After more than a decade roaming Los Santos, I’m still tweaking mods more than replaying the campaign. From hyper-realism overhauls that blur reality to absurd chaos generators that turn San Andreas into a fever dream, here’s my hand-picked, playtested list of the 15 best GTA 5 mods you need in 2025.
San Andreas Policing Overhaul by 11john11 doesn’t just replace a couple of cop cars—it rolls in pursuit-ready SUVs, SWAT vans and modded choppers. When that tactical van thundered into my three-star chase, I genuinely felt the stakes.
Immersion nerds, rejoice! Zeddy’s Openable Fridges lets you crack Michael’s or Trevor’s fridge open to gulp a health boost. It’s a tiny interaction with big character—suddenly, I’m weaving fridge stops into every mission route.
Swap heists for honest labor with Truckers V. Haul cargo across Blaine County for $5K–$12K per run and watch out for hijack attempts on winding mountain roads. It’s low-key chaos with steady pay, perfect when you need a break from explosions.
Slip into bellbottoms, patterned shirts and letterman jackets with Clutit’s ’70s Flashback Pack. Add retro rides from other mods, and you’ve got a full Scorsese-style throwback—Grove Street never looked so groovy.
Ever wondered what happens when Red Dead’s Arthur Morgan drops into modern Los Santos? SirDesse’s character swap plops him in cowboy regalia with zero dialogue—but endless meme potential.
Chaos Response lets you answer to dynamic calls—from gang drive-bys to UFO sightings. My first “Armed Robbery In Progress” spiraled into a five-way shootout. Each dispatch is unpredictable, keeping adrenaline high.
Franklin’s closet just got an upgrade. The Ultimate Shoes Pack outfits your characters with Air Jordans, Yeezys and more. Fashion flex in cutscenes and photo mode—no compromises.
Yash Fantasy Mods transforms bland overpasses into neon-lit landmarks. New textures and night-time light shows turn every highway crossing into a photo-friendly spectacle.
Need a chill session? libertylocked’s Fishing Mod lets you cast a line, reel in 21 species and unwind at sunset. Three hours later, and I’d landed a rare catch—and a rare moment of zen.
Pair your angling trips with Insanogames’ Replace Fish, which swaps generic sea life for detailed models—tiny perch, giant bass and more. Underwater exploration finally feels worth it.
Cut the lobby drama and plan a solo raid on a narco-ship. This mod stages a tense night-time break-in, letting you neutralize guards and haul illicit cargo for a truly cinematic heist.
Why limit golf to the course? Golf Anywhere lets you tee off on any patch of grass—even glow-in-the-dark mini-tours on Mt. Chiliad. It’s goofy, chaotic fun.
Max out your wanted level with Six Stars, which brings in military jets, APCs and even nuclear alerts. It’s doomsday-scale mayhem for those who crave over-the-top chases.
Tired of retracing steps? CoordSaver bookmarks your favorite spots—heist locations, scenic overlooks or fishing holes—and lets you warp back instantly. A small quality-of-life win with huge time savings.
This follow-up to the classic adds rolling, diving and slow-mo takedowns. Gunfights feel more fluid and cinematic—perfect for players who demand style in every shootout.
Whether you’re cranking up chaos, dialing in realism or seeking a peaceful break, these 15 mods have you covered. My top three? Policing Overhaul for heart-pounding pursuits, Chaos Response for nonstop action, and Fishing Mod plus Replace Fish for laid-back vibes. Which one are you installing first?