Grand Theft Auto 3is a beloved classic that has stuck with fans since its original release in 2001. A remaster of the game was sorely needed. However, theDefinitive Editionof theGTA Trilogyleft asour taste in the mouths of many fans. Numerous issues plagued the release, with some of the improvements still ongoing.
RELATED:Grand Theft Auto 3: Mods That Remaster The Game
Luckily, the modding community has come to the rescue. Owners of the PC version can browse Nexus' growing library of mods, some of which are aimed specifically atGTA 3. With that in mind, players may be interested in these excellent add-ons that enhance the gameplay and visuals in a variety of ways.
7Claude (The Definitive Edition)
Let’s start with the main man himself. Claude is the protagonist ofGTA 3,a man of literally no words. Like the rest of the game, Claude received a substantial visual upgrade. Nevertheless, much like CJ and Tommy Vercetti, some fans felt that Claude didn’t look quite right when compared to his original appearance.
The aptly namedClaude (The Definitive Edition)mod by DoctorMike redesigns the character to make him look more faithful to the 2001 version. The work itself is stellar. For players who want the utmost nostalgia while revisiting this game, making sure Claude looks like his old self is a must.
6GTA III-Definitive Edition-Natural Visuals-Texture Overhaul
The graphics ofGTA 3: Definitive Editionare clearly a step above the old presentation. However, as any fan who is familiar with modding knows,visuals can always be taken to the next levelthrough mods. Nexus already contains a growing list of graphical add-ons that seek to improve various aspects of the game’s visuals.
RELATED:GTA: San Andreas - Mods That Remaster The Game
TheNatural Visuals/Texture Overhaulmod by QTmodz focuses on sharpening many of the game’s textures. In particular, the lighting and FX are given some much-appreciated attention. For a smoother and sharper appearance for the game at this stage, it’s hard to go wrong with this mod.
5Better Map Textures-Natural HD Textures For III
Texture mods tend to make prolific appearances for any popular game. As stated previously, there’s already a steadily growing list of graphical mods forGTA 3as well as for theDefinitive Editionin general. Fans can take their pick as to which mods strike their fancy.
Another ongoing project that’s worth players' attention isBetter Map Texturesby Dingleman. Once again, various textures are given a facelift, including roads, billboards, posters, and other miscellaneous objects. The mod provides a solid foundation for future improvements that aim to make the game’s graphics pop.
4III HD Classic Sign Textures
The devil is often in the details. The little things, taken together, tend to have a marked effect on how agame world is perceived by its players. An open-world title likeGTA 3, of course, is no exception. As such, giving the game’s many billboards some attention is certainly worth pursuing while trying to make everything else look its best.
RELATED:Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - Mods That Remaster The Game
From the same author as the previous mod,III HD Classic Sign Texturesdoes exactly what its title says.GTA 3’s billboards are given a makeover that allows them to stand out even more. Now, players can enjoy the “Badfellas” billboard in all its intended glory. Just follow the add-on’s simple installation instructions and players will be set!
3GTA III DE Reshade Original PS2 Ambience
GTA 3: Definitive Edition’s presentation can feel lackluster. Lighting and shadows often play a significant role in regards toa game’s visual fidelity. When executed improperly, settings don’t look as if they’re an extension of the natural world. Fortunately, mod authors attempt to rectify this issue in a variety of games, including theDefinitive EditionofGTA 3.
TheGTA III DE Reshade Original PS2 Ambiencemod by Keisirius tweaks the game’s lighting to a noticeable extent. It provides a “cold tone,” according to the mod author. The result is a presentation reminiscent of the game’s PS2 version. Liberty City appears less bland and more natural as a consequence.
The last significant texture mod on this list deals with Liberty City’s roads. For a game where players will spend thevast majority of their time inside a car, the game’s road network must look its very best. The scope of road retexture mods may be somewhat small, but their effects tend to be instantly recognizable.
For a crisper-looking road inGTA 3: Definitive Edition, fans should consider theBetter Road Texturesmod by Instanity666. The effect of the mod speaks for itself, offering players a sharper collection of textures for the game’s vast stretches of pavement. After all, extra bits of detail are always nice!
1Classic Colored Radio Station Icons
The final mod that fans may want to try is a small, yet satisfying add-on that deals with the game’s radio station icons. If players think the default layout for the icons is too bland, then Gravarty’sClassic Colored Radio Station Iconsis worth it. The mod incorporatesa little extra flair to the proceedingsby colorizing the icon wheel for the radio stations. Sometimes simple is also satisfying!
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Editionis currently available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch.
