DowngradingIV

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

1. Download the patch:
   • Version 1.0.8.0 (recommended)
   • Version 1.0.7.0
2. Extract the archive. It will create a folder named Retail.
3. Drag the entire Retail folder into the GTAIV folder inside your GTA IV installation directory.
   • The Retail folder must be placed inside the existing GTAIV folder.
   • Do not place Retail in the parent Grand Theft Auto IV folder.
   • Do not move files out of the Retail folder.
   • Do not overwrite your existing installation.
4. Open the GTA Connected launcher.
5. Go to Tools → Game Settings.
6. Select Grand Theft Auto IV from the game dropdown list.
7. 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

Incorrect path:

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

Correct folder structure:

Grand Theft Auto IV\
└── GTAIV\
    └── Retail\
        └── GTAIV.exe

1. Go to Tools → Launcher Settings and set your player name.
2. 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 GTAIV\Retail folder only.

FAQ

How do I customize my character?

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