Grand Theft Auto V, or GTA 5, is an expansive open-world game that offers unparalleled freedom. While the game features a vast array of vehicles, real-world cars like Teslas aren't natively available in the game's original version. However, for PC players, the world of modding opens up incredible possibilities, allowing you to add virtually any vehicle you desire, including sleek Teslas!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of spawning a Tesla in GTA 5 on PC, from preparing your game for mods to enjoying your electric dream car in Los Santos.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Enter the Modding World?
Before we dive into the technicalities, let's set the stage. Modding GTA 5 on PC requires a bit of preparation and understanding. Are you playing on PC? Great! This guide is for you. Console players, unfortunately, cannot use these methods as modding is not supported on consoles.
Important Disclaimer: Modding GTA 5 can sometimes be tricky. Always back up your game files before making any modifications. Also, NEVER use these mods in GTA Online, as it can lead to a permanent ban. These methods are strictly for GTA 5 Story Mode.
Step 2: Essential Tools for Modding ️
To introduce a Tesla into your GTA 5 world, you'll need a few crucial tools. Think of these as your mechanic's toolkit for custom car installations.
2.1: Download and Install Script Hook V
Script Hook V is a fundamental library that allows custom scripts and modifications to run in GTA 5. Without it, most mods won't function.
Where to get it: You can usually find Script Hook V on popular GTA modding websites. Search for "Script Hook V GTA 5" on your preferred search engine.
Installation:
Download the Script Hook V archive (it's usually a .zip or .rar file).
Extract the contents of the archive.
Locate the
ScriptHookV.dllfile anddinput8.dll(the ASI loader) within the extracted folder.Copy both these files into your main GTA 5 game directory. This is typically where your
GTA5.exefile is located. For Steam users, it's usuallySteam\steamapps\common\Grand Theft Auto V.A
NativeTrainer.asifile might also be included. This is an optional in-game trainer that you can use, but it's not strictly necessary for installing car mods. You can copy it if you wish.
2.2: Download and Install OpenIV
OpenIV is a powerful multi-purpose editor and archive manager for GTA V. You'll use it to replace game files and add new ones, which is essential for car mods.
Where to get it: Search for "OpenIV GTA 5" to find its official download page.
Installation:
Download the OpenIV installer.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Choose your language and accept the terms.
OpenIV will ask you to specify your GTA 5 installation directory. Point it to your main GTA 5 folder.
Once installed, OpenIV will prompt you to install the ASI Loader and OpenIV.asi plugin. Make sure to install both, as they are crucial for OpenIV to function correctly with GTA 5. Do this through the "Tools" > "ASI Manager" option within OpenIV.
Crucially, enable "Edit Mode" in OpenIV whenever you want to make changes to the game files. You'll see a prominent "Edit Mode" button at the top right of the OpenIV window.
2.3: Download and Install Menyoo PC (or another trainer)
While not strictly required for every car mod, a trainer like Menyoo PC makes spawning your newly installed Tesla incredibly easy. It provides an in-game menu to access various mod features, including vehicle spawning.
Where to get it: Search for "Menyoo PC GTA 5" on modding websites.
Installation:
Download the Menyoo PC archive.
Extract the contents.
Copy the
Menyoo.asiand themenyooStufffolder into your main GTA 5 game directory.
Step 3: Finding Your Tesla Mod ✨
Now for the exciting part – finding the Tesla of your dreams! GTA 5 modding communities offer a vast selection of real-world car mods.
Where to find mods: Reputable websites like
gta5-mods.comare excellent resources.Searching for Tesla: Use the search bar on these sites and type "Tesla" or specific models like "Tesla Model S," "Tesla Cybertruck," etc.
Choosing a mod:
Read the descriptions carefully: Mods will often specify if they are "Add-On" (adding a new car without replacing an existing one) or "Replace" (replacing an existing car in the game). Add-On cars are generally preferred as they increase the variety of vehicles.
Check for requirements: Some mods might require specific game versions or other tools.
Look at ratings and comments: These can give you an idea of the mod's quality and potential issues.
Download the mod file. It will typically be a .zip or .rar archive.
Step 4: Installing the Tesla Mod with OpenIV
This is where OpenIV shines. The installation process for add-on car mods usually involves adding new files to the game's dlcpacks folder and updating the dlclist.xml file.
4.1: Creating a Mods Folder (Highly Recommended!)
To keep your original game files safe and make modding easier to manage, it's highly recommended to create a "mods" folder.
Open OpenIV and enable Edit Mode.
Navigate to your GTA 5 directory.
Right-click in an empty space and select "New" > "Folder." Name it
mods.Now, copy the
updatefolder (located in your main GTA 5 directory) into the newly createdmodsfolder. This might take some time as it copies a significant amount of data. This creates a separate environment for your mods, so your original game files remain untouched.
4.2: Adding the Tesla to dlcpacks
Most add-on car mods come with a folder containing the vehicle's files. You'll typically find files like vehicle.rpf or dlc.rpf inside.
Extract the Tesla mod archive you downloaded. Inside, you'll usually find a folder (e.g.,
cybertruck) and often adlc.rpffile within that folder.In OpenIV (with Edit Mode enabled), navigate to:
mods\update\x64\dlcpacks\(If you didn't create a "mods" folder, you'd go directly toupdate\x64\dlcpacks\in your main game directory, but this is less safe).Drag and drop the extracted Tesla mod folder (e.g.,
cybertruck) into thedlcpacksfolder in OpenIV.
4.3: Updating dlclist.xml
This step tells GTA 5 that a new DLC pack (your Tesla mod) exists and needs to be loaded.
