As 2025 kicks off with a bang, the chatter around all things Grand Theft Auto (GTA) isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Just three days into the new year, we’re already buzzing over some tantalizing leaks and confirmed projections about the much-anticipated GTA 6, set to hit the shelves later this year. But let’s not forget about GTA 5, which keeps delivering surprises. A team of dedicated modders recently launched a massive project that lets players explore the iconic Liberty City as Michael, Franklin, and Trevor.
This ambitious mod, known as the “Liberty City Preservation Project,” has an interesting backstory. In a chat with RockstarIntel, its developers revealed that work began back in 2018. The current team, dubbed World Travel, emerged from the collaboration of various GTA modding projects, bringing together a talented group of 12 individuals.
The first version of this modded marvel launched on December 25, and it’s truly something to behold. The team has painstakingly recreated Liberty City as it appeared in GTA IV, complete with a fully functioning subway system, an active police presence, and bustling traffic. If you decide to download this still-evolving mod for GTA 5’s single-player mode, Liberty City appears as a distinct map, separate from San Andreas. You can hop on a plane whenever the mood strikes. For the multiplayer experience on FiveM, Liberty City actually substitutes Los Santos, given certain “limitations.”
In terms of detail, “map, vehicles, pedestrians, interiors, ambience, radio stations, and more” are all crafted to reflect what you might recall experiencing as Niko, Luis, and Johnny. Classic Easter eggs, like the Statue of Happiness with its beating heart, are part of the charm. To keep up with today’s tech, there’s even an optional HD texture pack to ensure the environment looks as polished as Los Santos on modern hardware.
Moreover, Liberty City has been given a revitalized feel with more dynamic scenarios. As you roam its streets, you might stumble upon pedestrians getting parking tickets, adding a lively touch. However, some AI upscaling has been utilized for textures, which might slightly disrupt your immersion if you fix your gaze for too long.
For those wanting a piece of this action, the mod’s available through World Travel’s Discord server. Interestingly, the team initially hesitated to release their project, fearing potential legal actions from Rockstar, not uncommon in the world of GTA mods. Yet, they’re hopeful Rockstar has softened its stance, especially since its acquisition of the modding team Cfx.re, the creators behind mods like FiveM and RedM.
It’ll be fascinating to see how this unfolds, but for now, the LC Preservation Project offers something intriguing for GTA enthusiasts to dive into.
