One Grand Theft Auto V player has gone to considerable lengths to bring the game closer to the leaked features of Grand Theft Auto 6, successfully modding a realistic car fueling system into the title. The mod, named "Fumes – Animated Persistent Fuel," ensures that every vehicle in the game now possesses a functional fuel tank that depletes during use and retains its empty state even after the player returns to the vehicle later.
This new mechanic requires players to actively refuel their vehicles, deviating from typical in-game systems that often abstract or omit such details. The mod mandates a hands-on approach to refueling, with players needing to exit their vehicle, approach a gas pump, and manually operate the nozzle. The game visually represents this by having the nozzle attach to the player's character and follow them via a physics-based rope.
The implementation of this mod in the player's heavily modified Grand Theft Auto V installation presented significant challenges. The game environment had become unstable due to numerous other mods, causing issues like frictionless cars and frequent detonations. The modder recounted difficulties in even acquiring a functional vehicle, noting that simply lying beneath a car did not stop it. Eventually, a teleportation mod allowed for the acquisition of a car, which then enabled testing of the fueling system.
Despite the ongoing chaos from other installed mods, the fueling mechanic proved functional. The mod introduces a new meter on the minimap to track the vehicle's fuel level. Should a car run out of fuel, the player's journey in that vehicle comes to an end, simulating a real-world consequence.
The broader implications of the Grand Theft Auto 6 reveal also touched upon survival mechanics, with leaks suggesting features like fatigue and hunger for characters. While the fueling mod is inspired by these leaks, it remains separate from official announcements regarding such granular simulation elements in the upcoming title.