Throughout the highly successful Grand Theft Auto series, the optional side activities and hobbies have become an enjoyable staple for players, and five of these have only appeared once. Whilst activities such as races and vigilante missions can be found in multiple games throughout the franchise, it is the unique ones that truly catch the eye for GTA fans. From genuine endurance tests to relaxing shows, Grand Theft Auto has provided players with a wide variety of content whilst not in main missions.
With the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 on the horizon and in development, fans of the series have been quick to speculate on if Rockstar will test the waters with new side activities GTA has never been tried. Ideas floated around have included police or detective missions akin to that of L.A. Noire, however with GTA 6‘s likely criminal protagonists the possibility seems slim. Despite this, the back catalog of side activities and hobbies that feature in past titles have given fans of the series hours of fun.
Five of these activities in particular have only appeared in one game of the series, and have caught the hearts and eyes of all Grand Theft Auto fans. From simple sports with surprisingly great mechanics to laid-back hilarious shows, these are five of the best activities that players have passed time with in previous titles. GTA 6 could release between Spring 2023 and 2024, and Rockstar could do much worse than take inspiration from classic side activities from the games of time gone by.
Bowling Was One Of GTA 4’s Best Side Activities
Nothing quite stands out in the minds of Grand Theft Auto 4 fans more than the pestering calls from Roman asking his cousin Niko to go bowling (as commemorated by MrAnsonic), and it became well parodied in future titles and other media. Despite this, the bowling side activity was genuinely enjoyable, and gave fans a way to rest during what was a serious and at times emotional adventure. Out of all the side activities, it is a surprise that bowling did not make an appearance in GTA 5, especially considering the comedic way it could have been used.
GTA: San Andreas Let Players Go To The Gym
Whilst many of the side activities are simply for sport and competitions, the gym in GTA: San Andreas offers up the unique ability to actually change what protagonist CJ looks like. Should the player visit Cluckin’ Bell one too many times in their playthrough, a couple of sessions on the treadmill at the gym will fix CJ’s physique and improve their stamina. It is also useful for hand-to-hand combat, with new moves and abilities that can be learnt in the boxing ring. Alongside the infamous GTA paramedic side missions, the gym was a staple of San Andreas’s success.
Comedy Shows Made GTA 4’s World Feel More Alive
One of the most famous side activities in Grand Theft Auto history, thanks in no small way to its real-world performers, were the comedy shows in GTA 4. The base game features routines from Ricky Gervais and Katt Williams, while DLC The Lost and Damned introduces material from Frankie Boyle. These performances are genuinely funny, and it’s a shame that the comedy club was not fully carried over into Grand Theft Auto 5.
GTA 5’s Golf Is Possibly The Series’ Best Minigame
Golf in Grand Theft Auto 5 does not seem at first glance like it would be one of the games strongest features, but the mechanics and gameplay work better than it reasonably seems like they ought to. Should Rockstar want to make a game to rival the PGA series, it’s already on the right track with what is probably the most well-made side activity across the series. Also exclusive to GTA 5 are tennis and yoga, though the quality is definitely not as strong as golf. Whether any of these reappear in GTA 6 remains to be seen.
GTA: San Andreas Offered Opportunities For Straight-Up Burglary
Stealing from someone’s house seems much more in line with the kind of content many would expect from a Grand Theft Auto game, and San Andreas offered these long before GTA 5‘s more elaborate heists. The iconic side game was exclusive to GTA: San Andreas and became available after completing an early mission. With over 20 houses throughout the map available to be burgled, the side mission is something that fans of the series will not forget for some time, and GTA 6 could even bring burglary back.
