5 GTA San Andreas features that deserve a comeback in GTA 6

If Rockstar’s aiming to build the ultimate GTA experience with GTA 6, they better look back before leaping forward. Because GTA San Andreas may be two decades old, but it was way ahead of its time.

From deep character customization to over-the-top freedom, it had features that made you feel like you were living CJ’s life, not just playing it. Here are 5 iconic San Andreas mechanics we hope to see return in GTA 6.

1. Gym, Fat Meter & Custom Physique

CJ’s body literally changed based on how you played. Hit the gym regularly? He bulked up. Ate too many burgers? He got fat. This level of character transformation made San Andreas feel alive. Lucia and Jason in GTA 6 could seriously benefit from this with stamina upgrades, stealth boosts, or even visible injuries that change how NPCs react.

Total immersion unlocked.

2. Territory Wars and Gang Control

One of San Andreas’ most addictive systems was taking over enemy gang territories. It wasn’t just a side activity; it reshaped your map. Watching Grove Street green sweep across Los Santos was pure satisfaction. GTA 6’s Leonida map is huge, so why not give players more influence over it? Factions, turf wars, and district control could add endless replay value.

3. Car Customization at a Mad Level

San Andreas let you do more than slap a spoiler on your car. You could change rims, nitro boosts, exhausts, and hydraulics, especially in lowriders.

GTA 5 simplified this a bit, but GTA 6 should bring back full customization. Let us go wild with our cars again. Neon lights, bouncing suspension, and full audio setups? Yes, please.

4. Insane Side Missions (Pimping, Burglary, Freight Trains)

San Andreas let you be a pimp, valet driver, firefighter, and even a train conductor. And it wasn’t pointless—you earned money, respect, or stat boosts. These side gigs made the world feel bigger and gave players real reasons to explore. GTA 6 is primed for this kind of depth.

Even Lucia running a small business or Jason moonlighting as a bouncer could add so much flavor.

5. Dating & Girlfriend Mechanics

San Andreas made relationships feel real (and a little chaotic). You could date multiple girlfriends, take them to restaurants or clubs, and even unlock rewards based on how well you treated them. Some would let you keep their car or give you perks like free resurrections. GTA 6; with its dual protagonists and deeper story, could make romantic subplots feel more impactful, dynamic, and maybe even tied to missions or side arcs.GTA 6 is clearly going for realism and cinematic storytelling, but let’s not forget what made us fall in love with GTA in the first place. San Andreas gave us control, chaos, and creativity. If Rockstar can blend that classic freedom with modern polish, GTA 6 won’t just break records; it’ll redefine open-world gaming all over again.