5 best mods for replaying GTA 5 with better graphics in 2023

Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 5 took big leap in terms of graphics at the time of its release. While many players were excited to test new gameplay elements and meet new characters, many gravitated towards it due to the visual effects. Although the game's popularity continues to grow even a decade later, we can unanimously agree that it has started to look quite outdated.

As fans wait for the release of a sequel, they can always go back and have another go at the story mode. However, to make the experience somewhat fresh, some of the best graphical mods available can be installed. In that regard, here are five of the best mods for replaying GTA 5 with better graphics in 2023.

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Awesomekills Graphics and 4 other best mods for replaying GTA 5 with better graphics in 2023

1) NaturalVision Evolved

NaturalVision Evolved is one of the most popular graphics mods for GTA 5, and rightly so. It was released in 2022 and enhances the game's standard visual to such a high degree that it begins to feel like a brand new title. Its main features are graphical retexturing, new assets for buildings, trees and other entities, along with the introduction of a new weather system.

However, to replay GTA 5 with this mod seamlessly, one will require some of the best equipment. Furthermore, playing in populated online lobbies after its installation might lead to performance drops.

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2) Awesomekills Graphics

Awesomekills Graphics mod is an ENB and ReShade visual enhancement mod that sharpens the game's base textures and increases color saturation. This brightens the in-game lighting by a considerable margin which makes the visuals a bit more photorealistic.

Additionally, bloom effects, night time lighting, and reflections also get enhanced through this mod. One of its best aspects is that it receives regular updates, with the most recent one being dropped on May 9, 2023. Even beginners can give Awesomekills Graphics a try, as it is quite easy to install.

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3) Insane Rain

Grand Theft Auto 5 used to be a visually appealing game; however, it looks a little dull compared to some of the newer ones. To bring back some of its lost glory, the Insane Rain mod enhances its weather system. Staying true to its name, the mod introduces a more intense form of rain and renders puddles on the roads of Los Santos.

These effects look extremely impressive, especially at night. Players can enjoy driving around in pouring rain in some of the most stylish in-game vehicles, like the Coquette Classic in GTA 5 story mode.

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4) VisualParadise

Lightning effect featured in the VisualParadise mod (Image via gta5-mods.com)

The VisualParadise mod aims to restore some of GTA 5's original visual effects like varied clouds, lens flare, light pollution, bokeh textures, and damage effects. These graphical features were seen in the game's PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions and went missing in the subsequent releases.

However, some of its most prominent elements are the inclusion of stormy weather, intense rain, and thunderstorms which add a new dimension to the game. It has received regular updates since 2018, with the latest released on April 27, 2023.

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5) Redux

Redux was originally released in 2016 and is one of the oldest GTA 5 graphical mods available. Over the years, it has received many updates, with the latest version being dropped on April 28, 2023. Redux focuses on asset texture enhancement, lighting effects, and global illumination.

It also features a rewritten weather system called Weather System + that adds volumetric lighting, fog, dust, debris, and other particle effects. Like the Awesomekills Graphics mod, Redux also utilizes ReShade and ENB, which do a world of good to the base game's outdated visual effects.