Welcome to Liberty City, the gritty playground where chaos, drama, and unforgettable stories collide. If you’re thinking about downloading GTA 4 – yes, Grand Theft Auto 4 – for your PC in 2025, then hold up for a moment. Before you jump straight to the free full-version download, you need to know whether the game still hits as hard as it did back in the day.
I have gone back to the dark streets with Niko Bellic once again, replayed every mission, every chase, every twist, and now I’ve got the ultimate breakdown ready for you. Is GTA 4 still worth playing in 2025? Should you spend your time roaming Liberty City when so many modern open-world games exist?
Read the full guide first – once you see everything this classic brings even today, then you’ll know whether downloading Grand Theft Auto 4 for free on your PC is truly worth it. Let’s dive into the madness of Liberty.
You may also like to download:
GTA 4: Grand Theft Auto IV PC Game Overview
Grand Theft Auto IV drops you straight into the unforgiving heart of Liberty City, a place where every street has a story and every choice pulls you deeper into its gritty underworld. You play as Niko Bellic, an immigrant chasing the American Dream, only to find himself tangled in betrayal, crime, and survival.
GTA 4 stands out for its cinematic storytelling, realistic physics, and darker tone that sets it apart from other titles in the series. Liberty City feels alive – from its chaotic traffic to its detailed neighborhoods – giving you the sense that you’re part of a breathing city full of danger and opportunity.
Whether you’re taking on intense missions, exploring hidden corners, or causing pure open-world mayhem, Grand Theft Auto IV delivers a grounded yet thrilling experience. And if you’re planning to download the full version for PC, this overview will help you understand exactly why this game still holds up strong even today.
GTA 4: Grand Theft Auto IV PC Gameplay – My Own Experience in Liberty City
Jumping back into Grand Theft Auto IV on PC in 2025 felt like revisiting a chaotic old friend. The moment I landed in Liberty City with Niko Bellic, the atmosphere hit me instantly. The city still feels heavy, dirty, alive, and incredibly real. I spent the first hour just driving around, soaking in the mood, watching NPCs argue on sidewalks, and listening to those iconic radio stations that somehow never get old.
Now, let me be honest. Some things I loved. Some things definitely reminded me that this game is from 2008.
The driving physics are still one of the most unique parts of GTA 4. Cars feel weighty and slippery, like you are actually fighting with the road. I enjoyed it because it makes chases exciting, but sometimes I found myself spinning into poles more often than I want to admit. Shooting and cover mechanics also feel a bit stiff today, but once you get used to it, the gunfights become surprisingly intense.
What I absolutely enjoyed again is the mission design. Every mission feels like it has real consequences, and Niko’s reactions make you care about what is happening. One moment I was laughing at Roman’s madness, and the next, I was in a dark and emotional story twist that still hits even after so many years.
But nothing beats roaming Liberty City at night. Rain on the streets. Police sirens. Neon lights reflecting everywhere. That atmosphere is unmatched. Even newer games struggle to capture a world that feels this grounded.
Overall, my gameplay experience was a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and a few moments of frustration, but in a good way. GTA 4 is raw and real, and that is exactly why it still stands strong in 2025. If you are thinking about downloading the full version for PC, this gameplay experience might just help you decide whether Liberty City is worth returning to.
Grand Theft Auto IV Graphics
When I booted up Grand Theft Auto IV again on PC, the graphics instantly reminded me why this game was such a visual milestone back in its era. Liberty City still has that gritty, washed-out, realistic tone that no other GTA game has managed to replicate. The lighting is the first thing that stands out. Sunsets over the skyscrapers look dramatic, nights feel moody, and the rain-soaked streets create reflections that make the whole city feel alive.
Character models are definitely dated by today’s standards but the animations still hold up surprisingly well. Niko’s movement, the way pedestrians react, even small touches like car doors closing or people running away during chaos — all of it adds to the immersion.
Where GTA 4 truly shines is its atmosphere. The foggy mornings, dim alleys, flickering streetlights, and the slightly gritty filter make Liberty City feel like a real, lived-in place. The city doesn’t look clean or colorful, and honestly, that’s what makes it so special. It embraces realism over style.
Of course, compared to modern games, the textures can feel a bit soft, and some buildings look flat when you get too close. But with the PC version, you can crank up the settings or even use visual mods if you want a refreshed look.
Even without mods, though, the graphics still deliver that dark cinematic vibe that defines Grand Theft Auto IV. It may not be the flashiest game in 2025, but it’s still one of the most atmospheric worlds Rockstar has ever crafted.
Grand Theft Auto IV PC Controls
Playing Grand Theft Auto IV on PC gives you a solid mix of keyboard precision and chaotic open-world freedom. The controls feel classic but slightly old-school, so my experience had both smooth moments and a few “wait, why is this so stiff?” reactions.
