5 all-time classic GTA moments in history

5 all-time classic GTA moments in history so far
Grand Theft Auto titles has a ton of memorable moments (Image via Sportskeeda)

GTA titles have always been full of fun, interesting missions, and a lot of pop-culture references. The Grand Theft Auto series offers some classic moments where Rockstar Games outdid itself, leaving a lasting impression on fans. While players might recall numerous events from this franchise that were impactful, a handful of moments surpass others.

Grand Theft Auto offers many unexpected twists, and this article will talk about five classic GTA moments that have left an everlasting impression on fans.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.


5 of the best GTA moments of all time

5) 3D graphics in GTA 3

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Rockstar Games took a huge leap in development with GTA 3, giving this title 3D graphics and character models. This gamble paid off handsomely as the title became instantly popular and sold a huge number of copies.

Almost everything in Grand Theft Auto 3 was new to fans. The protagonist, Claude, had a relatively detailed face, as did the other characters and the map. The game also had several quality-of-life features that made it possible for the next titles to flourish as much as they did.


4) Trevor ending Johnny (Grand Theft Auto 5)

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Johnny is the protagonist in the Grand Theft Auto 4 DLC, The Lost and Damned, where he is a complete badass. He rides a motorcycle and shoots police cars with a shotgun without missing a single target or falling off the two-wheeler. His appearance in GTA 5 was short and set the game's tone.

The memorable moment involving him takes place when players are introduced to one of the most deranged characters in all of Grand Theft Auto — Trevor Phillips. Fans first see the latter getting intimate with Johnny's girlfriend. Not a minute later, he argues and kills The Lost and Damned protagonist, who is definitely not a pushover. This was a shocking moment for all fans.


3) Lance's betrayal (Grand Theft Auto: Vice City)

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Lance is a dear friend of Tommy Vercetty's who helps in the most difficult of situations. Both are close from the beginning, and this is why his betrayal came as a shock.

While the protagonist is tangled in a heated debate with the mafia boss, Lance shows his true colors as he changes sides. However, the shock does not last long. Only a few moments later, Tommy ends up shooting everybody in the building, including the mafia boss and Lance. This betrayal was a sad moment for everyone who was immersed in GTA Vice City's story and its characters.


2) Getting the Jetpack in GTA San Andreas

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Grand Theft Auto San Andreas offers tons of memorable moments, but the only one that arguably brings the most joy involves obtaining a jetpack for the first time. While The Truth gives you some pretty sketchy missions in the game, breaking into a secret military base is one of the most glorious ones.

As players enter Area 69, they are met with ruthless resistance from soldiers. However, only a few things can ever get in the protagonist's way in this title. After eliminating a bunch of them, players have to climb down a large number of stairs to finally get their hands on the jetpack. This is the moment that changed the whole game, as it made traveling across the map a whole lot easier by letting you fly.


1) Big Smoke's betrayal

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There is hardly anyone who could have predicted this jolly character in GTA San Andreas would betray the protagonist. Big Smoke wasn't just another minor supporting entity in the game. He followed CJ on a lot of important missions while also criticizing him for missing the damn train.

However, things turned sour between the two after Cesar Vialpando's calls, as he let CJ know about Big Smoke's betrayal. Players see him coming out of a rival gang's garage alongside Ryder and police officer Tenpenny. Later, they get involved in a fierce gunfight, which ends with Big Smoke's death. This was quite a heartbreaking moment in the game.


It is impossible to sum up all the classic GTA moments in one article. However, these are some of the more memorable ones. Hopefully, Grand Theft Auto 6 also turns out to be equally impressive as most of its predecessors.

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Edited by Soumyadyuti Ghosh
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