6. The Mods Folder Part 1

 

With most of the essential files out of the way, let's now look at setting up and configuring the Mods Folder. In passing, you can name it mods or Mods, Windows doesn't care.

Why are we creating a Mods folder rather than modding the game directly? We do it for two main reasons.  First it prevents us from damaging, deleting, or corrupting game files. If we did damage the original game files we would need to do a verify integrity or a full reinstall to fix our game - both taking time. 

Secondly, it allows us to keep all our mods intact after each Rockstar GTA 5 patch/update. It doesn't guarantee our game will work, but at least none of our mod files will be overwritten or replaced by the update. Finally, we can think of the game folder as a backup for our Mods folder, in case we screw up and we definitely will along the way.

Now let's look at what goes into our Mods folder. We will take the minimalist approach for simplicity and to save disk space. Contrary to what many self-proclaimed experts advise, you only need a few folders and files for a successful Mods folder.

Here are three videos which will give you views of the Mods folder from both Windows and from OpenIV.  The last video is How to create a mods folder.

 Next go to Step 7. The Mods Folder Part 2