GTA IV iCEnhancer 4.0 vs Natural & Fusion Mods – Which Visual Mod Wins in 2025?

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If you’re reviving GTA IV in 2025, chances are you’re hunting for the best visual mod to bring Liberty City into the modern era. With the release of iCEnhancer 4.0, longtime contenders like iCEnhancer Natural and Fusion Fix now face stiff competition.

But which mod is actually worth your time—and your GPU’s horsepower?

Let’s break down the three leading options: iCEnhancer 4.0, iCEnhancer 3.0 Natural (by DayL), and Fusion Fix, and help you decide which one is the best GTA IV visual overhaul for your rig.

🌟 What Are These Mods?

Before we compare, here’s what each mod aims to do:

  • iCEnhancer 4.0 – Released in July 2025, this is the most technically advanced version yet, built around Physically-Based Rendering (PBR) and volumetric lighting.

  • iCEnhancer Natural – A community-refined version of iCEnhancer 3.0, optimized by modder DayL for visual realism and mid-range hardware.

  • Fusion Fix – A lightweight performance mod that enhances GTA IV’s lighting and effects while fixing bugs in the PC port.

πŸ†š Quick Mod Comparison Chart

FeatureiCEnhancer 4.0iCEnhancer 3.0 NaturalFusion Fix
Physically-Based Lighting (PBR)✅ Yes (ENB 2025)❌ No❌ No
Volumetric Fog & Clouds✅ High quality⚠️ Basic / Preset only❌ None
Shader Reflections✅ Enhanced, realistic✅ Good❌ Basic
Performance RequirementsπŸ”₯ High-end GPU needed✅ Moderate🟒 Low-end ready
Compatibility1.0.3.0/1.0.4.0, Nvidia best1.0.4.0, AMD/NvidiaAll patches
Community Support✅ New & active✅ Strong on Reddit✅ Wide adoption

GTA IV iCEnhancer 4.0 vs Natural & Fusion Mods Guide
πŸ”₯ iCEnhancer 4.0 – The Next-Gen Leap

Released in July 2025, iCEnhancer 4.0 is a complete graphical rework of Liberty City, delivering:

  • Physically-Based Rendering (PBR) for lifelike lighting

  • Volumetric fog and cloud shadows

  • HD water, shadows, and reflections

  • Better skyboxes and sun flares

  • Performance improvements over iCEnhancer 3.0

“After 10 years, this is the most stable and best-looking build I’ve ever worked on.”
— iCE La GlacE, creator of iCEnhancer

Best for: Players with modern Nvidia GPUs and high-end rigs who want cutting-edge visuals.

🌳 iCEnhancer Natural – A Beautiful Middle Ground

Originally a community preset, iCEnhancer 3.0 Natural by DayL gained popularity for its cinematic yet subtle approach. It’s based on iCEnhancer 3.0 but tweaked for:

  • Natural lighting balance (less blue/green tint)

  • Improved performance on mid-tier systems

  • Stronger compatibility with AMD graphics

It’s also easier to install, with plug-and-play config files, and is a go-to for users on the 1.0.4.0 patch.

“iCEnhancer Natural is still the most consistent in terms of visuals vs. performance.”
— Reddit user u/BackToBroker

Best for: Mid-range users looking for a great balance of beauty and playability.

⚙️ Fusion Fix – Fast, Functional, & Lightweight

Unlike iCEnhancer, Fusion Fix isn’t primarily a graphics mod—it’s a performance and stability enhancer that tweaks GTA IV’s engine:

  • Fixes shaders, lighting bugs, and broken shadows

  • Adds SMAA anti-aliasing, soft DoF, motion blur

  • Works with DXVK for Vulkan support (huge FPS gains!)

  • Compatible with all patches and most GPUs

Fusion Fix can be used alone for a “console+” visual upgrade or with other mods like ENB or Natural presets.

Best for: Low-end to mid-range PCs prioritizing performance, smoother controls, and bug fixes.

πŸ’¬ Community Reactions

“Fusion Fix adds modern features without breaking the game. DXVK + SMAA = perfect.”
— r/GTAIV user

“Natural gives me the sweet spot. Good shadows, no washed-out look, and still smooth.”
— YouTube comment

“iCEnhancer 4.0 looks like a remaster… but it’s heavy.”
— r/pcgaming thread

🧠 Which Mod Should You Choose?

Your Setup                                                Best Mod Recommendation
πŸ”₯ High-End PC (RTX 3070+)iCEnhancer 4.0
πŸ’» Mid-Range PC (GTX 1060/RX 580)iCEnhancer 3.0 Natural
πŸͺ« Low-End PC / LaptopFusion Fix + DXVK + Reshade

Looking to push boundaries? Combine Fusion Fix with either visual mod to boost performance and stability.

πŸ› ️ Bonus Tip: Combine Them (Smartly)

You can mix and match:

  • Fusion Fix + iCEnhancer Natural = great balance

  • Fusion Fix + 4.0 = possible but heavy; tweak ENB settings

  • Use DXVK with all options for Vulkan rendering and smoother performance

Always back up your GTA IV folder before modding!

πŸ“ Final Verdict

In 2025, GTA IV has never looked better. Whether you want full-blown cinematic realism or a smooth, enhanced experience, there's a visual mod that fits:

  • iCEnhancer 4.0 for bleeding-edge graphics

  • Natural preset for high-quality balance

  • Fusion Fix for silky gameplay and low-end rigs

Whichever path you choose, Liberty City is ready to shine.

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