While the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise is lauded for its storytelling and immersive worlds, some entries present players with challenging gameplay. Contrary to the notion that GTA games are easy, several installments feature missions and controls that ramp up the difficulty. In this post, we delve into the five hardest GTA games, detailing the reasons that make each a tough nut to crack.

1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

San Andreas is widely loved but it holds the distinction of being the hardest game in the GTA series. While it made some advancements in control mechanisms, the game introduced a plethora of difficult missions. For instance, the “Wrong Side of the Tracks” mission is often cited as particularly challenging. However, the remastered trilogy has smoothed out some control issues, making it more accessible to new players. Despite these improvements, San Andreas retains a reputation for its hard missions, including a notably challenging final level.

2. Grand Theft Auto 4

In GTA 4, the difficulty feels intentional. The game introduced realistic driving controls, which many players found to be challenging. Additionally, the game kept some of the combat difficulties found in earlier entries. Players often express frustration with driving in high-stakes chases, exacerbated by the presence of AI characters who are not always helpful. Overall, GTA 4 demands a lot from its players, particularly in its driving and combat sequences.

3. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Vice City is another classic GTA game that comes with its share of difficulties. The game disables auto-aim in several missions, forcing players to aim manually, which can be a grueling task. The absence of reliable cover during shootouts further elevates the game’s difficulty. These control limitations have led many players to find the game frustrating at times, particularly during combat scenarios.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

Initially developed for handheld consoles, Liberty City Stories was released primarily for the PSP before making its way to the PS2. The controls on the handheld device were less than optimal, contributing to the game’s difficulty. Players also faced challenges with the auto-aim feature and equipment felt underpowered. Timed missions with multiple enemies and police also presented a level of difficulty higher than earlier games in the franchise.

5. Grand Theft Auto 3

Grand Theft Auto 3 is a seminal title that introduced 3D open-world gaming to the series. However, the controls were less polished than in later games, which contributed to its difficulty. The AI in GTA 3 was more proficient at neutralizing players compared to future iterations, making even standard missions more challenging. Despite its iconic status, this entry retains a reputation for its unexpected level of difficulty due to these control issues.

Conclusion

The Grand Theft Auto franchise is not just about storytelling and exploration. As we’ve seen, several entries in the series offer high levels of difficulty due to various factors like challenging missions and clunky controls. Whether it’s the intentionally hard driving sequences in GTA 4 or the punishing missions in San Andreas, these games provide a unique challenge for players seeking more than just a narrative experience.

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