Grand Theft Auto IV

Grand Theft Auto IV is the award-winning open-world adventure game released in 2008 by Rockstar Games.

Originally built to run on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, GTA 4, the PC version of this hit game arrived on PC in December of that year, enabling users of advanced gaming PC hardware to dramatically enhance the visual capabilities presented by this ambitious title.



Set in the same city of Liberty City (a fictionalized version of New York) as the groundbreaking GTA III, this game advances the time to the early 2000s and centers on the adventures of the hardened Eastern European war veteran and immigrant Niko Belic who is thrown into the criminal underworld of the city in hope of finding a better life for himself and his piece of the fabled “American dream”.

Shortly after the start of the game, he and his cousin ended up in debt, forcing them to become involved in all aspects of criminal activities, slowly but surely rising through the ranks of the underground to become one of the top criminals in the city.

Similar to previous games, the gameplay loop of this GTA title also revolves around freedom of exploration of the large and detailed open world environment and a mix between linear and hand-crafted central missions and an incredible variety of side missions and activities.

The core appeal is again placed on the ability to engage with “sandbox” or “systemic” gameplay elements that can interact with the player with unforeseen effects, making every minute of walking through the city a unique experience.



The visual design of Grand Theft Auto IV elevated this game above any other that appeared on the market in 2009 and for years ahead. Sadly, this incredible achievement of rendering stunning renditions of city environments, cars, characters, and stunning movie-like scripted sequences has left a toll and forced PC gamers of that time to wait for stronger CPU and GPU hardware.

However, while GTA 4 ran poorly on gaming PCs of 2008, today this game is not demanding and can be easily run on even modest gaming PCs and even laptops.

However, the gamers with strong PC configurations can transform GTA IV into a stunning rendition of NY with a wide variety of advanced mods that introduce higher textures, new expansive environments, and vehicle models, and even brand-new rendering techniques for light, shadow, and special effects.

In addition to a wide variety of single-player content, Grand Theft Auto IV also features a popular online mode and support for all modern input methods, such as keyboard and mouse (both fully configurable) and gamepads.



How to Play

• Install the Game – Download and install GTA IV on your PC via Steam, Rockstar Games Launcher, or a physical disc.
• Launch the Game – Open the game from your installed directory or launcher.
• Create a Profile – Sign in to Rockstar Social Club (optional) or play offline.
• Learn Controls – Familiarize yourself with movement, driving, and combat keys.
• Start the Story – Follow the main missions as Niko Bellic in Liberty City.
• Explore Freely – Roam the open world, drive vehicles, and interact with NPCs.
• Earn Money – Complete missions, side activities, or engage in criminal activities.
• Engage in Combat – Use weapons, cover mechanics, and melee attacks in fights.
• Evade Police – Escape law enforcement by driving, hiding, or using Pay 'n' Spray.
• Enjoy Multiplayer (if available) – Play online with others in free roam or game modes.

FAQs

What is Grand Theft Auto IV about?
Grand Theft Auto IV follows the story of Niko Bellic, an immigrant who comes to Liberty City seeking the “American Dream,” only to become involved in crime, betrayal, and survival in a harsh urban world. The game focuses heavily on narrative depth and realism compared to previous entries.

Is GTA IV still worth playing in 2026?
Yes. Even in 2026, GTA IV is considered one of the most story-driven and atmospheric titles in the series. While the graphics and mechanics feel older compared to modern open-world games, its mature storytelling, physics engine, and darker tone still attract new and returning players.

Can you play GTA IV on PC?
Yes. GTA IV is available on PC, including the Complete Edition, which includes the base game and the Episodes from Liberty City expansions. Performance on PC has improved compared to its original release, but system optimization can still vary depending on hardware.

What makes GTA IV different from GTA V?
Compared to Grand Theft Auto V, GTA IV has a darker tone, more realistic physics, and a stronger focus on a single protagonist’s emotional journey. GTA V offers a larger map, multiple playable characters, and more expansive online features.

Does GTA IV have multiplayer?
Yes. GTA IV originally included online multiplayer modes such as deathmatch and free roam. However, availability depends on platform and version, as some online services have been discontinued or integrated differently in newer editions.



System Requirements - Can I Run Grand Theft Auto IV

System Requirements (Minimum)

• CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8GHz, AMD Athlon X2 64 2.4GHz
• CPU SPEED: 1.8 GHz
• RAM: 1 GB for Windows XP / 1.5 GB for Windows Vista)
• FREE DISK SPACE: 16 GB
• DEDICATED VIDEO RAM: 256 MB

Recommended Requirements

• CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4GHz, AMD Phenom X3 2.1GHz
• CPU SPEED: 2.4 GHz
• RAM: 2 GB (Windows XP) 2.5 GB (Windows Vista)
• FREE DISK SPACE: 18 GB
• DEDICATED VIDEO RAM: 512 MB

PROS

• Immersive Storyline – Deep, emotional narrative.
• Realistic Physics – Euphoria engine enhances realism.
• Detailed Open World – Liberty City feels alive.
• Engaging Characters – Memorable and well-written NPCs.
• Great Voice Acting – Top-notch performances.

CONS

• Clunky Driving – Vehicles feel too heavy.
• No Aircraft – Limited transportation options.
• Slow Movement – Clunky character controls.
• Lack of Customization – Fewer options than San Andreas.
• Repetitive Missions – Some objectives feel monotonous.