Movement with WASD feels natural and responsive, but the real adjustment comes with driving. Steering with the keyboard makes every car feel heavier, almost like you’re wrestling with the wheel. It’s realistic, but it takes a few missions to get used to. Once you master it, though, car chases become insanely fun — you feel every turn, drift, and crash.
Shooting uses the usual mouse aim setup, but the cover system sometimes feels a bit clunky. Still, lining up headshots or popping out from behind a car with the mouse gives you a level of control that controllers never quite matched.
On foot, things are straightforward:
- Shift to sprint
- Space for cover
- R to reload
- F to enter vehicles
- Q/E for leaning or quick actions depending on context
Driving controls are simple too:
- W to accelerate
- S to brake/reverse
- A/D to steer
- Space for handbrake (and trust me, you’ll use this a lot)
If you prefer, GTA 4 also supports controllers, and honestly, some players find driving softer and smoother with a gamepad. But keyboard + mouse gives you sharper shooting, better camera control, and that classic PC freedom.
Overall, the PC controls are easy to learn, slightly tough to master, but once everything clicks, the gameplay flow becomes addictively smooth — exactly what you need while surviving Liberty City.
Grand Theft Auto IV Cheats PC
If you’re diving back into Grand Theft Auto IV on PC and want to spice up the chaos, the cheat system is beautifully simple. Instead of typing commands, you enter them directly through Niko’s in-game mobile phone. Just open the dial pad and punch in the numbers — the cheat activates instantly.
Here are the most useful and popular GTA 4 PC cheat codes you can use:
Health, Armor & Weapons Cheats
- Full Health & Armor: 362-555-0100
- *Give Weapons 1 (Pistol, Shotgun, SMG, etc): 486-555-0150
- *Give Weapons 2 (Advanced guns like sniper, grenades, etc): 486-555-0100
Wanted Level Cheats
- Remove Wanted Level: 267-555-0100
- Increase Wanted Level: 267-555-0150
Spawn Vehicle Cheats
- Spawn Annihilator Helicopter: 359-555-0100
- Spawn Turismo: 227-555-0147
- Spawn NRG-900 Motorcycle: 625-555-0100
- Spawn Sanchez Dirt Bike: 625-555-0150
- Spawn Comet Sports Car: 227-555-0175
- Spawn SuperGT: 227-555-0168
- Spawn FIB Buffalo: 227-555-0100
Other Useful Cheats
- Change Weather: 468-555-0100
Grand Theft Auto IV System Requirements for PC
Before you hit that free full-version download of GTA 4 – Grand Theft Auto IV, make sure your PC meets the system requirements. Even though the game is old, GTA 4 is still surprisingly demanding because of its physics-heavy engine and massive open world. Here’s what you need to run it smoothly in 2025:
Minimum
- OS: Windows XP / Vista / 7
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8GHz / AMD Athlon X2 64 2.4GHz
- RAM: 1.5 GB (XP) or 2 GB (Vista/7)
- Graphics Card: 256MB GPU – NVIDIA 7900 / ATI X1900
- DirectX: Version 9.0c
- Storage: 22 GB free space
Recommended
- OS: Windows 7 / 8 / 10
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4GHz / AMD Phenom X3
- RAM: 4 GB
- Graphics Card: 512MB GPU – NVIDIA 8600 / ATI 3870
- Storage: 22 GB free space
GTA 4 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is my GTA 4 trigger controller not working on PC?
This usually happens because GTA 4 was designed with Xbox 360 controllers in mind. If your triggers aren’t responding, try enabling XInput mode, updating your controller drivers, or using tools like X360CE. Once mapped correctly, the triggers work smoothly.
How do I change the radio in GTA 4 on PC?
To switch radio stations while driving, simply press the mouse wheel or use the scroll function. You can also press NumPad + and NumPad – to cycle between stations.
Can GTA 4 run on a low-end PC?
Yes, it can. GTA 4 is CPU-heavy, but on low settings with a dual-core processor and at least 2–4 GB RAM, it’s playable. Just expect lower graphics and occasional frame drops on very old hardware.
Can you play GTA 4 on PC with a PS4 controller?
Yes, but GTA 4 doesn’t natively detect PS4 controllers. You’ll need software like DS4Windows, which makes your PS4 controller behave like an Xbox controller. After setting it up, it works perfectly with the game.
Can you still play GTA 4 online on PC?
GTA 4’s original Games for Windows Live multiplayer is discontinued, but fan-hosted servers and modded multiplayer options are still active. Official online mode is gone, but community servers keep it alive.
How much GB is GTA 4 on PC?
The game requires around 22 GB of space after installation. Depending on editions and updates, it may vary slightly.
Grand Theft Auto IV Free Download Full Version for PC
Click on the download button below to start Grand Theft Auto IV on your PC. This is the complete full version of the game, ready for you to jump straight into Liberty City. Just download it, install it, and enjoy the thrill of Niko’s journey from start to finish.
