In 2021, a specific "RIP7Z" version of GTA IV became popular because the official Complete Edition update on Steam and Rockstar Launcher increased the game’s footprint to over 22GB. The RIP version often shrunk this down to as little as 4GB to 6GB. The Drawbacks of Highly Compressed Versions
Most modern GTA IV mods (like Fusion Fix or ENB shaders) require specific game versions. RIP versions often use outdated or "cracked" executables that are incompatible with essential performance mods. A Better Alternative: The "Downgrade" Method gta iv rip7z 2021
Bring back the licensed songs Rockstar was forced to remove due to expired licenses. In 2021, a specific "RIP7Z" version of GTA
While the was a popular search for those looking to save data, it is generally considered an inferior way to experience Liberty City. Between the risk of malware and the loss of game quality, you are better off using the official files and applying community patches to ensure the game runs smoothly. RIP versions often use outdated or "cracked" executables
To get the file size that low, "RIP" versions often remove high-quality audio, cutscenes, or the Episodes from Liberty City expansions ( The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony ).
You keep all cutscenes and audio while having a game that actually runs on modern Windows 10/11 systems.
Instead of searching for a potentially "broken" RIP version, the GTA modding community recommends buying the official and using a Downgrader .