The Treasure Hunt represents one of Grand Theft Auto Online's most intriguing missions, introduced as part of The Doomsday Heist update in 2017. This unique quest serves as a clever promotional tie-in to Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption 2, offering players an exciting cross-game experience that combines exploration, detective work, and lucrative rewards.
Mission Initiation: The Vanderlinde Email
The journey begins with a seemingly innocuous email from [email protected], which appears randomly on your phone. This email contains a black-and-white photograph that will serve as the first cryptic clue in an elaborate treasure-hunting adventure. You should stay alert, as it may take a few minutes for the email to arrive after joining an online session.
Once you receive the initial email, a yellow circle will appear on the map, guiding you to a specific location. As you approach this spot, you'll begin to hear subtle, intriguing humming sounds, signaling you are near the treasure. Upon completing this initial hunt, the true challenge unfolds.
First Phase: Possible GTA 5 Treasure Hunt Locations
In the first phase of the Treasure Hunt in GTA 5, you are challenged to thoroughly explore Los Santos, with clues hidden across twenty randomly chosen locations. This phase requires keen attention to detail, testing your navigational skills as you work to uncover the secrets scattered throughout the region.
You will receive a picture in the mail that serves as a clue, guiding you to match the image with specific locations in the game. Upon arriving at the designated area, you should listen attentively for the distinct sound of metal wind chimes, which indicates your proximity to the hidden clue.
The clue itself is typically a note that is pinned to various environmental objects such as rocks, trees, or structures. A yellow question mark displayed on the mini-map will assist you in your search. Once you successfully identify the correct spot, the next clue will be revealed, propelling you further along in your hunt.
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1. Del Perro Pier
The clue at Del Perro Pier is located in the beachside area, specifically near the pier's wooden supports. It is attached to the supporting pillar in the center, making it moderately challenging to find as you will need to navigate carefully under the pier's structure.
2. Cassidy Creek
The Cassidy Creek clue can be found in the northwestern area near a river and a metal bridge. It is either placed on a large boulder or on a tree trunk near the edge of a cliff. The setting is a mountainous, rocky riverside, making the search challenging as it requires careful observation of the landscape.
3. Vinewood Hills
Near the observatory in the Vinewood Hills, around Baytree Canyon, is where the clue is hidden. It could be on a billboard or near a yellow shack. The search for this can be moderately difficult due to the variety of potential hiding spots.
4. Pacific Bluffs Graveyard
The clue at the Pacific Bluffs Graveyard can be found within the cemetery, among the rows of white gravestones. It is specifically located on a large white tombstone. The setting is a structured and solemn cemetery environment, which makes this search relatively straightforward due to the confined area.
5. Tongva Hills Vineyards
In the Tongva Hills Vineyards, the clue is found near a small bridge in the vineyard area. It is placed on a rock beneath the bridge. The difficulty is moderate as you’ll need to carefully search the ground-level surroundings.
6. San Chianski Mountain Range
In the San Chianski Mountain Range, the clue can be located in multiple potential sites. It may be attached to a wooden fence pole or a wooden cross mark. This rugged mountain terrain presents a challenging search with various possible locations to check.
7. Great Chaparral Church
The clue at the Great Chaparral Church is situated on the church grounds, specifically in the surrounding graveyard. It is placed in front of a cross mark in the graveyard. The rural church setting is a well-defined search area, making this one of the easier locations to investigate.
8. Tataviam Mountains
In the Tataviam Mountains, the clue is hidden in one of two possible locations: on a large white boulder near the ocean or in a wooded cliff area close to a land bridge. Finding this clue is challenging because it requires careful navigation of the landscape.
9. Sandy Shores / Alamo Sea
The clue has several possible locations. It could be on a rock next to a boat, on the Chiliad View board, or near a large white boulder. The terrain features a desert-like coastal environment, and the difficulty level is moderate because of the multiple hiding spots.
10. Grand Senora Desert
In the Grand Senora Desert, the clue is located at the mine entrance, and it is placed on the door leading into the mine. The terrain is arid and rocky, and finding the clue requires a careful approach to the mine entrance, making it moderately difficult.
11. Los Santos Golf Club
The clue for the GTA treasure hunt at the Los Santos Golf Club is located on a wooden bridge within the golf course. It is specifically placed on one of the supporting pillars of the bridge. The manicured golf course environment is well-maintained and open, making this an easy location to search.
12. Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean clue is hidden in a rocky coastal area, specifically on a boulder near the eastern tip of an island. The rocky coastal landscape makes the search challenging as it requires careful exploration along the coast.
13. Paleto Bay
In Paleto Bay, the clue is found on a broken wooden bridge. It is specifically placed on one of the broken support pillars. The terrain is a coastal town environment, and the search is moderately challenging due to the need for careful investigation of the bridge structure.
14. Mount Chiliad
At the summit of Mount Chiliad, the clue is placed on the South S.A. View board. This search is particularly challenging as it involves mountain climbing and navigating difficult pathways.
15. Two Hoots Falls
The clue at Two Hoots Falls is located in the owl totem area. It is specifically placed on the owl totem itself. The terrain includes a waterfall and forest environment, and the search is moderately difficult, requiring you to locate the specific totem.
Second Phase: Three Specific Clues
After completing the first phase, players must locate three additional, predetermined clues:
- Dead Body Clue - The dead body clue is located inside a cave in the Tongva Hills. The body is notable for being dressed in only underwear, boots, and mismatched socks, making it a unique and somewhat eerie find.
- Bloody Shovel Clue - This clue is found in a dilapidated house in Sandy Shores. It is specifically placed to the left of the sofa within the house, requiring a thorough search of the rundown interior.
- Empty Treasure Box Clue - The empty treasure box clue is located on Joad Lane. It can be found on the ground near a large tree, making it a straightforward but poignant discovery in this area.
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GTA 5 Treasure Hunt Mission Completion and Rewards
Successfully collecting all three clues triggers the final stage of the GTA 5 Treasure Hunt. Players receive a message revealing the treasure's ultimate location, which appears as a yellow chest icon on the map. The dramatic conclusion unfolds at one of three potential sites: Richman Glen, Alamo Sea's North Calafia Way, or Paleto Cove, Richards Majestic area.
At one of those locations, players will find a dramatic scene featuring two fallen bodies and the ultimate prize inside the chest. Upon opening the final treasure chest, players receive the powerful Double-Action Revolver, $5,000 for each clue discovered, and the chance to complete a 50-headshot challenge for a potential $250,000 bonus. Additionally, for players with linked accounts, an exclusive weapon unlock is available in Red Dead Redemption 2.
Conclusion
The GTA 5 Treasure Hunt is a clever mission that pushes players to explore every corner of Los Santos, turning the game world into an adventure that rewards curiosity and careful exploration. By linking the hunt to Red Dead Redemption 2 and scattering clues across diverse landscapes, Rockstar created a unique challenge that goes beyond typical gameplay, giving players a reason to slow down and look at the world around them.
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