Rockstar Games has given us many iconic titles over the years, but fans have long noticed the lack of proper VR experiences for these classics. This gap is starting to close thanks to a dedicated modder named Holydh. They’ve crafted a new modified version of the UEVR plugin that now brings Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition into the realm of PC VR gaming.
The mod, known as the ‘GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition – 6DoF UEVR Plugin’, offers a complete first-person VR experience with six degrees of freedom and motion controllers exclusively for the Steam version. Unfortunately, those playing through the Epic Games Store or Rockstar launcher will have to miss out.
This impressive update draws from the original Unreal Engine VR plugin developed by ‘praydog’, but Holydh has managed to significantly enhance it. Gone are the days of the camera unsafely swiveling itself to match CJ’s actions. Now, smoother on-foot movements, including crouching, driving vehicles (even flying with the jetpack), and weapon control through motion controllers are all part of the package. The mod also provides enhancements like camera comfort adjustments and automatic cutscene camera settings, allowing a seamless VR experience from beginning to end.
If you’re curious to see it in action, there’s a demonstration by Holydh available that shows these features at work.
For those eager to try it out, the mod can be downloaded for free on Nexus Mods. You’ll need a Steam copy of the game and a specific build from Praydog’s UEVR, which is conveniently linked on the mod’s Nexus page. Users with NVIDIA RTX 2080 graphics cards have reported good performance, though there are options to tweak the graphics if your hardware isn’t as up-to-date.
However, it’s essential to note the history of similar mods and Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two, which has been stringent about unauthorized alterations. In 2022, they targeted Patreon, leading to the removal of several popular mods by Luke Ross, which included VR renditions for other Rockstar titles. Thankfully, Holydh’s mod is open-source and freely available, reducing the risk of similar actions.
While this mod offers a fantastic new way to experience San Andreas, those hoping to see the game on the standalone Quest might need some patience, as its release has been put on hold indefinitely.