About GTA San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas follows Carl ‘CJ’ Johnson after he returns to Los Santos. The story takes him through cities, countryside and desert across the fictional state. Between missions you can drive, explore neighborhoods and use many kinds of vehicles. This page covers the original San Andreas as the main title; the later Definitive Edition is a separate remaster with different technical requirements.
If you enjoy San Andreas for its story missions and driving, GTA Vice City offers another setting within the same series: Tommy Vercetti's coastal city and the atmosphere of the 1980s. Compare the classic editions separately from their Definitive Edition remasters.
Classic or Definitive Edition?
The classic PC game and San Andreas – The Definitive Edition are different releases. The remaster changes visuals and controls and needs much stronger hardware. Check the exact edition name before downloading or buying; save files and mods may not transfer between editions.
License and Windows compatibility
San Andreas is a paid Rockstar game. Old requirement lists describe the original PC release, not guaranteed support for current Windows. A licensed copy from a store or existing game library is needed. No game file or download link is provided here yet.
Key features
- Large open world with several cities
- Story missions and free exploration
- Many vehicles and side activities
System requirements
Classic PC release: historical Windows 2000/XP requirements; modern Windows compatibility depends on the copy and store. The Definitive Edition requires Windows 10 64-bit, 8 GB RAM and 45 GB storage at minimum.
Questions and answers
Is GTA San Andreas free for PC?
No. The full game is a paid Rockstar title. A current free full-game download is not offered on this page.
Will the classic game run on Windows 10 or 11?
The original PC requirements were written for much older Windows releases. Compatibility on a modern system varies by edition and distribution; verify the version you own before installing.
How does San Andreas differ from Vice City?
San Andreas follows CJ in a larger state and a 1990s setting. Vice City follows Tommy Vercetti in a city inspired by 1980s Miami. Both use open-world driving and story missions.
How to install
- Identify whether your licensed copy is the classic or Definitive Edition.
- Check requirements and Windows compatibility for that exact edition.
- Install it through your licensed store or original media and use that edition's support guidance.
Softmesa is an independent catalog and is not affiliated with the developer. Product names and logos belong to their owners. Always check the file source before installing.
