Grand Theft Auto V is packed with collectibles, rare world events, hidden loot, and secret discoveries scattered across Los Santos and Blaine County. This guide gathers every major collectible type and the most elusive events you can still trigger today.
Introduction
GTA V’s world is far deeper than what the story or side missions show. From hidden spaceship parts and letter scraps to rare encounters, underwater treasures, secret interiors, and multi-step mysteries, players can uncover dozens of hours of additional exploration. This guide highlights every collectible category and the rarest world events worth hunting.
All Major Collectible Types
Spaceship Parts
Fifty glowing components required for the Omega mission line. Found across rooftops, underwater wrecks, remote desert areas, and industrial zones. Completing them unlocks the Space Docker.
Letter Scraps
Fifty torn notes tied to the infamous Leonora Johnson murder mystery. Completing this set reveals the killer and unlocks a final confrontation.
Submarine Parts
Available during Michael’s side quest. Found underwater in debris fields, shipwrecks, and oil rigs. Requires a scuba suit or submersible.
Nuclear Waste Barrels
Twelve glowing containers scattered across deep-sea locations. Each sale grants high payouts and is best combined with Trevor’s diving abilities.
Hidden Packages
Underwater cash briefcases respawning at certain wrecks, making them ideal for early-game money farming. Also include rare ammo and weapon crates.
Peyote Plants
Transformative collectibles that trigger surreal animal hallucinations. Found on mountaintops, deserts, underwater crevices, and forest trails.
Monkey Mosaics
Fifty hidden graffiti murals referencing GTA Online’s monkey-themed events. Unlocked after completing specific online missions (but still collectible in story mode for completionists).
Secret Discoveries & Unmarked Sights
The Frozen Alien Under the Bridge
Seen only during the prologue’s opening sequence. A core Easter-egg linking GTA V to Rockstar’s alien lore.
The Ghost of Mount Gordo
Appears between 23:00–00:00. Her name “Jolene” is carved into the rock—key to solving her backstory.
Chiliad Mystery Mural
A cryptic drawing inside the cable car station revealing clues about UFOs and potential end-game events.
Underwater Hatch
A glowing structure deep beneath the sea with a porthole and audible tapping—referencing the show Lost.
Secret Bunker Doors
Large locked blast doors around San Andreas creating speculation about military experiments and restricted labs.
Humane Labs Hidden Areas
Interiors only seen in missions but partially explorable through infiltration or specific glitches.
Rare World Events & Missable Encounters
Random Events
Over sixty rare scenarios across the map, including robberies, muggings, stolen items, shootouts, and social encounters. Some reward unique weapons or discounts.
Hitchhiker Pickups
Each hitchhiker offers multiple outcomes depending on the character used. Trevor’s Altruist Camp option leads to a secret ending.
Serial Killer Investigations
Rare letters, markings, and hidden corpses hint at the Infinity Killer mystery. Fully solvable through exploration.
Special Wildlife Encounters
Sharks, mountain lions, and rare desert animals appear only in specific biomes or conditions.
UFO Sightings
Three major UFOs appear after 100% completion, each requiring different weather and time conditions.
Drug Trip Missions
Triggered by special NPCs offering psychedelic experiences—unique to certain protagonists.
Rare Vehicle Spawns
Hotknife, Ratloader, special paint jobs, and modified gang vehicles spawn only during specific hours or weather.
Efficient Collectible Hunting Tips
Use Franklin for Exploration
His driving skill helps reach remote areas quickly.
Check Locations at Night
Peyote plants, ghosts, and some NPC events trigger only after dark.
Dive With Proper Equipment
Many collectibles hide in deep sea areas requiring scuba gear or a submersible.
Switch Characters Often
Some secret encounters are protagonist-specific.
Conclusion
GTA V’s world is filled with secrets, collectibles, and rare events that reward exploration and curiosity. Whether you’re unlocking alien vehicles, uncovering hidden mysteries, or gathering underwater treasure, completing these discoveries adds immense depth to the game.
GGC