Over a decade since its initial release, Grand Theft Auto 5 continues to captivate players with its expansive, intricately detailed map, revealing surprises even now. Regarded as one of the most monumental games ever, GTA 5’s era in the limelight seems to gently fade away as the highly anticipated GTA 6 slowly approaches.
For now, there’s still plenty of time for enthusiasts to delve into Los Santos’s every nook and cranny. Rockstar has built a reputation for creating richly detailed open-world experiences. Whether you’re diving into the worlds of GTA or Red Dead Redemption, the breadth of interactions you might miss is astounding—and GTA 5 exemplifies just how easily players might overlook many intriguing encounters.
Surprising NPCs Lurking in GTA 5
Bigfoot and the Ghost on Mount Gordo
GTA 5 is famed for its unexpected brushes with the paranormal. One particular, famed sighting is of Bigfoot, spotted during the "Predator" mission. However, for those completing the game 100%, a mission called "The Last One" unlocks for Franklin, taking him on a cryptid hunt alongside a Bigfoot enthusiast. Another eerie character is the Ghost on Mount Gordo, an ethereal presence visible at midnight, establishing itself as one of the most intriguing secrets the game offers. These fascinating NPCs merely scratch the surface of what the GTA universe holds.
The Frozen Alien
The game’s opening prologue holds a haunting revelation. Amid a high-pressure police stand-off, players generally miss this hidden gem, but—when venturing to the bridge draped over frozen waters—a frozen alien waits below, a chilling nod to the game’s ongoing extraterrestrial motifs. While elusive UFOs intermittently appear, discovering this alien corpse may astonish new players during their first foray into the game’s story.
Fun Fact: All except one UFO appearance in GTA 5 can only be spotted after achieving 100% completion.
Breaking Free from the Altruist Cult
Known as the Altruists, a group of men entrenched in their loathing for youth and technology offer another unique encounter. Playing as Trevor, you can deliver characters to them for cash rewards. After dispatching four unfortunate souls, Trevor himself becomes their captive, setting off an intense sequence where players must shoot their way out, leaving a thrilling and satisfying escape in their wake.
Pro Tip: Be on the lookout for four hidden briefcases amidst the gunfight within the camp, each holding $25,000.
Crossing Paths with GTA 4’s Patrick McReary
A delightful surprise for veteran players, the Getaway Driver event in GTA 5 brings back a familiar face—Packie McReary, one of Niko Bellic’s key allies from GTA 4. Walking beside Packie on a heist journey brings a nostalgic thrill to those who cherished the series’ earlier stories.
Note: Packie also occasionally graces the GTA Online universe with his presence.
Saving Mob Heiress Antonia Bottino
Off the beaten path of Paleto Bay, players might stumble upon a grizzly scene: two men labor over burying a woman. After stepping in, her true identity emerges as Antonia Bottino, a mobster’s missing daughter. Escorting her back to safety grants players a substantial $60,000 for their chivalrous rescue.
As gamers continue discovering these hidden stories, GTA 5 maintains its allure, challenging players to explore every corner while eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this beloved series.
