Grand Theft Auto 6 online: The collectibles that deserve a makeover

GTA 6 fans eagerly await the official release of Grand Theft Auto 6's online multiplayer mode, speculation is rife about what features might carry over from GTA Online. Among these features, collectible items have been a cornerstone of the GTA Online experience, providing players with both rewards and challenges.

However, not all collectibles have been well-received, with some missions criticized for being tedious or underwhelming. Here are 4 collectible mechanics from GTA Online that would benefit from significant revamps in the upcoming game.

1. Revamping signal jammers

The Signal Jammers collectible mission in GTA Online tasks players with finding and destroying signal jammer boxes scattered across San Andreas. While the concept offers players a reason to explore the vast map, it often comes with unwanted complications. The frequent triggering of wanted levels during missions disrupts the flow and discourages many from completing the task.

To improve this experience in GTA 6, Rockstar Games could adjust the difficulty of locating these devices and implement higher-value rewards. Adding interactive hints or minimizing the chance of attracting law enforcement would make the mission more enjoyable and rewarding for players. A refined Signal Jammer system could strike the perfect balance between challenge and satisfaction.

2. Monkey mosaics

The Monkey Mosaics in GTA Online present a unique but often aggravating challenge. Players must locate hidden graffiti art and capture photos of them, yet many complain about their elusive placement and the sometimes unreliable photo-registration system. These issues leave even dedicated completionists feeling disheartened.

A redesign for GTA 6 could include making the mosaics more visually distinct and integrating a user-friendly photography system. Introducing dynamic rewards tied to the creativity of these collectibles—such as exclusive customization options for vehicles or avatars—would enhance the appeal and inject fresh energy into the collectible experience.

3. Buried stashes

Buried Stashes, a collectible introduced in GTA Online’s Cayo Perico update, have been criticized for their limited availability and tedious mechanics. Players can only find two stashes per in-game day, which often translates to hours of monotonous grinding. Moreover, their obscure locations and sporadic spawns further frustrate players seeking to complete their collection.

For GTA 6, Rockstar could overhaul this mechanic by implementing a more dynamic spawning system and offering better rewards for each stash discovered. Introducing interactive clues or treasure maps that evolve as players progress could make hunting for these items a more immersive and rewarding activity.

4. Playing cards and crime scene mechanics

Scattered across San Andreas, the Playing Cards collectible mission is another feature that players feel lacks impact. The cards are often difficult to spot due to their flat design and obscure placements, and the rewards—RP and chips for The Diamond Casino—are generally underwhelming.

In GTA 6, Rockstar could elevate this concept by tying the collectible to a larger narrative or incorporating themed rewards such as unique in-game accessories or exclusive content. Enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the cards and introducing detailed lore behind each one could deepen the collectible’s significance and broaden its appeal.

Similarly, GTA Online’s crime scene collectibles, which involve gathering parts to assemble weapons like the Service Carbine, have been deemed unnecessary due to the easier option of purchasing these items from Ammu-Nation. For the next installment, Rockstar could replace these mechanics with more meaningful objectives, such as investigating crime scenes to uncover hidden stories or earn rare artifacts tied to the game’s world-building.

A call for creative evolution

Collectible missions are a vital part of the Grand Theft Auto online experience, offering players opportunities to explore, earn rewards, and immerse themselves in the game’s expansive world. However, many of the existing mechanics in GTA Online fall short of their potential, often feeling like a grind rather than an engaging adventure.

As the wait for GTA 6 continues, fans are optimistic that the game will push boundaries and set new standards for what a multiplayer experience can achieve. A revamped collectible system could serve as a cornerstone for this evolution, providing players with meaningful and exciting challenges to discover in the expansive world of Grand Theft Auto.