloom also does not work correctly when the game is running above 720p. With so many people playing in 1080p or above these days, it is important these issues are fixed. Fusion Fix delivers rewritten code for bloom. The effect is no longer bugged and can be toggled on or off on its own.
Bringing Back Console Highlights
Graphical glitches in the form of Z-fighting are also present in the original PC version whereas it is fine on Xbox 360. Fusion Fix makes use of how the 360 version handles it and incorporates it on PC. Meanwhile a typo broke a perfectly working console version feature on PC. Volumetric lights do not work in the PC release all because of a simple mistake. Fusion Fix addresses this. Similarly, soft particle effects missing on PC have been restored.
The game has been given the console gamma curve to reduce washed out colours. The fixing of all these settings make GTA IV on PC look how Rockstar intended, as seen on consoles since 2008. Reflections, water and rain have all been given tweaks to fix their looks.
An issue lod caused by Rockstar in 2010 meanwhile has also been resolved. In the same update, shadows looked and performed worse plus some lights such has those found on the Rotterdam Tower were broken. Those have all been restored in this mod.
New Features
That’s not everything though. Fusion Fix contains new features such as seasons. Inspired by GTA Online, the game’s atmosphere around Halloween is themed and snow falls in winter. You can disable this if you wish to do so. Red Dead Redemption-style sun rays now appear. The game’s unskippable intro is now skippable meaning you’ll get into playing the game in around 10 seconds vs 40.
New icons have been added for Xbox Series X|S, Steam Deck and PS5 controllers for enhanced visual compatibility. An “always run” option has also been added to make the game’s default movement a jog instead of walking.
Speaking of movement, you are now able to move when looking down a sniper scope and even lets you shoot without aiming down the scope. Tone mapping has also been added as a setting you can toggle to reduce bright spots.
Download Fusion Fix 4.0
Fusion Fix 4.0 was made by a group of dedicated GTA IV fans. What we covered in this article is not even everything. There is so much more to discover in Liberty City. The full patch notes can be found on the mod’s github page.
FF.40 is free to download and is installable on Steam Deck. It was developed with Steam and the Rockstar Games Launcher in mind according to developer Ash. We’d also recommend checking out the awesome GTA 6-style webpage that contains a ton of interactive comparisons, videos and screenshots. On top of that, there is a 1440p trailer.
In recent GTA IV news, Rockstar ended support for GFWL saves in their launcher. Plus, iCEhancer 4 came out in July after 6 months of development.
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