A skilled gamer has managed to compress Grand Theft Auto 5 on PC down to an astonishing 2.5 GB. The feat comes at a cost: almost all content has been removed, and the game’s graphics have been heavily altered, leaving it barely recognizable.
Originally released in 2013, GTA 5 remains one of the most iconic open-world games ever made. Its attention to detail, massive map, and GTA Online keep players coming back more than a decade later. Despite its age, few games match the scale and fidelity of Los Santos.
Modder OptiJogos Cuts GTA 5 to the Bone
The modder, known as OptiJogos, shared footage showing the compressed version running with most content removed. Nearly 98% of the game is gone, including missions, audio, and vast portions of the map. Yet, the mod still works.
In the videos, the map is stripped to vague shapes. Player characters appear as blocky blobs. Textures are minimal, and falling through the map is common. Cars can still drive across Los Santos, though navigating the terrain is tricky. Despite all these compromises, someone familiar with the city could theoretically explore it.
Surprisingly Playable on Older Hardware
OptiJogos also tested the mod on a 2015 netbook, running around 20 FPS. While not smooth, it’s still playable. The modder has hinted that future updates could shrink the game even further. However, going smaller risks losing recognition entirely.
Given that Rockstar Games doesn’t provide official modding tools, this achievement highlights just how creative the community can be. Over the years, Take-Two Interactive has shut down several high-profile GTA 5 mods. Still, modders continue to push the limits.
GTA 6 on the Horizon
Fans may have to wait for the next official GTA experience. Grand Theft Auto 6 has been delayed multiple times but now appears set for a November 19, 2026 release. Only two trailers have dropped, and every frame is being scrutinized online. With marketing expected to ramp up this summer, players are eager for more insight into the return of Vice City.
In the meantime, ambitious modders like OptiJogos are keeping Los Santos alive in strange, unexpected ways.