Even after more than ten years, Grand Theft Auto 5 keeps players coming back for more, thanks to its vast and intricately designed map that’s still capable of offering surprises. Widely regarded as one of the all-time greats in gaming, GTA 5 is starting to feel the heat as the gaming community eagerly awaits its successor, GTA 6.
There’s still a little time left for fans to wander through every nook and cranny of Los Santos before GTA 6 takes the stage. Rockstar has made a name for itself by creating immersive open-world experiences, whether you’re traversing the streets of Los Santos or the plains in Red Dead Redemption. GTA 5 exemplifies this depth, with numerous hidden encounters players may not stumble upon even after hours of gameplay.
Let’s delve into some encounters that many might have missed in this sprawling cityscape.
Bigfoot and the Ghost of Mount Gordo
GTA 5 has a knack for sneaking paranormal elements into its narrative. While players can initially see Bigfoot while plowing through the "Predator" mission, a different encounter that piques interest emerges after the game is fully completed. It’s in this moment that Franklin can undertake "The Last One," guiding him alongside a Bigfoot hunter on the trail of the mythical beast. Meanwhile, keeping up with the game’s spooky theme, players can spot the ghostly figure haunting Mount Gordo around midnight, solidifying its standing as one of the GTA series’ most talked-about whispers of the bizarre.
The Frozen Alien
The opening moments of the game hold a chilling secret—a frozen alien tucked away underneath the ice near a bridge. It’s easy to skip this freaky find given that the prologue is riddled with cop cops. However, intrepid souls who take the time to explore may spot this eerie extraterrestrial hint, teasing the otherworldly storylines woven throughout with rare UFO sightings and the like.
Fun Fact: Most UFO occurrences in GTA 5 need a 100% completion rate to be witnessed.
Escaping the Altruist Cult
The Altruists, a cult of aged men disillusioned by modern society, offer a dark twist for those playing as Trevor. Tasked with delivering unwitting passengers to their mountain lair in exchange for a lump sum, players who fill the quota of four witnesses a turn of events—a violent capture and escape mission. It’s a shot of adrenaline, weighted with the moral ambiguity that Rockstar often hands to its players.
Pro Tip: While fleeing, keep an eye out for four briefcases scattered throughout the camp—each stuffed with $25,000.
GTA 4’s Patrick McReary
Fans of the series are in for a nostalgic hit during GTA 5’s Getaway Driver mission when they encounter Patrick "Packie" McReary. Known as one of Niko Bellic’s key allies from GTA 4, Packie’s brief reappearance offers a delightful piece of continuity and a lingering sense of camaraderie to those versed in the series’ lore.
Note: Packie also plays an active role in GTA Online.
Mob Heiress Antonia Bottino
This rare but rewarding event sees players stumbling into a far-flung corner north of Paleto Bay, where two thugs are busy burying Antonia Bottino alive. Saving her unravels her identity as a vanished mob heiress, and her safe delivery back to Vinewood Hills results in a handsome $60,000 reward. It’s a thrilling find for eagle-eyed players always on the lookout for untold stories.
Grand Theft Auto 5’s legacy doesn’t just rest on its grand narrative or iconic setting. It’s the quiet corners, the dark mysteries, and the peculiar personalities tucked away out of plain sight that continue to captivate and keep gaming enthusiasts talking. So, as we look towards the future of the series, there’s truly no better time to uncover these unseen gems of Los Santos.
