Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is still a massive hit in 2025, and the remastered version in GTA: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition looks sharper than ever. The modding community keeps the game fresh with GTA San Andreas mods like custom cars, graphics, and gameplay tweaks. This guide walks you through how to install GTA mods for the remastered version on PC, plus shorter sections for the original game and the Android/iOS mobile version.

1. Modding GTA San Andreas: The Definitive Edition (Remastered)

The remastered GTA: San Andreas runs on Unreal Engine 4, making San Andreas modding a bit trickier than the original but still doable. With Definitive Edition mods, you can add awesome visuals or new cars to spice things up. Here’s how to master GTA mod installation on PC in 2025.

Requirements

  • Platform: PC (Steam, Rockstar Games Launcher, Epic Games Store)
  • Tools:
    • OpenIV (version 4.2 or newer)
    • Unreal Mod Loader (community-made for Definitive Edition)
    • Script Hook Trilogy (works with 2025 updates)
  • Game Version: Latest patch (check Rockstar’s site)
  • Backup: Save your game files before starting.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Get OpenIV:
    • Grab OpenIV from openiv.com for seamless Unreal Engine modding.
    • Install it and point it to your GTA: San Andreas – Definitive Edition folder (like C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\GTA San Andreas - Definitive Edition).
    • Turn on “Edit Mode” to mess with files.
  2. Set Up Unreal Mod Loader:
    • Download Unreal Mod Loader from Nexus Mods or GTAForums.
    • Unzip it to the game’s main folder.
    • Make a Mods folder for your custom stuff.
  3. Add Script Hook Trilogy:
    • Get it from a trusted source like GitHub or modding sites.
    • Drop the .asi files and ScriptHookTrilogy.dll into the game folder.
    • This lets you run scripts like cheat menus.
  4. Install Mods:
    • Find Definitive Edition-friendly mods on Nexus Mods, GTA5-Mods.com, or GTAForums.
    • Look for:
      • Graphics: Reshade, ENB, or high-res textures.
      • Vehicles: New cars like the 2025 Tesla Cybertruck.
      • Gameplay: First-person view or new missions.
    • Drop mod files into the Mods folder or use OpenIV to swap out files like .uasset or .upk.
  5. Test It Out:
    • Start the game through Steam, Epic, or Rockstar Launcher (turn off cloud saves to avoid issues).
    • Use mod menus or keybinds to turn mods on.
    • Make sure everything works with the latest 2025 patches.

Notes

  • The remastered version’s Unreal Engine limits modding compared to the original. Always check if mods match your game version.
  • Don’t use mods online, or Rockstar’s anti-cheat might ban you.

2. Modding the Original GTA San Andreas (PC/Console)

The original GTA: San Andreas is a modder’s dream in 2025, thanks to its flexible RenderWare engine and huge community. Original GTA mods are plentiful, and this section covers PC and modded consoles like a softmodded PS2.

Requirements

  • Game Version: Original PC version (v1.0 is best for mods; downgrade if needed).
  • Tools:
    • Silent’s ASI Loader (for .asi mods).
    • Mod Loader (makes installing easy).
    • CLEO 4.4 (for scripts, updated for 2025).
    • SA-MP (for multiplayer, optional).
  • Backup: Save your game files from Documents\GTA San Andreas User Files.

Steps

  1. Downgrade (if needed):
    • Steam versions after 2014 need a v1.0 downgrade patch from GTAForums for mod support.
  2. Install Mod Loader and CLEO:
    • Grab Mod Loader and CLEO 4.4 from cleo.li or GTAForums for smooth CLEO mod installation.
    • Unzip them to the game folder (e.g., C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\GTA San Andreas).
    • Create a modloader folder for easy mod installs.
  3. Add Mods:
    • Download mods from GTAInside or MixMods.
    • Drop files (like .dff, .txd, .cs) into the modloader folder or use CLEO for scripts.
    • Try mods like SA_DirectX 3.0 for better graphics or custom car packs.
  4. Test the Game:
    • Run the game using its .exe file (not Steam to avoid updates).
    • Open CLEO’s menu with Ctrl + C to activate scripts.

Notes

  • The original game supports tons of mods, but check compatibility.
  • Console modding (PS2, Xbox) needs hardware mods or emulators, which are rare in 2025.

3. Modding GTA San Andreas on Mobile (Android/iOS)

Mobile GTA mods keep GTA: San Andreas fresh on Android and iOS in 2025. The mobile version is based on the original game, not the remastered one. Android is easier to mod than iOS, which needs a jailbreak. This 2025 modding guide covers both.

Requirements

  • Game: GTA: San Andreas (Google Play, App Store).
  • Tools:
    • CLEO Gold (Android, via APK from APKMirror).
    • ZArchiver (Android file manager).
    • iFile or Filza (iOS, jailbreak required).
  • Device: Android 9.0+ or iOS 16+ (jailbroken for iOS).
  • Backup: Save files in /Android/data/com.rockstargames.gtasa/files/.

Steps for Android

  1. Get CLEO Gold:
    • Download the CLEO Gold APK from a safe site like APKMirror.
    • Install it and allow storage access.
  2. Back Up Files:
    • Use ZArchiver to copy /Android/data/com.rockstargames.gtasa/ somewhere safe.
    • Save files like GTASAsf1.b too.
  3. Install Mods:
    • Grab mobile mods (.cs scripts, textures) from GTAInside.
    • Put them in /Android/data/com.rockstargames.gtasa/files/cleo/.
    • Use CLEO Gold to select and install mods.
  4. Run and Test:
    • Start the game and open the CLEO menu (swipe down or hold the menu button).
    • Turn on mods with touch controls.

Steps for iOS

  • Jailbreak Needed: iOS modding requires a jailbroken device (try Unc0ver or Checkra1n if supported in 2025).
  • Use iFile/Filza to add mod files to /var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/[GTA SA]/Documents/.
  • CLEO iOS is less stable; check GTAForums for guides.

Notes

  • Android modding is smoother than iOS, which is tougher due to jailbreak needs.
  • Stick to trusted APK sources to avoid malware.

4. Popular Mods for 2025

For Remastered (Definitive Edition)

  • Graphics: Definitive Reshade, Unreal ENB, 4K textures.
  • Vehicles: 2025 cars like Ford Mustang Mach-E, Lamborghini Revuelto.
  • Gameplay: First-person mode, bigger gang wars, weather tweaks.

For Original Version

  • Graphics: SA_DirectX 3.0, Project 2DFX, SkyGFX.
  • Vehicles: Realistic cars, GTA V ports.
  • Scripts: CLEO cheat menu, mission skip, vehicle spawner.

For Mobile

  • Graphics: Mobile ENB, HD textures (low-spec).
  • Gameplay: Cheat menu, teleport, skin selector.
  • Vehicles: BMW M4, Nissan GT-R, Tesla Model Y.

5. Troubleshooting and Safety Tips

  • Crashes: Check mod compatibility with your game version. Remove conflicts using Mod Loader or OpenIV.
  • Backups: Always save game files and progress to avoid losing them.
  • Safety: Download from trusted sites like Nexus Mods, GTAInside, or GTAForums. Scan APKs for viruses.
  • Updates: Turn off auto-updates for the original game to keep mods working.
  • Legal: Mods are for offline play only to avoid Rockstar bans.