Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) is finally here after five long years of waiting since GTA IV arrived on console. It’s one of the most ambitious and spectacular games ever created which makes it a perfect choice for a new strategy guide from BradyGames.
As with their previous guides that cover big releases the GTA V guide comes in two different editions. There’s the standard Signature Series edition with an RRP of £14.99 or a Limited Edition for £19.99. The Limited Edition contains all the same content but features a collectible hardcover, a lithograph featuring official GTA V artwork and a collection of GTA V illustrations.
Like the game the guide is massive and weighs in at 430 pages each printed in glossy full colour. As with their previous guides everything is exceptionally well presented with plenty of maps, screenshots and official art from the game. It’s easy to find the information you need and you can use it to hold your hand while playing or just dip in and out of the parts you need more help on.
The guide is split up into the following sections:
- Basics
- Vehicle Showroom
- Main Story Missions
- Strangers and Freaks
- Random Events
- Hobbies and Pastimes
- Miscellaneous
The guide begins with a look at the basic information you need to play the game. It takes a look at each of the three playable characters highlighting their special skills. It also explains how you can increase these skills for each character. This is followed by a look at each of the weapons available to you in the game along with stats, locations and upgrade options. This section also takes a quick look at achievements and trophies as well as points of interest around Los Santos and Blaine County.
The Vehicle Showroom section dedicated over 20 pages to the different vehicles available to you in GTA V. There is a picture of each along with stats for top speed, braking, acceleration and traction. Some vehicles have a price listed or information on how you obtain them. This section also covers vehicle modification options for those that can be modified.
The bulk of the guide is focused on walking you through the main story missions. Each mission is detailed separately with plenty of information, maps and screenshots to get you through. The guide shows the prerequisites that must be met before a mission becomes available to you as well as detailing which character is needed to begin each mission. There is also a handy overview of what objectives are required in order to 100% complete each mission.
The Strangers and Freaks chapter details the optional side missions you can tackle with each character. The guide explains where to find each contact and how to complete their entertaining missions. This section is followed with a look at the different random events that can occur with details of where they take place and the rewards on offer.
GTA V is packed with optional activities to keep you entertained which are detailed in the Hobbies and Pastimes section. Here you can find information on everything from Arms Trafficking to Parachuting to Property Management and even Strip Clubs. The guide helps you get the most out of all these activities.
The final chapter takes a look at various other activities available to you. There is heaps of information on how to find all the collectible items in the game. You can also find information on cinemas, prostitutes, stunt jumps and Chop the dog.
If you’re looking for a guide to the single player game then this is the best available. No matter how you play the game there is plenty here for you but completionists in particular will find it essential. It’s another fantastic guide from BradyGames but be warned there is no coverage at all for the multiplayer component GTA V Online.
For more information on the GTA V Strategy Guide you can check out the official BradyGames website.
