5 reasons to play GTA 4 in 2025

Modified Jan 13, 2025 14:47 GMT

GTA 4 can still be fun to play in 2025 (Image via Rockstar Games)

Rockstar Games kicked off Grand Theft Auto's HD Universe with GTA 4 in 2008. Although its successor, Grand Theft Auto 5, is a lot more popular and successful, the former has its own set of characteristics, that offer an enjoyable experience even today. Grand Theft Auto 6 will also be releasing later this year (2025), so taking a trip back to Liberty City before its arrival doesn't seem like a bad idea.

However, if you're on the fence about it, here are five reasons why you might want to play Grand Theft Auto 4 in 2025.

Note - This article is subjective and only reflects the writer's opinions.

Here are 5 reasons to play GTA 4 in 2025

1) Perhaps the best story in the series so far

This Rockstar Games title is a great choice for anyone, who likes to get engrossed in an immersive narrative. GTA 4 features Niko Bellic as the protagonist, as he travels to Liberty City (based on New York) in an effort to escape his tragic past and have a shot at a new beginning.

Unfortunately, it doesn't take long for Niko to get involved with the wrong people, and complicate things for himself and those close to him. This title is one of Rockstar's best works in terms of storytelling and character work. The setting is dark and gritty, which greatly fits the narrative, but still manages to possess the series' usual style of humor.

There are two DLCs as well, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony, that further add to the experience with new protagonists and storylines, intertwining with the base game's events at certain points.

2) It is somewhat of a time capsule now

Liberty City's Statue of Happiness (Image via Rockstar Games)

GTA 4 is set in the same year as its release, that is 2008, and hence, can be considered somewhat of a time capsule in 2025. While there are traces of modern technology, such as a mobile phone, players will still need to visit an internet cafe to access the web.

Add to that the songs, radio advertisements, fashion, and aesthetics from over a decade ago will make revisiting Liberty City a fun and nostalgic trip in 2025.

3) Preparing for Grand Theft Auto 6

Grand Theft Auto 6 comes out Fall 2025 (Image via Rockstar Games)

As mentioned, GTA 4 kicked off the series' HD Universe, which includes GTA 5 and might even include the upcoming GTA 6 Therefore, anyone excited for the upcoming title should also check out the 2008 release.

This will help players understand the lore of this universe, which in turn would make any potential character returns, references to past events, or Easter Eggs more enjoyable in GTA 6.

4) The gameplay still holds up to a good extent

Despite releasing over a decade ago, the gameplay mechanics in GTA 4 still hold up in 2025 to a good extent. In fact, some of them aren't even present in Grand Theft Auto 5. The visual effects and physics are still pretty modern, cars seem to have weight to them with realistic driving mechanics, and NPCs react in a life-like manner to their surroundings.

There are various accessible interiors to check out and random events to experience. The city feels alive and players can spend their free time hanging out with their friends or going on dates. Another fun mechanic is the ability to pick up small items, like bricks and cups, and throw them, which adds a small, but unique element to combat.

5) Mods

PC gamers can add to the experience by installing various mods in GTA 4. One can add snow to the map, bring back removed songs, add some new features, and even enhance the visuals, among other things.

There are also mods to help with performance and fixes. In short, playing Grand Theft Auto 4 in 2025 can prove to be a much better experience than ever before.

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Edited by Shraman Mitra