Grand Theft Auto IV vs Grand Theft Auto V: Special Edition
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Grand Theft theft IV puts you in the shoes of Niko Bellic, an Eastern European immigrant navigating the underworld of Liberty City. The game blends a deep narrative with a massive, living city where every decision can have consequences. The title offers both a compelling single‑player story and a robust multiplayer mode, delivering countless hours of action, driving, and exploration across three major platforms.
Grand Theft Auto V: Special Edition is an action-adventure game that takes place in the fictional city of Los Santos and its surrounding areas. Players control three characters: Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, each with their own unique abilities and personalities. The game features a vast open world, engaging storyline, and various side missions and activities.
- Immersive open‑world environment
- Compelling storyline with memorable characters
- Deep multiplayer component
- High production values and soundtrack
- Engaging storyline with complex characters and multiple endings
- Vast open world to explore, complete with a richly detailed environment
- Variety of side missions and activities to engage in
- Stunning graphics and realistic sound effects
- Occasional frame‑rate drops on older hardware
- Steep learning curve for driving mechanics
- Limited post‑launch content updates
- Mature themes and content may not be suitable for all players
- Some players may find the game's controls and mechanics to be complex and difficult to master
- Online multiplayer mode can be affected by server issues and lag
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Grand Theft Auto IV
View all →
Alternatives to Grand Theft Auto V: Special Edition
View all →
Grand Theft Auto V is a vast open world game set in Los Santos, a sprawling sun-soaked metropolis struggling to stay afloat in an era of eco
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataGrand Theft Auto V: Special Edition offers newer graphics, a larger world, and higher critic scores, while GTA IV provides a classic story with solid multiplayer at similar price.
Key differences
- •World size and detail: GTA V features Los Santos and surrounding areas; GTA IV is limited to Liberty City.
- •Character system: GTA V lets you switch among three protagonists; GTA IV follows a single protagonist.
- •Critic reception: GTA V scores 96/100 versus GTA IV's 88/100.
- •Release era and platform support: GTA V is for PS3/Xbox 360 (2013); GTA IV is older (2008) but same platforms.
- •Multiplayer scope: GTA V’s online mode focuses on missions and customization; GTA IV supports up to 16-player competitive/co‑op matches.
Gameplay & fun factor
GTA V adds three switchable characters, more varied side activities, and richer mission design.
Platform availability
Both titles are available on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
Price & value
Both have the same MSRP of $59.99.
Multiplayer / co‑op
GTA IV supports up to 16 players in competitive and cooperative modes, a larger headcount than GTA V’s unspecified multiplayer capacity.
Content & replayability
GTA V offers a larger map, three protagonists, and more side missions, increasing replay value.
Difficulty & accessibility
GTA IV is noted for a steep driving learning curve, but GTA V’s controls are described as complex and may be harder for some.
Graphics & performance
GTA V boasts stunning graphics and realistic sound effects, reflecting its newer 2013 release.
Choose Grand Theft Auto IV if…
Buyers who prioritize larger multiplayer sessions and classic story focus.
Choose Grand Theft Auto V: Special Edition if…
Buyers wanting the latest visuals, larger world, and multi‑protagonist gameplay.
Common questions
Do both games cost the same?
Yes, each has an MSRP of $59.99.
Which game has better critical reception?
GTA V: Special Edition received a 96/100 critic score, higher than GTA IV's 88/100.
Can I play both games online with many friends?
GTA IV supports up to 16 players in competitive/co‑op modes; GTA V's multiplayer capacity is not specified in the facts.