3 things GTA 4 did better than GTA 5 (and GTA 6 should bring them back)

Grand Theft Auto fans want GTA 6 to make improvements over GTA 5 in as many departments as possible. The latter did this to a good degree with its predecessor, GTA 4 (another highly acclaimed title from Rockstar Games). That said, it is worth noting that the franchise's 2008 entry remains superior to the 2013 release in quite a few aspects, too.

So, as we wait for Grand Theft Auto 6's release in May 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, let's look at three things that GTA 4 did better than GTA 5 that should return to the franchise through GTA 6.

Note - This article is subjective and only reflects the writer's opinions and analysis.

Accessible interiors and 4 other things that GTA 4 did better than GTA 5 (and GTA 6 should bring them back)

1) Melee combat

In a franchise where combative gameplay is generally dominated by firearms, melee combat can often seem less important. However, GTA 4 showed how fun it can be. It was implemented in quite a detailed manner in this title, allowing Niko Bellic (the protagonist) to perform a variety of moves, dodge incoming hits, and even disarm his adversaries.

GTA 5's melee combat, on the other hand, is very simplistic. All three protagonists have the same moves, and it looks pretty sluggish and unimpressive compared to its predecessor.

GTA 6 should certainly take the other route in this department and feature more nuanced melee combat mechanics. Interestingly, we did get a snippet of Jason and Lucia in action in GTA 6's trailer 2.

A still from GTA 6 trailer 2 showing Lucia in the middle of a cage fight (Image via Rockstar Games)

Nevertheless, we still need a proper showcase to see what kind of melee combat mechanics Rockstar Games will bring with the upcoming title.

2) Accessible interiors

GTA 5's map may be bigger than GTA 4's, but it arguably doesn't feel as lively or immersive. A big reason for that is the lack of accessible interiors. Restaurants, street food vendors, bowling alleys, and bars are some interactive options in Liberty City.

While we can spot food vendor stalls and restaurants across Los Santos, too, players cannot interact with any of them. In fact, all restaurants are locked in GTA 5, which was a big disappointment, and it goes without saying that this shouldn't be repeated in the series' next installment.

Jason in a bar in GTA 6 (Image via Rockstar Games)

Notably, a recent alleged GTA 6 leak claimed that the title would feature several stores as well as accessible malls. Whether this turns out to be true remains to be seen.

Check out: 5 key takeaways from the recent Grand Theft Auto 6 leak

3) Vigilante missions

Vigilante side missions have been a beloved part of the Grand Theft Auto franchise. They can be started by entering any police vehicle in games like GTA 3, 4, Vice City, and San Andreas, to name a few. The 2008 title also made them a little more interesting by including a police database system.

However, Rockstar Games decided to cut them from the GTA 5 story mode for some reason, which bugged many long-term fans. We did get quests similar to vigilante missions in its multiplayer recently (Vincent Effenburger's Dispatch Work in GTA Online), but they don't really have the same effect.

So, it would be great if Rockstar could add this classic feature back in GTA 6, preferably akin to, or even better than, how GTA 4 implemented vigilante missions.

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About the author

Suyash is an Esports and Gaming journalist at Sportskeeda who specializes in Rockstar Games' GTA franchise. Suyash uses in-depth research and knowledge of his immense experience with the game series to ensure readers have access to the most reliable information. His insightful content pieces have raked in more than 5 million views in just a little over a year's time.

Suyash holds a B.Tech degree and ventured into the world of gaming at a young age through the Prince of Persia Sands of Time trilogy. However, upon encountering GTA Vice City’s 1980s aesthetic, music, and vintage cars, he became enamored with the game, leading him to explore the rest of the franchise.

Suyash prefers solo titles to multiplayer, especially ones with a well-crafted story and character arcs. He admires journalist Jason Schreier for the respect he commands in the industry and the reliability of his news pieces. To ensure the accuracy of his own pieces, he checks multiple reputable sources and insiders.

If he were to recommend a game to a skeptic, it would be Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series. When he’s not roaming the streets of Los Santos in GTA V, you can find him playing football, watching movies, or working out.

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Edited by Adarsh J Kumar