When you think of the Grand Theft Auto series, most people will immediately mention GTA 5 — with its record-breaking sales, huge open world, and three playable protagonists. But despite all its success, there’s a large part of the fanbase that still swears by GTA 4 as the better game. Why?
Let’s break down the reasons why GTA IV remains a fan-favorite, and why some gamers believe it even surpasses GTA V — over a decade later.
1. Niko Bellic – A Deeper, More Human Protagonist
While GTA 5 gives you three diverse characters (Michael, Franklin, and Trevor), GTA 4 gives you just one: Niko Bellic — but he’s one of the most emotionally complex characters Rockstar has ever written.
- He’s not a caricature, he’s a man with trauma, shaped by war and loss.
- His motivation isn’t money or fame, but redemption and justice.
- His story is more grounded, emotional, and even tragic.
Many players connect more with Niko than with GTA 5’s trio, especially because his world feels more real and less like satire. Learn more about Niko Bellic on Wikipedia.
2. Liberty City Feels More Real Than Los Santos
Yes, GTA 5’s Los Santos is bigger and more colorful — but GTA 4’s Liberty City is more atmospheric and alive in a different way.
- Gritty, dense, and filled with personality.
- Pedestrians act more realistically — reading newspapers, arguing, drinking coffee.
- Driving through Broker in the rain with the radio on feels like a living city.
3. Driving and Physics – More Realistic in GTA 4
This is a major debate. While GTA 5 has smoother driving, many fans argue that GTA 4’s vehicle handling and physics are more satisfying and realistic.
- Cars feel heavy, momentum matters, crashes are brutal.
- The Euphoria engine adds weight and unpredictability to character movement.
- Shooting from cars, crashing, and even running look more raw and authentic.
4. The Tone – Serious vs. Satirical
GTA 4 is darker. It tells a story about betrayal, war, loss, and the illusion of the American Dream.
GTA 5 is satirical — a wild, exaggerated take on modern life, social media, and capitalism.
Some players prefer the serious tone of GTA 4, where the narrative has more emotional weight and fewer jokes. If you like gritty crime stories, GTA 4 wins.
5. No Shark Cards, No Online Grind
GTA Online (from GTA 5) is massive — but also filled with microtransactions, endless grinding, and chaos.
GTA 4 had multiplayer, but no pressure to buy Shark Cards or grind missions to enjoy the game. It was simpler, fairer, and focused on the single-player experience.
Final Thoughts – GTA 4 vs GTA 5
| Feature | GTA 4 | GTA 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Gritty, emotional, focused | Satirical, big, cinematic |
| Protagonist | Niko Bellic | Michael, Franklin, Trevor |
| World | Dense and immersive | Huge and detailed |
| Driving | Realistic and weighty | Fast and arcade-style |
| Multiplayer | Classic, no grind | Massive, but grindy |
What Do You Think?
Do you prefer GTA 4 or GTA 5? Why? Share your thoughts in the comments — and let the debate continue!
👉 Also read: GTA 4 Full Story – What Happened to Niko Bellic?