The Grand Theft Auto series fans can now explore Liberty City like never before, thanks to the Liberty City Preservation Project. This impressive mod, designed for Grand Theft Auto V, brings the iconic GTA IV map into the newer game’s world with incredible detail. From functioning public transport to seamless integration with Los Santos, the mod is a remarkable achievement that keeps the spirit of Liberty City alive for longtime fans.
A Mod that redefines Liberty City
The Liberty City Preservation Project offers a fully immersive experience, blending the nostalgia of GTA IV with the advanced features of GTA V. Developed by a dedicated team of 12 modders over six years, this free mod has reimagined Liberty City with a focus on realism and interactivity. Key features include the following.
Seamless city integration: Players can teleport between Los Santos and Liberty City without interruption, ensuring a smooth transition between the two iconic maps.
Detailed environments: Liberty City feels alive with ambient lighting, weather-specific pedestrian behaviors, and over 4,500 dynamic scenarios, such as police writing tickets and mechanics fixing cars.
Functional systems: The mod introduces working public transport, a mini-map, and detailed interiors, enhancing exploration and gameplay.
In addition, vehicles from GTA IV, such as taxis, fire trucks, and police cars, have been revamped to match GTA V’s modern aesthetic while preserving their original design.
Six years in the making
The Liberty City Preservation Project began in 2018, led by modder Nkjellman, with the team overcoming challenges like HD texture scaling using AI tools. The GTA V Cayo Perico update in 2021 provided critical advancements, but manual refinements ensured the mod’s high quality.
Since its December 2024 release, the mod has garnered over 25,000 downloads, highlighting players’ excitement for a nostalgic yet refreshed Liberty City experience.
Features that stand out
Unlike previous mods attempting to bring Liberty City into GTA V, the Preservation Project offers unparalleled functionality and depth. Here’s what makes it special.
Immersive world design: The mod replicates Liberty City’s map and reintroduces its ambiance. Smoke rises from manholes, pedestrians adjust to weather changes, and traffic cycles mimic real-life patterns, such as school buses appearing during morning hours.
Single-player and FiveM compatibility: Players can enjoy the mod in GTA V’s single-player mode, where Liberty City exists alongside Los Santos. On FiveM servers, however, Liberty City replaces Los Santos due to technical limitations. Despite this constraint, the mod delivers a robust experience in both modes.
Nostalgic touches: The mod preserves key elements of GTA IV, such as radio stations, interiors, and vehicles, making it a heartfelt tribute to the beloved game. For fans who have been waiting for Rockstar to revisit Liberty City, this mod delivers a nostalgic yet fresh experience.
Player reactions and future plans: The response to the mod has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising its seamless gameplay, vibrant environments, and faithful recreation of Liberty City. Achieving over 25,000 downloads in such a short time underscores the mod’s success and the enduring popularity of the GTA franchise.
As the team reflects on their success, they remain committed to further enhancements. Plans include improving interior accuracy to match GTA IV and refining map vertex painting for even greater visual fidelity. Additionally, the modders hinted at future projects that could restore other iconic cities within the GTA universe.
A celebration of GTA’s legacy
The Liberty City Preservation Project arrives as fans eagerly anticipate GTA VI, slated for a Fall 2025 release. With GTA V having sold over 205 million copies in its 11-year lifespan, this mod is a testament to the community’s passion for the franchise.
For players yearning to explore Liberty City in a modern setting, this mod is a must-try. Its dedication to detail, authenticity, and innovation ensures it will remain a favorite among fans for years to come. The Liberty City Preservation Project can be downloaded for free via the World Travel Discord server, continuing to captivate players and solidifying its place in gaming history.
