Well, it looks like Liberty City is back on the map. Just as hype for GTA 6 reaches boiling point, Rockstar Games may be planning to bring back one of its most criminally underrated masterpieces: Grand Theft Auto IV — remastered and ready for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and even Nintendo Switch.
According to reliable leaks, we might see GTA 4’s return before the end of this year, and if you’re anything like me, the thought of walking the gritty streets of Broker with Niko Bellic once again — only this time in 4K at 60FPS — is more than a little exciting.
GTA 6 Is Still Far Away
With GTA 6 now officially slated for May 26, 2026, fans still have a long wait ahead. The second trailer was spectacular, no doubt, but Rockstar knows better than anyone how to build and maintain momentum. A remastered GTA 4 release is not just fan service — it’s a smart move to bridge the gap and keep the community engaged.
Leaker Tez2 Breaks the News
The source of this juicy rumor? Tez2, a well-known Rockstar Games insider who’s accurately leaked information in the past — including the Red Dead Redemption re-release and early GTA 6 details. According to Tez2, information about a GTA 4 remaster project has recently slipped out, seemingly earlier than Rockstar intended.
And considering the timing — and Rockstar’s history of quietly prepping re-releases — this leak is more than just wishful thinking.
What Is GTA 4 Remastered?
GTA 4 Remastered is expected to be a visually enhanced version of the 2008 classic that debuted on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game brought players into a gritty, Eastern European-inspired version of Liberty City, focused on realism, urban chaos, and the hauntingly personal story of Niko Bellic.
This remaster could include:
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Improved textures and lighting
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Enhanced character models
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Higher resolution (up to 4K)
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Stabilized performance on modern hardware
GTA 4: A Look Back at Liberty City
Let’s not forget how groundbreaking GTA 4 was. While it’s often overshadowed by the flashier GTA V, it delivered one of the most mature and grounded narratives in the entire series. The physics engine was ahead of its time, and Liberty City felt like a living, breathing world.
For many — myself included — it was the first time GTA felt truly cinematic.
Release Date and Launch Window
According to Tez2, the GTA 4 Remaster is being targeted for release by the end of 2025 — possibly as early as Q4 2025, in the holiday season. The idea? Satisfy fans while prepping the marketing machine for GTA 6 the following May.
GTA 4 Remastered Platforms Confirmed So Far
The remaster is rumored to be in development for:
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PlayStation 5
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Xbox Series X/S
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Nintendo Switch
However, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are also being floated as potential targets, possibly as part of a digital-only, scaled-down release.
Will GTA 4 Remastered Reach Switch and PS4?
If we look at Rockstar’s recent Red Dead Redemption re-release strategy — which launched on Switch and PS4 only — it seems very likely that GTA 4 could follow a similar model. Don’t be surprised if the Xbox version is skipped on last-gen consoles, since Microsoft already provides a backwards compatible 4K version of GTA 4.
Why Rockstar Could Skip Xbox Versions
That same Microsoft compatibility might actually negate the need for a native remaster on Xbox One. It’s possible Rockstar will lean on existing Xbox Series S/X enhancements and focus development efforts on PS5, Switch, and perhaps even a PC refresh.
How GTA 4’s Story Still Holds Up
In my opinion, GTA 4’s story is Rockstar’s most human. Niko is a war veteran, not a gangster. He’s haunted, sarcastic, flawed. His relationship with Roman? It’s tragic, hilarious, and raw. It’s high time a new generation experiences that narrative, especially with upgraded visuals and smoother controls.
Expected Visual Upgrades
While not a full remake, we can expect:
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Modern lighting and shadows
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Improved draw distances
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Reworked UI
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Better controller feedback
Even subtle upgrades would go a long way in making Liberty City feel alive again.
Performance Targets: 60FPS and 4K?
Considering Rockstar’s work on GTA V Enhanced Edition, it’s safe to hope for:
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4K resolution on PS5/XSX
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60FPS gameplay
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Possibly even ray-tracing light support
On Switch, naturally, we’d expect toned-down performance, but if Red Dead Redemption can run on Nintendo hardware, so can GTA 4.
Is This a Full Remake or Simple Remaster?
Everything points to a remaster, not a remake. Don’t expect completely rebuilt assets. Instead, this will likely be a quality-of-life overhaul with updated presentation. Think GTA V’s next-gen release, not Resident Evil 2 Remake.
Red Dead Redemption Remaster Comparison
If we use the Red Dead Redemption remaster as a template, GTA 4 Remastered will likely be:
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Digital-first
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Minimal new content
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Focused on fidelity upgrades
It was a commercial success despite its simplicity, so expect a similar approach.
Why GTA 4 Deserves a Second Life
Let’s be real: GTA 4 gets less love than it deserves. It’s moody, atmospheric, and layered. It doesn’t scream fun like GTA V — it whispers trauma, ethics, and revenge. A remaster is not just nostalgia — it’s vindication.
The Liberty City Preservation Mod Controversy
Interestingly, Rockstar recently shut down a fan-made mod for GTA V called the Liberty City Preservation Project. That mod would have ported Liberty City to GTA V’s engine. The timing of that takedown now makes more sense — Rockstar was guarding its own remaster project.
Max Payne 3 Port Rumors
The leak also hinted that Max Payne 3 may be next in line for a re-release. If that’s true, Rockstar could be gearing up for a full nostalgia tour, giving old-school fans something to cheer for while we wait for GTA 6.
Community Reaction So Far
Fan reaction has been largely positive, if a bit cautious. Some want more than just a graphic bump. Others are thrilled to simply revisit Liberty City on modern platforms. The sentiment is clear: Don’t mess this up, Rockstar.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time for GTA 4 Remastered
With GTA 6 still a year away, Rockstar needs something to maintain momentum. GTA 4 Remastered fills that gap perfectly, especially if paired with marketing for GTA 6. It revives a beloved game and builds anticipation.
Could Multiplayer Return?
GTA 4 had a surprisingly fun multiplayer mode. Whether Rockstar revives it remains to be seen. It’s unlikely they’ll compete with GTA Online, but even a limited local mode could be exciting.
Cross-Generation Strategy Explained
One of the biggest questions is whether Rockstar will launch one version playable on both PS4 and PS5, or separate editions. Considering their previous releases, a cross-gen version is very possible, with enhancements tailored to each.
Digital and Physical Editions Possible?
Rockstar has released both digital and physical copies for past remasters. We expect the same here — likely a digital-first release, followed by limited physical editions, perhaps even a collector’s edition.
Rockstar’s Strategy Between Major Launches
This move fits a pattern: remaster a beloved classic, build goodwill, and keep fans engaged. It’s strategic and efficient — and honestly, I welcome it.
Final Thoughts: Liberty City Reborn
As a long-time fan, the thought of seeing Liberty City reimagined for today’s consoles is something I didn’t think would happen. But here we are. If Rockstar handles it with care, this could be more than just a remaster — it could be a second chance for GTA 4 to shine.
FAQs About GTA 4 Remastered
Is GTA 4 Remastered confirmed by Rockstar?
Not officially, but it’s heavily rumored and leaked by reliable sources.
Which platforms will it release on?
Likely PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch — and possibly PS4 and Xbox One.
When is the release date?
Rumored to be late 2025, likely during the holiday season.
Will the game include multiplayer?
Unconfirmed. It’s possible, but not expected to rival GTA Online.
Is this a full remake?
No. It’s expected to be a remaster, with visual and performance upgrades.
Will it release physically or digitally?
Probably both, starting with a digital launch.