5 things Rockstar removed from GTA 5 that fans still hate
(Image via Rockstar)
Rockstar's
Grand Theft Auto V
has been praised as one of the most ambitious and expansive open-world games of all time. But for all the features it introduced, it also quietly dropped a number of beloved elements from earlier GTA titles, and fans noticed.
Over a decade since release, many players still grumble about what was left behind. Here are five features Rockstar removed from GTA 5 that fans still haven't forgiven.
1. RPG Elements from San Andreas
In
GTA: San Andreas
, players could level up their skills, from stamina and strength to driving and shooting. You could even change CJ's body shape through diet and exercise. In
GTA 5
, these systems were toned down to the point of irrelevance. Skill stats exist, but they barely impact gameplay and can't be developed in meaningful ways.
It was a missed opportunity to deepen immersion and personalization.
GTA VI: PUBLIC TRANSPORT (UBER, SCOOTERS & MORE)
2. Functional Taxis for Quick Travel
Taxis still exist in
GTA 5
, but you can't skip the ride unless you're in director mode or use mods. In
GTA IV
, you could hop in a cab and fast-travel anywhere, making it perfect for roleplay or skipping long drives. For a game this large,
GTA 5's
lack of streamlined fast travel was frustrating, especially after Rockstar had already nailed it before.
3. Car Customization Depth from Midnight Club Influence
Although
GTA 5
brought back car customization via Los Santos Customs, many fans felt it was a downgrade from what Rockstar once achieved with
Midnight Club: Los Angeles
. There are fewer body kits, no neon underglow (initially), and limited engine tuning. Considering Rockstar had once perfected street-racing culture, the barebones upgrades in
GTA 5
felt like a half-step.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Hand Chopper| Free Delivery | COD Available
Undo
Hand Juicer | Manual Jucier | Free Delivery | COD Available
Undo
PavBhaji Masher | Free Delivery | COD Available
Undo
Strech Lids | Free Delivery | COD Available
Undo
4. Gambling Minigames
From poker in
Red Dead Redemption
to casinos in
San Andreas
, Rockstar has dabbled in in-game gambling. Strangely,
GTA 5's
single-player excluded all of this, even though the Diamond Casino exists in GTA Online. Fans felt shortchanged by the lack of blackjack, slot machines, or any casino gameplay in story mode.
Fully Enterable Buildings in GTA 6
5. Fully-Functioning Interiors
Earlier games had tons of interiors — fast food joints, gymnasiums, even police stations.
GTA 5
locks most of these locations, making Los Santos feel more like a movie set than a lived-in city. It's a baffling step back in terms of immersion and environmental storytelling.
Rockstar may have streamlined some of these features for technical or narrative reasons, but fans haven't forgotten. With
GTA 6
on the horizon, players are hoping for a return to the depth and variety that once defined the series.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
La La Anthony talks about past marital struggles amid release of her show's new season
La La Anthony recalls her past mistakes in relationships. Source: X La La Anthony is having a rather big week. The former NBA WAG recently celebrated her son's graduation and took to social media to share the happy news. She also shared with her followers that the new season of her drama BMF has dropped. But La La Anthony also opened up about her past struggles with her marriage to NBA star Carmelo Anthony. La La Anthony opens up about her approach to processing failed relationships In a recent interview, the actress, producer, and TV personality shared how those emotional experiences have deeply influenced her storytelling, allowing her to connect more authentically with the characters she plays and the narratives she develops. "When I say not blame yourself, you know, this isn't your fault, not to blame yourself. That always kind of stuck with me because it is easy to just blame yourself or get down on yourself for what was it that you did," she said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) She added, 'I'm not saying don't take accountability for whatever you might have done in the situation. It's important to sit back and say, okay, where could I have been better? Because life is about being better and learning.' La La Anthony has talked about her failed marriage several times in the past. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo La La and Carmelo got engaged on Christmas Day 2004, his second NBA season. La La and Carmelo welcomed their son, Kiyan Carmelo Anthony, on March 7, 2007. Despite being together since 2003, the couple didn't marry immediately; their wedding took place on July 10, 2010, at Cipriani's in New York City. Over the years, their marriage suffered multiple ups and downs including a separation in April 2017 amid reports of infidelity, though they briefly reconciled by late 2018. In 2019 La La sought legal guidance on moving forward and ultimately filed for divorce in New York on June 17, 2021. She cited irreconcilable differences and emphasised that the split was amicable, intending to preserve stability for their son, Kiyan .
