RELATED: Hilarious GTA 6 Memes
Some of the best and most memorable of these minigames, however, are notably absent in GTA 5. There are custom games available for resourceful and creative players, but they’re not as solid as what the developers can implement. Turns out anything from gambling to street sports are a nice respite from criminal activity. So here’s hoping that these minigames come back for GTA 6.
8 Dating
There is a semblance of dating in GTA 5 in the form of Trevor’s fetishized escapades, but it hardly resembles the care and intricacy of a relationship unlike GTA: San Andreas’ dating minigame. In that title, CJ had his pick of girlfriends scattered throughout the game’s three cities. He has to take them to restaurants and find out their idea for fun.
The game also gives these relationships more meaning by ensuring that they can fail, whether through CJ’s lack of game or if ever he cheats. GTA 4had something similar, but it’s a bit limited compared to San Andreas’ minigame. GTA 6 could use something like this to personify its protagonists better and give them more dimensions apart from their criminal careers. It can also tie in well with some story missions.
7 Lowrider Challenge
Again from San Andreas, the Lowrider Challenge is practically just a musical rhythm game where players press the right directional buttons to make their lowrider car dance to the beat. It’s a perfect excuse for players to customize their lowrider vehicles and adds a little more flavor to the game through its more focused lens on the Latino gang culture. Besides, it’s a wacky and humorous minigame fitting for a GTA title.
RELATED: GTA 6: Characters We Want To See Return (Who Could Actually Show up)
Moreover, it could be a nice opportunity for the game to make good use of its stellar soundtrack, seeing as licensing for those could have cost Rockstar Studios a hefty sum. It’s too bad GTA 5 didn’t include something as innocent and as refreshing as this. The game could have used more intact cultural cornerstones instead of being just a soulless parody of contemporary L.A. society.
6 Pool
Present in GTA 4 and GTA: San Andreas, pool is a good refreshing detour for players who would prefer to shoot balls into holes instead of bullets into people. Both CJ and Niko were able to play a match with an AI opponent to see who would shoot the colored balls into their designated pockets and get the 8-ball first. The best part is that players could also earn money by playing this minigame.
They can wager and place their bets and the prize money in the pool minigame is considerably good. So it’s just a good distraction but also an easy and fast way to earn money in a GTA game. Sure enough, GTA 6 could always use as many money-making minigames as it can. Moreover, pool could add more interactive buildings and establishments to the game.
5 Basketball
Depending on where and when GTA 6 will take place, a basketball minigame could really liven up the game. It was a missed opportunity by GTA 5; basketball would have made Los Santos’ streets look more lived in and functioning. Of course, there’s also the fact that street basketball could also be a fun minigame. This minigame was present in San Andreas.
RELATED: Great Games To Play While Waiting For GTA 6
It’s a good way for players to place bets and earn money as well, even in GTA Online with its mods. Things could be different in GTA 6 depending on its particular city, but regardless, any city having street basketball games in its neighborhoods will surely get a realism boost. It could also be a good alternative to settle small gang disputes without bloodshed.
4 Driving School
It’s easy to steal a vehicle and be on one’s merry way in a GTA game but San Andreas is the title that turned players into professional drivers. It had a driving school minigame or side quest that included some rather excruciating and tough driving challenges. These range from parallel parking to drift parking in impossibly tight spaces.
The final challenge is also a bit nerve-wracking but it’s a welcome addition anyway since the added difficulty made completing the game 100 percent all the more fulfilling. Once players are done with this driving school, then they can walk (or drive) away with renewed confidence on the streets and highways of San Andreas.
3 Paramedic
It’s nice to help people for a change in a GTA game, which is why the Paramedic minigame or side quest is always a welcome addition. All players have to do is carjack an ambulance (ironic) and activate the Paramedic missions. After that, the game will point out where ambulances and medical help are needed and players will have to rush there without destroying their ride.
RELATED: Ways GTA 6 Can Improve On Grand Theft Auto 5
It’s more difficult than it appears since ambulances are not indestructible in the previous GTA games that incorporated this side activity. Moreover, players can also be rewarded with each successful Paramedic save. If they rake up the successes long enough, then the game will reward players with increased HP. Pretty handy.
2 Firefighter
Like the Paramedic missions, the Firefighter missions also function similarly. Players will have to carjack a fire truck and the best way to attract a fire truck in San Andreas is through arson (yet another irony). After they activate the Firefighter missions, then players have to drive around extinguishing flames with the hose.
It’s easier than the Paramedic missions since players don’t have to get out of the firetruck, they can just aim and fire the hose. There’s also a reward for each fire extinguished and at the highest level, players become fireproof if they fulfill enough missions. It’s pretty overpowered in that regard.
1 Vigilante
Firefighting and Paramedic missions are fun, but they pale in comparison to roleplaying as the Punisher in a GTA game. Vigilante side missions or minigames allow for this opportunity where players have to steal a police or army vehicle and activate the Vigilante missions. They’ll then have to drive around, chasing criminals with the intent of killing them.
It’s by far one of the most intense and rewarding minigames in the series. The Vigilante missions are also a good culmination of all the GTA mission types since they combine time pressure, fast driving, and lots of shootouts. The reward apart from money is increased armor. GTA 6 could use something like this for its endgame single-player activity.
MORE: GTA: Hilarious NPC Memes Only True Fans Will Understand
