Grand Theft Auto IV was an incredible revolution for the franchise and open-world gaming in general. It strived for a grounded Liberty City that felt more alive than any of the other environments of the PlayStation 2 GTA titles. Its quality was heavily enhanced by the unique protagonist, Niko Bellic.

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The Serbian veteran of the Yugoslav Wars runs away from his homeland to find a better life in Liberty City and seek vengeance against a former comrade who betrayed his unit during the armed conflict. Niko will likely never return, but he will live on forever through memes, the ten funniest of which are shown below.

10 Waterproof Phone

Jump into water meme

Swimming is a minor part of Grand Theft Auto IV. Players cannot even dive under water. However, on the rare occasion when the player drops themselves into a body of water, Niko emerges with his cellphone in fully functioning order. He does not appear to have a special type of phone, so it is a mystery to see it unaffected by moisture. Gamers are thankful they do not have to purchase a new one every time they jump in a river, however.

9 Niko Will Not Be Forgotten

Niko ending meme

San Andreas' meme community is going as strong as ever, but Niko will not let fans forget him. Players know he holds a grudge, too. A lack of memes is not as egregious an act as a treasonous betrayal, but Niko takes any slight against him as serious as a heart attack. At the end of the day, getting on the protagonist's bad side is a bad idea no matter how severe the transgression.

8 He's Not Exactly Suave, Either

Niko cleanliness meme

This will remain a mystery until the end of time. How is Niko so fortunate with the ladies even though he never showers, sleeps in his clothes, and is socially awkward? Is it the accent, or maybe the mystique of being from Serbia and a veteran? Whatever the case, he should probably lead some sort of course to help those less skilled in love. Maybe it is as simple as just being oneself.

7 Roman Bowling

Roman Bowling Meme copy

Anyone who has spent time in Liberty City bemoans how often Roman calls Niko for some bowling. It feels cool the first time it happens, but quickly grows tiresome after he seems to call every twenty minutes. This meme explains why Roman is so obsessed with the leisure activity. He has demons only bowling cures. With this in mind, it almost makes one want to take Roman up on his offer.

6 Healing Power Of Hotdogs

Eating hotdog meme

Anytime the player loses a chunk of health in Liberty City, they immediately head to a hotdog stand to fill up on their life. Unfortunately, this system does not work in real life.

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Anybody in the real world unfortunate enough to suffer a gunshot wound should immediately seek professional medical attention, since they are almost always life threatening. Hot dogs themselves are also detrimental to long term health.

5 Happens To All Of Us

Sad Niko

This happens all the time. One moment someone is living a normal life, and then the next day they are a seasoned veteran who falls into organized crime and then migrates to a new country for a fresh start only to suffer a betrayal by a woman with whom they fell in love. When this happens, it is time to make some sad Niko noises. This meme does not even mention the game's ending, both of which are devastating.

4 Mind Blown

Niko Bellic isn't russian meme

Many players immediately assume Niko Bellic is Russian because of his accent. People in the game often mistake him for Russian as well. However, he speaks Serbian with Roman and the war he speaks about is the Yugoslav Wars of the early '90s. Even in real life when people hear an Eastern European accent, they always assume Russian, completely ignoring the difference in language and culture. It is like assuming anyone speaking Spanish is Mexican.

3 Bowling Is Important

GTA IV bowling meme

Numerous Grand Theft Auto fans sing Niko Bellic's praises from the mountain tops. However, some are more partial to Tommy Vercetti or CJ. Their main reason is often the protagonist's distaste for bowling. Maybe he would enjoy the sport more if his cousin was not constantly hounding him to play a game or two, especially when he is the middle of a car chase or gunfight.

2 Listen To Sean Bean

GTA IV betraying niko bellic meme

Even though Sean Bean's characters rarely live through their movies, his memes often give out great advice. One can simply betray Niko Bellic, but living afterwards is where it becomes complicated. Even after a decade, Niko does not forget betrayal, nor does he forgive it. Rockstar Games' stories are no stranger to vengeance, and Niko's main reason for heading to Liberty City was to avenge fallen comrades.

1 Not Even The Memes Can Get It Right

Niko Bellic Not russian meme

Not only is this meme insulting Niko for his inability to dodge bullets, but it also call him Russian. Thankfully, Dwight Schrute is here to remind people of the anti-hero's true origins, the Balkans. More specifically, he is Serbian. People mistake people's nationalities all the time, and there is no harm in it, but most players should understand that he is not Russian after playing GTA IV for thirty hours or more.

Next: 10 Improvements GTA V On The PS5 Needs To Justify Another Purchase