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Road to relief: Noida to raze footpath, widen 600m e-way stretch near Prerna Sthal
Noida: Noida Authority will partially raze the footpath, a roadside track and paver blocks near the Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal to widen a 600-metre stretch of the expressway by 5.5 metres. Tailbacks on the Noida to Delhi arm of the carriageway often extend till Mahamaya flyover as the stretch between Sector 95 and DND Flyway loop in front of the Prerna Sthal is currently tapered to make space for its pavement and a U-turn towards Sector 18 near the bird feeding point. Last Dec, it added a lane, about 2 metres wide, by merging the left sidewalk with the DND Flyway Loop until Film City, a 250-metre stretch. Noida Authority CEO Lokesh M said the Authority had sought a no-objection certificate for the road widening from the National Dalit Prerna Sthal Committee, which is responsible for the management, security, and maintenance of memorials, museums, institutions, parks, and gardens, on Sept 26 last year and the clearance was received on June 5. Earlier, a consultant hired by the Noida Authority to find out how the expressway section could be widened had recommended removing a one-metre-wide roadside track, a 1.4-metre-wide footpath with railings, and a 3.1-metre-wide stretch with pavers to widen the carriageway by 5.5 metres. Once ready, the total road width in the stretch will go up from 39.5 metres to 45 metres. According to the official, traffic chaos near the DND loop has prompted the need to widen the stretch as the four-lane expressway narrows to three lanes after the bird feeding point. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo There are daily bottlenecks on the stretch as two lakh vehicles from Film City, Sector 18, and GIP Mall areas converge and enter the expressway via the Film City flyover for Delhi. Lane indiscipline near the DND loop adds to the jams. Traffic police are frequently forced to stop vehicles coming from the flyover to regulate traffic flow towards Delhi. Officials said road widening would improve lane continuity and reduce snarls. After the Noida Authority board approves the plan, a tender will be issued, and construction will commence thereafter. Nearly 5 lakh vehicles use the Noida Expressway daily, with two lakh entering the city through the DND Flyway stretch, and another lakh each from Kalindi Kunj, Chilla Border, and Noida's internal sectors.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
5 themes from older GTA games that GTA 6 could modernize
(Image via Rockstar Games) The GTA VI Trailer 2 dropped on May 6, 2025, just days after the game's development delay was confirmed. But despite the wait, fans are more hyped than ever. With Vice City making a grand return and Rockstar teasing deep social commentary once again, one question lingers—which classic GTA themes could Rockstar revamp for the modern era? Here are 5 old-school GTA themes that GTA 6 could upgrade for a new era. 1. The American Dream (GTA IV) Niko Bellic's pursuit of the American Dream in GTA IV was one of the franchise's most grounded story arcs. His journey exposed the myth of success in a corrupt system. In GTA 6 , Rockstar could take this theme further, exploring how today's American Dream is warped by social media, influencer culture, and crypto-fueled illusions of success. Imagine a character chasing wealth and status through Instagram likes and tech scams, only to crash into the same disillusionment Niko faced. All Gangs in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition - Facts and Curiosities 2. Gang Culture and Loyalty (GTA: San Andreas) GTA: San Andreas gave us unforgettable narratives around gang loyalty and betrayal. In GTA VI, this could evolve into modern crime syndicates, social-media-fueled turf wars, and even politically charged activist groups. With Lucia and Jason operating as a duo, loyalty might once again take center stage, with brutal consequences. 3. Weird America (GTA V) From alien conspiracies to doomsday cults, GTA loves its oddballs. Now throw in crypto bros, AI start-ups in swamps, Flat Earthers, and "Florida Man" headlines, and GTA 6 has the ultimate playground. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Rockstar could go all-in on modern absurdity—and it would still feel grounded in today's America. 4. Identity and Dual Lives (GTA V) Michael lived a double life as a retired criminal and family man. Trevor was chaos personified. Franklin wanted legitimacy but was stuck in the underworld. These identity struggles remain relevant, but GTA 6 could take it further. Think characters juggling criminality with social media personas, or navigating identity in a polarized world. How far can you live a lie before it breaks you? GTA 6 Trailer 2 Nightlife, Missions & Gameplay Leaks Confirmed! 5. Party Scenes Rebooted (GTA: Vice City) The neon-lit nightlife of 1980s Vice City was iconic. Now, imagine that reimagined with modern music festivals, TikTok dance challenges, underground raves, and the influencer club culture of Miami. GTA VI could blend that vibrant energy with dark undertones of crime, drugs, and identity crisis in the social media age. Rockstar knows how to reflect society's madness through chaos, crime, and comedy. With GTA VI, they're not just modernizing gameplay—they're updating the cultural mirror. And we can't wait to see what stares back.
