If you have played Grand Theft Auto 5 for even a few hours, you have probably seen the huge grey patch on the north-west side of the map. That patch is Fort Zancudo, the only military base in the game. It is the most guarded location in all of Los Santos and Blaine County, and it is packed with heavy vehicles, powerful weapons, and plenty of secrets.
This guide is written in a simple, chatty way – like a friend explaining it to you – so you can explore the base and have fun without feeling lost.
1. Finding the Military Base
Fort Zancudo is located between Mount Josiah and Lago Zancudo. To reach it:
- From Los Santos city, drive north on the Great Ocean Highway for about 5–6 in-game miles.
- Look for a long runway and big hangars on the left side if you are heading west.
- The base sits near the coast, so you can also come by sea or air.
You cannot miss it on the map because it shows a giant airstrip. But remember: as soon as you cross the fence or even touch the restricted road, you will get a four-star wanted level. This means soldiers, tanks, and fighter jets will come after you in seconds.
2. Ways to Get Inside (Fun Entry Methods)
Breaking into Fort Zancudo is half the thrill. Here are popular ways to enter:
- Fast Car Smash – Take a fast sports car like an Adder or Zentorno, drive full speed, and crash through the front gate before guards react.
- Off-road Sneak – Drive through the hills on the west side. There is a small gap in the fence near the river where you can slip in quickly.
- Helicopter Drop – Fly high and land on a hangar roof. From there you can snipe or explore quietly for a few moments.
- Parachute from a Plane – Jump out of a plane and parachute straight onto the runway. This looks awesome but gives soldiers a clear shot at you.
- Underwater Entry – Some players take a submersible or boat to the coastline and swim to the base from the west side. This is slower but sneaky.
3. Vehicles You Can Steal
Fort Zancudo is like a candy shop for vehicle lovers. Here are the big prizes:
- P-996 Lazer Fighter Jet – The star of the show. It is fast, fires homing missiles, and can win almost any dogfight. You will find it parked inside the hangars or on the runway.
- Rhino Tank – A heavy tank with a giant cannon. Slow but nearly unstoppable.
- Barracks Truck – Large army truck, fun for online group missions.
- Cargobob Helicopter – Big helicopter that can carry other vehicles with a hook.
- Buzzard Attack Chopper – Smaller helicopter with rockets and a machine gun.
Tip: To grab the jet, bring a very fast car or a motorbike. Drive straight to the hangar, hop out, and climb into the jet as quickly as possible. Soldiers will shoot, so keep moving.
4. Weapons and Gear Inside
The base is full of heavily armed soldiers. If you defeat them, you can collect:
- Carbines and Assault Rifles – Great mid-range weapons.
- Combat MGs – Heavy machine guns with huge magazines.
- Rocket Launchers – Rare drops from special soldiers.
- Body Armor & Ammo Crates – Found near hangars and small buildings.
Stock up before you leave because the gear you grab can help in missions outside the base.
Also Read: 30 Useless Facts About GTA 5 You Didn’t Know!
5. Hidden Secrets and Easter Eggs
Rockstar loves hiding little surprises. Keep your eyes open for:
- Alien Signs – At night, some players claim to see glowing lights and hear odd sounds, a nod to the UFO missions.
- Underground Bunkers – Some tunnels connect different parts of the base, perfect for quick escapes.
- Funny Posters & Notes – Inside control rooms you might spot joke posters or secret codes.
- UFO Sightings (Story Mode) – After completing certain missions, a UFO sometimes appears floating over Fort Zancudo during storms.
These small touches make exploring feel like a treasure hunt.
6. Survival Tips
The military base is not a place to relax. Here is how to last longer:
- Wear Full Body Armor – Buy heavy armor before you go.
- Carry Snacks – Use snacks from the interaction menu to heal fast.
- Use a Fast Getaway Vehicle – Park a high-speed car near your entry point for a quick escape.
- Team Up Online – In GTA Online, bring friends. One person can distract soldiers while another grabs the jet.
- Watch the Radar – Tanks and soldiers show up as red dots. Keep moving to avoid being surrounded.
7. Fun Things to Try
- Five-Star Challenge – See how long you can survive at max wanted level.
- Jet Stunt Run – Steal a jet and try flying under bridges or through the city without crashing.
- Tank Rampage – Take the Rhino and see how long it takes before the police finally take you down.
Final Words
The GTA 5 military base, Fort Zancudo, is more than just a restricted zone. It is a giant playground filled with danger, powerful machines, and cool secrets. Whether you want to steal a fighter jet, hunt for alien signs, or just create chaos, this base offers endless fun.
Plan your entry, gear up, and get ready for heart-pumping action. Just remember: once you step inside, there is no turning back – those soldiers will not hesitate to roll out the tanks!
FAQs
How many main story missions are in GTA 5?
Grand Theft Auto 5 has 69 main story missions. These missions take you through the complete story of Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, from the first bank robbery to the big finale. Finishing all 69 missions means you have completed the main storyline.
Are side missions included in the total mission count?
No, side missions are not included in the 69 main story missions. Side missions include Strangers and Freaks quests, random events, and other small activities. They are extra content that adds fun and depth but do not change the main mission total.
What do the different mission icon colors mean in GTA 5?
On the game map, each main character has a unique color:
- Blue – Michael
- Green – Franklin
- Orange – Trevor
When you see a mission icon with one of these colors, it means that specific character must start the mission. Some missions show multiple letters or a different icon if more than one character can begin it.
How many heists are in GTA 5, and how do they affect mission count?
There are five big heist missions in GTA 5. These are multi-part missions where you plan, choose a crew, and then execute the robbery. Each heist counts as part of the 69 main missions. How you approach each heist – loud or stealthy – can change the setup missions and your payout.
How many assassination missions are there?
Franklin can take on five assassination missions given by Lester. These missions are separate from the main story, but completing them lets you make big money in the stock market if you invest wisely before and after each job.
How to earn gold medals on GTA 5 missions?
To earn a gold medal, you must meet every requirement listed for that mission – such as finishing within a set time, landing all headshots, or keeping accuracy high. You can replay missions from the Pause Menu > Game > Replay Missions to improve your score and grab that shiny gold rating.
