Like what rules are there? do i need to downgrade? what settings should i use etc etc

Alot of the stuff is from 5 years ago and since the complete edition come out there's not alot info on that.

Make sure to join the GTA speedrunning discord and ask your questions in the appropriate channel.

As a new runner, it depends on how seriously you want to take it right out of the gate. Below is a beginner's guide and splits file which will get you through the run. A lot of useful information is found on the resources page. Some additional information can be found on the forum listed below. Downgrading to 1.0.4.0 has become a real mess ever since the game was updated to the 'Complete Edition'. To abide by the rules here and on Discord, we really can't discuss how to downgrade the game as that would involve certain skull & bones tactics. I would recommend doing a search online for a method, or purchase a physical copy of the game. The main reason to downgrade would be to get better performance. Graphically, view/detail distance and shadows have the greatest impact, as is often the case. Lastly, be sure to read the game/category rules.

Beginner's guide - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQCp71bXczgsFzghuLUC1t9qIIJzy2c7MKVi1ht6XdfgW_pTog0qhkGnGatp62mOK2tJbsuVOa2P6km/pub?gid=564829700&single=true&output=pdf Beginner's guide splits - https://www.speedrun.com/splits/Grand_Theft_Auto_IV_-_Any_ucuy6.zip Discord - https://discord.com/invite/7gCbWuq Additional resources - https://www.speedrun.com/gtaiv/resources Rules update thread - https://www.speedrun.com/gtaiv/thread/816c6 GTA IV Forum - https://www.speedrun.com/gtaiv/forum