If there’s one thing that keeps the replay value for Grand Theft Auto games high, it’s the number of in-game collectibles you can find, whether they’re stunt ramps that allow you to get some air – cinematic style – or hidden packages tucked away in smaller corners of the city.
Grand Theft Auto 5 is no exception to the rule. In the midst of its various missions and spacious online multiplayer, it also comes with its own fair share of collectibles. In fact, we’re still on the lookout for a good portion of them, especially the spaceship parts.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best in-game collectibles from Grand Theft Auto 5. There are a bunch, so don’t be surprised if you’re scouring the city for all the pieces. We certainly are.
Spaceship Parts
The spaceship parts are probably the most fascinating of collectibles in the game, because, upon finding them all, you’ll unlock a couple of cool items that you can use. Finding all 50 pieces of them will provide you access to a UFO that you can fly around in Grand Theft Auto Online, as well as a Space Docker, a moon buggy that makes retro ray gun sounds, straight out of a science fiction movie.
To get started on your spaceship part hunt, you’ll need to complete the Fame or Shame mission and make your way to Omega the Hippie, who’ll start up the Far Out mission for you. Upon doing so, you can look throughout buildings and other parts of the city for a spaceship part.
To get you started, head over to the hangar and head behind it to gain access to a part from the LSIA. You’ll need a little cash to snag it, but it’s certainly worthwhile.
Stunt Jumps
First introduced in Grand Theft Auto III, stunt jumps are a huge part of the game, as they allow you to get some epic air over a number of areas. In fact, finding and completing all 50 will earn you a “Show Off” Achievement or Trophy for your collection, so they’re worth hunting down.
Most of these jumps can be completed with smaller cars, particularly sports cars, but you can’t go wrong with a good motorbike either. Just make sure you have plenty of room to gain speed, but don’t go overboard. Once you accurately complete the jump, you’ll receive in-game notification, and can move on to the next.
They’re scattered throughout the city, but there are a few located in downtown Los Santos, and around the Little Seoul area.
Letter Scraps
There’s an interesting side story in Grand Theft Auto 5 that deals with the murder of Leonora Johnson. The only way to solve it, however, is to find scraps of a letter that detail just who the killer is. You can start this quest at any time, and check around parts of the city to see where they are. Once you collect them all, you’ll find out who the killer is and get a chance to confront them for a showdown.
You’ll find a few of these letters around the Great Chaparral area of Blaine County to get started, and then work on moving around the outskirts of the city. Some are floating up in the air, forcing you to get airborne with a helicopter or jet to get to them.
These are some of the tougher collectibles to find in the game, but you can watch out for them, as they glow, and also make a rustling paper sound when you get close.
Submarine Parts
Who knew that you’d be able to find parts of a submarine scattered throughout the city? To initiate this fun little hunt, you’ll need to start the Death At Sea mission, in which you’ll be able to spot submarine parts on your map. There’s a catch, though – they’re located beneath the sea.
Not to worry. As long as you have a good mini-sub to work with – you can usually find one along the shoreline of the city – you’ll be able to dive down and find all 30 of these in no time. Diving isn’t recommended, mainly because some of the parts are in shark-infested waters. Yikes.
Hidden Packages
Yep, the hidden packages have returned, with a dozen to find throughout Los Santos and Blaine County. Some are trickier than others to find, but they’re certainly worth a good amount of money, and also provide you with an additional health pack, bullet-proof vest, and various guns and grenades to add to your arsenal.
The key is to look for destroyed vehicles, as packages can usually be found in these. For instance, one is tucked away in the back of a sunken truck, not too far from the Humane Labs and Research building. Another is off the west coast of the Pacific Bluffs, sitting atop a sunken vessel. Happy hunting!
Yech, Nuclear Waste
Finally, there’s one of the most important collectibles in the game – not to mention the most unlikely. Yes, nuclear waste may not be the most ideal thing to carry around in your car – unless you feel like growing a third arm or something. That said, these barrels have some worth to them – approximately $23,000 apiece, and a huge $250,000 pay-off for finding all 30.
Before you go hunting for nuclear waste, you’ll need to complete The Merryweather Heist, and then head over to purchase the Sonar Collections Dock Properties. Upon doing so, you’ll have the equipment needed to track down the barrels.
It’s not a pretty job, but if you’re in the mood for some major loot, it’s certainly worth undertaking.
Grand Theft Auto 5 is available now for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Be sure to check out our Free Guide for complete coverage on the game!