In OpenIV (with Edit Mode enabled), navigate to:
mods\update\update.rpf\common\data\(Again, if no "mods" folder, go toupdate\update.rpf\common\data\in your main game directory).Find the file named
dlclist.xml.Right-click on
dlclist.xmland select "Edit."A text editor window will open. Scroll to the bottom of the list, before the final
</Paths>tag.Add a new line that references your Tesla mod's folder. It should look something like this:
<Item>dlcpacks:\_your_tesla_mod_folder_name_here\</Item>Replace_your_tesla_mod_folder_name_here_with the actual name of the folder you dragged intodlcpacks(e.g.,cybertruck).Click "Save" in OpenIV.
Step 5: Spawning Your Tesla in Game ⚡
With the mod installed, it's time to fire up GTA 5 and enjoy your new ride!
5.1: Launching GTA 5
Crucial Step: Before launching, if you use the Rockstar Games Launcher, go to its settings and uncheck BattleEye or any similar anti-cheat options. This prevents the game from detecting your mods as cheats when playing in story mode.
Launch GTA 5. Make sure you are launching into Story Mode, not GTA Online.
5.2: Using Menyoo PC to Spawn
Once you're in the game, press F8 twice (or Numpad 8 for some laptop users, or check Menyoo's documentation for exact keybinds) to open the Menyoo PC trainer menu. You should hear a faint "beep" sound if it's opened successfully.
Navigate the menu using your keyboard's Numpad keys:
Numpad 8 and 2: Move up and down.
Numpad 4 and 6: Move left and right (for certain options).
Numpad 5: Select.
Numpad 0 or Backspace: Go back.
From the main Menyoo menu, go to "Vehicle Options."
Then, select "Vehicle Spawner."
Look for an option like "Input Model" or "Add-On Vehicles." If you chose an add-on mod, it should appear in the "Add-On Vehicles" list, often by the name of the folder you installed (e.g., "CYBERTRUCK"). If you're using "Input Model," you'll need to type the model name provided by the mod creator (often found in the mod's instructions, e.g., "cybertruck" or "teslaS").
Select your Tesla, and voilà! Your brand new Tesla should spawn right in front of you.
Step 6: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Modding can sometimes throw a curveball. Here are a few common issues and their solutions:
6.1: Game Crashing on Startup
Incorrect installation of Script Hook V or OpenIV: Double-check that
ScriptHookV.dllanddinput8.dllare in your main GTA 5 directory, and that ASI Loader and OpenIV.asi are installed via OpenIV's ASI Manager.Outdated mods: GTA 5 receives updates, which can break compatibility with older mods. Check the mod's page for an updated version.
Conflicting mods: If you have many mods, they might conflict. Try installing one mod at a time to identify the culprit.
No "mods" folder: If you didn't create a
modsfolder and modified original game files, a game update might have overwritten them. Verify your game files through Steam/Rockstar Launcher (this might remove all mods, requiring reinstallation).
6.2: Tesla Not Spawning in Game
Incorrect
dlclist.xmlentry: Double-check the spelling and formatting of the line you added todlclist.xml. It needs to exactly match the folder name of your mod.Wrong spawn name: If using "Input Model" in Menyoo, ensure you're typing the correct model name (usually provided by the mod author).
Mod not properly installed: Re-check that the mod's folder was correctly dragged into the
dlcpacksfolder within OpenIV.Menyoo not opening: Ensure Menyoo.asi and menyooStuff are in your GTA 5 directory. Check your F8 keybind or try other suggested keybinds.
6.3: "Game has been modified. Please launch the game in Safe Mode..."
This message usually appears if you try to go into GTA Online with mods installed or if your anti-cheat is still enabled. Always disable anti-cheat in your launcher and stick to Story Mode when modding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Install Script Hook V?
Install Script Hook V by copying ScriptHookV.dll and dinput8.dll into your main GTA 5 game directory.
How to Use OpenIV for Modding?
OpenIV is used by enabling "Edit Mode," navigating to game folders like mods\update\x64\dlcpacks\, and dragging mod files into them.
How to Add Cars to GTA 5 PC?
Add cars to GTA 5 PC by placing the mod's folder into mods\update\x64\dlcpacks\ via OpenIV and then adding a corresponding entry to dlclist.xml.
How to Spawn Modded Cars in GTA 5?
Spawn modded cars using an in-game trainer like Menyoo PC (press F8 twice), navigating to "Vehicle Options" > "Vehicle Spawner," and selecting the car by name or from an "Add-On Vehicles" list.
How to Fix GTA 5 Crashing After Installing Mods?
Fix GTA 5 crashing by ensuring all core modding tools (Script Hook V, OpenIV) are updated and correctly installed, checking for mod conflicts, and verifying game files.
How to Prevent Bans When Modding GTA 5?
Prevent bans by never using mods in GTA Online and ensuring any anti-cheat software is disabled in your game launcher when playing Story Mode with mods.
How to Find High-Quality GTA 5 Car Mods?
Find high-quality car mods on reputable websites like gta5-mods.com, looking for mods with good ratings, positive comments, and clear installation instructions.
How to Update My Mods After a GTA 5 Game Update?
Update your mods by checking the mod's download page for new versions compatible with the latest GTA 5 patch. Sometimes, you'll also need to update Script Hook V and OpenIV.
How to Revert GTA 5 to Its Original State?
Revert GTA 5 to its original state by deleting your mods folder, or by verifying the integrity of your game files through your game launcher (Steam, Rockstar Games Launcher), which will redownload original files.
How to Install Menyoo PC Trainer?
Install Menyoo PC by downloading its archive, extracting it, and copying Menyoo.asi and the menyooStuff folder into your main GTA 5 game directory.
For a visual guide on installing a Tesla Cybertruck mod, you can check out this video:
