GTA 5 Mods Absolute Beginner FAQ
This site has everything you could possible want or imagine to help you become an expert at GTA 5 modding: how to install mods, how to fix any game issues, and lots more. Here are some starter items for new modders. Most importantly, you'll find amazing resources at the bottom of this article. Be sure to download the free pdf guide, the GTA 5 Toolkit.
What is a mod?
A mod is simply short for modification - something added, removed, or changed that modifies the game. It could be functional, for example a script. Or it could be an entity (or asset) such as NPCs, clothes, vehicles, buildings, weapons - in fact any change to any aspect of the game.
What does vanilla mean?
Vanilla, as in the expression plain vanilla, refers to the GTA 5 game without any mods - no changes at all, nothing modified, exactly as it was when first installed, or after being updated by Rockstar.
What is an NPC?
What is a replace mod?
What is an addon mod?
Contrary to a replace mod, in theory an addon mod doesn't replace anything. As the name implies, it is an additional feature for the vanilla game. Common addons are vehicles (cars, planes, bikes), maps, MLOs, and Peds (NPCs). However addons frequently do replace game assets. For example an addon building could replace the existing (vanilla) game building.
What is a script?
What is a Trainer?
What is does Spawning Mean?
Spawning means making an entity (a vehicle, an object, an NPC) appear in the game. This is usually done with a Trainer but can also be done with a script. Some objects persist (stay in the game) while others will disappear to save game memory.
What is an MLO?
MLO or MiLO. Exact acronym definition is unknown but it refers to buildings with interiors. It possibly stands for Moveable Interior Loader given they can be moved anywhere (mobile) on the GTA5 map and they load interiors. The O could possibly also stand for Online although they are common in Single Player mode.
Other possibilities are that an MLO building in Grand Theft Auto V stands for Multi-Level Object. It is a type of building interior that was originally meant to be created using multiple levels or floors and could be entered by the player. MLO buildings are often used to add more detail and depth to the game world and provide more interactive environments for the player to explore.
MLOs can range from simple additions like new buildings or rooms to more complex builds like entire cities or islands although the latter are generally called maps. These mods require a thorough knowledge of game mechanics, 3D modeling, and scripting to create, and can greatly enhance the gameplay experience for those who enjoy exploring the game world beyond the standard content.
What do GTAO, MP, SP, RP, and FiveM mean?
GTAO means GTA 5 Online. It is also called MP (multiplayer) or even Co-op when playing as a team or with friends. SP means Single Player (as opposed to MP). RP means role playing and takes place on servers. Finally FiveM is a popular multiplayer GTA 5 platform hosted on servers - similar in many ways to GTAO and other RP server platforms.
Other related terms are Story Mode, which means playing the game in SP mode. Sandbox or Open World or Free Roam are terms that can be used when you explore the game either taking a break during Story Mode or just for fun, with or without playing the game and missions.
Mods aren't allowed in GTAO, only in SP. RP or FiveM servers are modded but don't necessarily allow you to be modded while playing on their server.
What is an Open World?
GTA 5 is praised as on of the greatest open-world games. This refers to a non-linear game design where the player is able to freely explore the San Andreas/Los Santos world and environment. Before, during, or after you have completed the game, you can roam around and check everything out.
Download the free GTA 5 Toolkit pdf
Video Series
The Right Mod Files, Right Mod FoldersRead more
