San Andreas (GTA 5)

San Andreas is a single landmass that comprises a huge, diverse landscape.

Key locations The state of San Andreas is split into two primary areas: the urban Los Santos County and the rural Blaine County. Los Santos County Based on Los Angeles, Los Santos is the urban center of the state and the starting point for two of the game's protagonists, Michael De Santa and Franklin Clinton. Vinewood: A parody of Hollywood, this area is home to the film industry, including the iconic Vinewood Sign. Downtown Los Santos: The city's business hub, featuring numerous skyscrapers and landmarks. South Los Santos: A primarily African-American area that contains the fictional city of Davis and the famous Grove Street. Vespucci Beach: A coastal district based on Venice Beach, known for its boardwalk and lively atmosphere. Rockford Hills: An affluent, high-end residential area based on Beverly Hills. Blaine County North of Los Santos County, Blaine County is a vast, rural region full of forests, deserts, and mountains. It is the home base for the third protagonist, Trevor Philips. Sandy Shores: A small desert town located next to the Alamo Sea. Paleto Bay: A town on the northern end of the map, situated in a forested area. Mount Chiliad: The highest point in the state and a prominent landmark, popular for hiking and BASE jumping. Grand Senora Desert: A large desert region that surrounds the Alamo Sea. Fort Zancudo: A heavily guarded US Army military base located at the foot of Mount Josiah.

Culture and satire: San Andreas is a satirical take on modern-day California, with its culture, political issues, and social divisions lampooned throughout the State. Themes include the film industry, extreme consumerism, celebrity culture, and gentrification. History: According to the state lore, San Andreas was once part of Mexican territory before being settled by Americans. It has a diverse population, including large African-American and Hispanic communities. Economy: The state economy is exaggerated and unbalanced, with extremely high prices for luxury items and low payouts for many in-game jobs, reflecting criticisms of real-world inflation. No restricted areas: Unlike previous GTA games where new areas were unlocked over time, the entire map of San Andreas is accessible to players from the very beginning of GTA V.

Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor Philips—who are all deeply intertwined in the central narrative. San Andreas also includes a wide cast of supporting people and antagonists who drive the plot forward.

Michael De Santa (born Michael Townley): A former, highly successful bank robber who faked his death to enter a witness protection program. He moves to Los Santos with his dysfunctional family but quickly grows bored and depressed with his new life of suburban luxury. His return to a life of crime puts him back in contact with his old partner, Trevor. Special ability: Enters bullet-time during combat.

Franklin Clinton: The youngest of the three protagonists, Franklin is a gang member and repo man who is ambitious to climb the criminal ladder. He meets Michael during a repo job and is taken under his wing, seeing him as a mentor and father figure. Special ability: Slows down time while driving, allowing for sharp turns and precise maneuvers.

Trevor Philips: A career criminal, drug dealer, and Michael's former best friend and partner-in-crime. Psychotic and volatile, Trevor believes Michael died during their botched heist nine years prior. Upon learning Michael is still alive, he tracks him down and forces his way back into his life. Special ability: Enters a rage that temporarily doubles his damage output and reduces the damage he takes.

Lester Crest: A longtime associate and master hacker who plans the heists for the protagonists. Lamar Davis: Franklin's eccentric best friend and fellow gang member. Unlike Franklin, Lamar remains stuck in his old lifestyle. Amanda De Santa: Michael's wife, who is complicit in his witness protection status but is deeply unhappy with their dysfunctional family life. Jimmy De Santa: Michael and Amanda's lazy, unemployed son who is constantly at odds with his father. Tracey De Santa: Michael and Amanda's fame-obsessed daughter. Chop: Lamar's Rottweiler, who becomes involved in Franklin's life. Ron Jakowski: Trevor's paranoid, conspiracy theorist friend and accomplice.

Devin Weston: A corrupt billionaire venture capitalist and corporate raider. He is one of the main antagonists, eventually becoming the arch-nemesis of all three protagonists. Steve Haines: A corrupt and power-hungry FIB agent who blackmails the protagonists into performing missions against a rival agency. Harold "Stretch" Joseph: A rival gangbanger who betrays Franklin and Lamar in an attempt to prove his loyalty to a rival gang. Wei Cheng: A triad kingpin who becomes Trevor's rival in the drug trade. Martin Madrazo: A powerful Mexican drug lord who forces Michael to do his bidding after a misunderstanding.

Popular and scenic locations These spots are well-known and often bustling with other players, making them good for sightseeing and socializing. Del Perro Pier: A large, lively spot with attractions like a Ferris wheel and roller coaster. It's a fun place to explore, start some chaos, or simply enjoy the view of the ocean and the city. Vespucci Beach: Modeled after Venice Beach, this neighborhood features an open-air gym (Muscle Sands), a boardwalk, and a vibrant street life. It's a great place to drive along the shoreline and watch the NPCs. Mount Chiliad: The tallest mountain in the game, offering breathtaking views of Blaine County and Los Santos. You can drive, hike, or take the aerial tramway to the top with friends. Galileo Observatory: This spot provides an iconic, high-up vantage point over the city, especially beautiful at night. Private and discreet hangouts For those looking to get away from the crowd, these spots offer more seclusion. Downtown Vinewood Motel: This motel has a pool area that is a good place to chill with friends, as there are limited ways for other players to enter. Construction building: The top of the tall, unfinished skyscraper in Los Santos is an excellent hideout. It offers great views and is hard to access without an air vehicle. Hidden airport bunker: A secluded U-shaped area at the Los Santos airport has a ladder to the roof and a room with vending machines. It's perfect for hiding from police or rival players. Underwater locations: For a truly unique and hidden experience, you can explore the submerged nuclear submarine or the large, abandoned underwater lab off the coast. Activity-focused hangouts If you want to do more than just admire the scenery, you can meet up at these spots. The Diamond Casino & Resort: A very popular and high-traffic spot where you can drink at the bar, gamble, or take in the extravagant atmosphere.

Properties and businesses: If you or a friend own a penthouse, nightclub, arcade, or an auto shop, these can serve as private, secure meet-up locations. LS Customs: A central location for car enthusiasts, perfect for meeting up before a race or just showing off your latest modifications. The protagonists can hang out with friends at specific places. Movies: Take a friend to the cinema. Bars: Go out drinking. Strip club: Visit the club. Darts, tennis, or golf: Play a round of a sporting activity.