Modder’s Guide: GTA IV RTX Remix 1.1.5 – Visual Tweaks, Performance Secrets & Installation

While the gaming world eagerly anticipates the neon-lit streets of Grand Theft Auto VI, a quieter revolution is reshaping a beloved classic: Liberty City. The GTA IV RTX Remix Compatibility Mod isn’t just a graphics overhaul—it’s a foundational transformation that brings real-time path tracing to the 2008 release, redefining light, shadow, and atmosphere.

With the release of Update 1.1.5, modder xoxor4d continues to refine this ambitious project, focusing on stability, visual polish, and user control. This guide dives into the changelog, installation nuances, and the performance realities of running cutting-edge rendering on a 17-year-old engine. From realistic rain effects to subtle fixes on taxi reflections, every detail is analyzed for modders, enthusiasts, and power users looking to fully unlock Liberty City’s RTX potential.


1. A Modder’s Look at the 1.1.5 Changelog

Update 1.1.5 is a precision patch that enhances immersion without introducing major new systems. Key improvements:

Visual Fidelity and Material Tweaks

  • Bergen Wood Textures: Fixed to reflect lighting correctly on docks and crates.

  • Taxi Metal Surfaces: Adjusted for accurate reflections under path-traced lighting.

  • Glass & Meshes: Various windows and in-game meshes fixed for realism.

Enhanced Atmospheric Effects

  • Rain Particle Refinement: Reduced collision thickness for natural-looking rainfall.

  • Rain Bug Fixes: Corrected restarting rain issues.

  • Vehicle Raindrop Control: The “disable raindrops on translucent windows” option now works reliably.

Greater User Configuration

  • RTX.CONF Control: Disable projected light coronas and unhide extra textures.

  • ImGui Menu Improvements: Layout and usability tweaks for a smoother experience.


2. Technical Installation Guide & Crucial Dependencies

Modder’s Guide: GTA IV RTX Remix 1.1.5

Correct installation is essential for stability. RTX Remix 1.1.5 requires GTA IV: The Complete Edition (v1.2.0.59).

Installation Steps

  1. Official Source Only: Download the mod exclusively from the GitHub repository.

  2. Run the Installer: Accept the custom FusionFix fork, mandatory for RTX Remix compatibility.

  3. Launch Correctly: Use .bat files like _LaunchWithProcessorAffinity_Half_GTA4__Half_Remix.bat instead of Steam to reduce stuttering.

  4. Access Menus:

    • Alt + X → RTX Remix path tracing & upscalers (DLSS, XeSS)

    • F4 → Compatibility Mod menu for game-specific tweaks


3. Performance Expectations & Optimization

The CPU Bottleneck Reality

GTA IV’s dense geometry means CPU, not GPU, is often the limiting factor. Low GPU usage is normal.

Key Performance Tweaks

  • Lower View & Detail Distance in GTA IV settings:

    • View Distance: 30

    • Detail Distance: 40

  • Advanced F4 Menu Tweaks:

    • Tree Alpha Cutout Value: Increase to ~160 to reduce rendering cost of foliage.

    • Vehicle Alpha Cutout: Similar effect for distant vehicles.

GPU-Specific Guidance

  • NVIDIA: DLSS Super Resolution (Quality/Balanced) + RTX 40-series users can enable Frame Generation.

  • AMD: XeSS is the recommended upscaler for best image quality and performance.

RTX.CONF Advanced Controls

  • rtx.forceIgnoreTexture coronas = false → Re-enable light bloom if disabled.

  • rtx.optionUISettingsHiddenEntries = true → Unlock hidden menu options.
    ⚠️ Always back up the file before editing to avoid mod failure.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Heavy Stuttering → Use the correct .bat file for launch.

  • Game Crashes → Re-run installer and confirm FusionFix fork installed.

  • Low FPS → CPU-bound; lower View & Detail Distance.

  • Visual Bugs → Confirm official download; check Discord/community forums.


4. Community Context & The Road Ahead

The GTA IV RTX Remix project isn’t a remaster. Its purpose is a physically accurate lighting foundation, paving the way for community HD textures, PBR material overhauls, and custom models.

Update 1.1.5 is a mature, stable platform—an invitation to explore Liberty City in a transformative new light and participate in its ongoing visual renaissance. From Half-Life 2 to Morrowind, RTX Remix proves that classics can be reborn with care, precision, and community creativity.

For support and resources, the community actively shares tips on Discord, and the official GitHub Wiki offers detailed installation guides and FAQs.    


Community & Resources

Comments