5 reasons to play GTA San Andreas in 2025

GTA San Andreas is still one of the most influential video games even 21 years after its release. Rockstar Games set a new milestone with the title in 2004 and also bid farewell to the 3D Universe of the Grand Theft Auto series. That said, San Andreas continues to fascinate fans and attract new players.

There are countless reasons to play GTA San Andreas in 2025. This article lists five reasons why you should try the game.

Note: This article is subjective and only reflects the writer’s opinions. The listing is not in any order.

---

5 things that make GTA San Andreas worth playing in 2025

1) A new version of the game is available

Rockstar Games gave Grand Theft Auto San Andreas a new look in 2021 (Image via Rockstar Games)

While the original version of GTA San Andreas is a cult classic, Rockstar Games released San Andreas Definitive Edition in November 2021. The title is available on all modern gaming consoles.

Currently, this is the only version that you can purchase and play. The Definitive Edition comes with HD graphics, new visual options, support for modern controls, various quality-of-life improvements, and instant mission replays. If you haven't played the Definitive Edition yet, we suggest trying it.

---

2) One of the longest GTA storylines

GTA San Andreas has one of the longest storylines in the entire series with a whopping 100 story missions. If you consider the cutscene missions, this number goes up to 105. This makes it one of the longest and most entertaining journeys you will ever experience in the series.

The story takes you through three major cities and various other remote areas on the map. Moreover, you will meet several iconic characters who make GTA San Andreas memorable. You could easily spend a month or two playing the game at a regular pace.

---

3) Offers a plethora of side activities

Along with the lengthy storyline, GTA San Andreas is known for its numerous side activities. You can play arcade games and basketball, go to the gym, learn new fighting skills, and roleplay as the police, a medical worker, a firefighter, and a taxi driver.

This should keep you engaged for hours. It is recommended not to stick only to the main story missions, but to try out the side missions. Playing police, medical, firefighter, and taxi driver missions also unlocks new perks for you.

---

4) To explore hidden secrets

There are many hidden secrets and areas in GTA San Andreas that a number of regular players don’t know about. While Rockstar Games takes you to some of them during missions, you need to explore and discover the rest.

You can explore the Mass grave in Bone County, the parody organization of Umbrella Corporation, hidden signs, and various other things, You may also come across many direct and indirect references to other video games.

---

5) To relive nostalgia

The gameplay in Grand Theft Auto San Andreas brings back many memories for veteran gamers (Image via Rockstar Games)

Despite being an adult-centric game, GTA San Andreas was a part of many veteran gamers' childhood. The protagonist, Carl “CJ” Johnson, and characters like Big Smoke, Ryder, and Frank Tenpenny, remain familiar to many.

The game also comes with one of the best song selections, primarily from the hip-hop genre. That said, playing San Andreas in 2025 should take you back to the good old days.