Add-On vs Replace Vehicles in GTA 5
When installing vehicle mods, you have two options: Add-On or Replace. Understanding the difference is crucial for successful modding.
What is Replace?
Replace mods overwrite existing vehicles in the game. The new vehicle takes the place of an original GTA 5 car.
Pros:
- Simpler installation
- Vehicle appears in traffic naturally
- NPCs will drive it
- No additional frameworks needed
Cons:
- Loses original vehicle
- Limited by original spawn locations
- Can affect missions using that vehicle
- Harder to organize many mods
What is Add-On?
Add-On mods add completely new vehicles without replacing anything. They require spawning via trainer.
Pros:
- Keeps all original vehicles
- Unlimited vehicles possible
- Better organization
- No mission conflicts
- Easy to remove
Cons:
- Requires trainer to spawn
- Wont appear in traffic naturally
- Needs dlclist.xml editing
- More complex setup
How to Install Replace Vehicle
- Download replace vehicle mod
- Open OpenIV
- Navigate to mods/x64e.rpf/levels/gta5/vehicles.rpf (or similar)
- Enable Edit Mode
- Find vehicle to replace
- Replace .yft and .ytd files
How to Install Add-On Vehicle
- Download add-on vehicle mod
- Open OpenIV
- Navigate to mods/update/x64/dlcpacks
- Create new folder for vehicle
- Copy dlc.rpf inside
- Edit dlclist.xml to add entry
- Use trainer to spawn
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Replace if:
- You want vehicles in traffic
- You are replacing similar vehicles
- You have few vehicle mods
- You prefer simple installation
Choose Add-On if:
- You want to keep original vehicles
- You have many vehicle mods
- You want better organization
- You use trainers anyway
Conclusion
Most serious modders prefer Add-On for flexibility, but Replace has its uses. Choose based on your needs!