GTA 5 'Festive Surprise' brings Christmas fear to Los Santas
As the snow drifted quietly this wintry morn, Rockstar Games offered a new "Festive Surprise" update for Grand Theft Auto 5. Players will now be able to use proximity mines and a homing missile launcher in the game, which will feature occasional snowy days. The update also adds holiday pajamas, Christmas sweaters, hats, scarves, masks and other festive gear for free, available through Monday, January 5. GTA 5's Festive Surprise update also features special gifts on Christmas Day (December 25) and a firework launcher and firework rocket ammo to celebrate New Year's. Lastly, players can pick up four new vehicles, such as the Hot Rod Christmas Ratloader and the Slam Van.
The open world game's update also tweaked a few of the game's mechanics, adding an on/off switch for the first-person mode's auto-level setting as well as deadzone and acceleration slider controls. Better yet, players are now able to own a third property in GTA Online, allowing them to own up to 30 cars and 9 bicycles. While the Festive Surprise update is available to all players, a recent developer Q&A addressed concerns over next-gen-exclusive updates, such as first-person mode. Rockstar stressed that "there may be some updates that are only technically possible on the new hardware," though it does "hope to continue delivering as many updates as we can for all four consoles for as long as possible." GTA Online's heist missions will be available for all players in early 2015.
[Image: Take-Two]
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Today we're happy to kick off the holiday season with a Festive Surprise for all the residents of Los Santos. Today's update includes new weapons, gear, vehicles, a forecast of snow, and a number of fixes. See below for a full breakdown and check out the attached for brand-new screenshots.
UPDATES/FIXES
· Players are now able to own a third property, allowing potential ownership of up to 30 cars and 9 bicycles.
· Deadzone and Acceleration sliders have been added to control settings.
· First Person Mode Auto Level Camera on/off setting has been added to Settings.
· Fixed multiple issues to allow improved matchmaking and connectivity speeds.
EXPLOSIVE STOCKING STUFFERS
Brand new items stocked at Ammu-Nation: a new Homing Missile Launcher and Proximity Mines are here just in time to make spirits bright. These items will be permanently available to acquire and keep.
SNOW DAYS
Those dreaming of a white Christmas are in luck as the forecast calls for the extremely rare phenomenon of San Andreas snowfall to hit on a few special days this holiday season. Be on the lookout and ready to round up your Crew for a friendly snowball fight.
FREE SEASONAL CHRISTMAS GEAR AND MASKS
Add some merriment to your mayhem with a slew of holiday pajamas, 'ugly' Christmas sweaters, new scarves, hats, masks and more are now all available absolutely free to add to your inventory and wear now through Monday January 5th.
FOUR ALL-NEW VEHICLES
Treat yourself to some new toys this holiday season and fill your garage (now that you can own a third property and garage) with four all-new vehicles to purchase – including a tricked out Hot Rod Christmas Ratloader, the sturdy Slam Van, and the fast and flashy Massacro and Jester sports cars with all new Race liveries. These vehicles will be permanently available to acquire and keep.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL CRATE DROPS
Keep your eyes on the sky as Holiday Special Crate Drops will be dropping frequently now through January 5th, stuffed with goodies to collect for your inventory – including a few of the rare vintage GTA tees that you may have missed in some of our Social Club Event Weekends over the past year as well as some brand new ones never before available.
CHRISTMAS DAY GIFTS
On Christmas Day, December 25th, as you're relaxing in your Los Santos apartment beside your Christmas tree, make sure to check your inventory for a few extra gifts.
SET OFF SOME NEW YEAR'S FIREWORKS
Ring in the New Year with a bang – the Firework Launcher and Firework rocket ammo are coming back and will be available to acquire and use from Christmas Eve until Monday, January 5th. You can score one for free on four special days: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve or New Year's Day.
For a full list of patch notes, please visit www.rockstargames.com/support.
Happy holidays and enjoy the Festive Surprise – available across PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.
