Patching GTA IV for GTA Connected

These instructions apply to a default installation of Grand Theft Auto IV: The Complete Edition.

The Complete Edition includes all Episodes in a single directory. After patching, you will be able to switch between Episodes and join any server without modifying your original game files.

Video tutorial: https://youtu.be/hLUrUefMo8Y?t=8

Requirements

A clean GTA IV: Complete Edition installation
GTA Connected installed
Access to your GTA IV installation directory

Installation Instructions

Download the patch:
- Version 1.0.8.0 (recommended)
- Version 1.0.7.0
Extract the archive. It will create a folder named Retail.
Drag the entire Retail folder into your GTA IV directory.
- Do not move files out of the folder.
- Do not overwrite your existing installation.
Open the GTA Connected launcher.
Go to Tools → Game Settings.
Select Grand Theft Auto IV from the game dropdown list.
Next to Game EXE Path, click Browse and select:
- GTAIV.exe inside the new Retail folder.

Default Steam path:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Grand Theft Auto IV\GTAIV\Retail\GTAIV.exe

Go to Tools → Launcher Settings and set your player name.
Double-click a server in the server browser to connect.

How to Play in Lobbies

After joining a server:

Press UP to open the in-game phone.
Navigate to Multiplayer → Games.
Select Custom Match to view active lobbies.
Join a lobby by double-clicking it.
- If double-click does not work, press DOWN and then ENTER.

If you know which lobby is active (for example, by holding TAB if the server uses v-scoreboard):

Use Quick Match in the phone menu to connect directly.

Press Y to chat in-game.

File Integrity Note

If installed correctly:

Your original GTA IV files remain untouched.
Steam or the Rockstar Launcher will not overwrite the patch.
You can still launch and play the standard GTA IV: Complete Edition campaigns normally.
GTA Connected uses the separate Retail folder only.

FAQ

How do I customize my character?

Open the phone.
Create a Deathmatch lobby.
Press M to open the character customization menu.