In the vast open world of Grand Theft Auto 5, players have access to a wide variety of vehicles to explore the streets of Los Santos. However, one mode of transportation that stands out from the rest is the drone. These remote-controlled aircraft provide a unique perspective on the game world and can be used for everything from reconnaissance to entertainment. While many players rely on the Terrorbyte, a high-tech vehicle that doubles as a drone command center, it’s entirely possible to fly a drone in GTA 5 without one. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of drone flight and provide you with the skills you need to take to the skies like a pro.
The Basics of Drone Flight in GTA 5
Before we dive into the specifics of flying a drone without a Terrorbyte, let’s cover the basic mechanics of drone flight in GTA 5. The game’s drones are controlled using the game’s standard vehicle controls, making them easy to pick up for experienced players. However, there are a few key differences to keep in mind.
Camera Modes
When flying a drone in GTA 5, you have access to several different camera modes, each of which offers a unique perspective on the game world.
- First-Person View: This camera mode puts you directly in the pilot’s seat, providing an immersive and thrilling experience.
- Third-Person View: This mode offers a more distant perspective, allowing you to see your drone in all its glory.
- Chase Cam: This camera mode provides a high-speed view of the action, making it ideal for action-packed sequences.
Throttle and Steering
The throttle and steering controls for your drone are similar to those of a standard aircraft. The left stick controls the throttle, while the right stick handles steering. To ascend or descend, simply push the left stick forward or backward. To turn, use the right stick to steer.
Overcoming Wind Resistance
In GTA 5, wind resistance can have a significant impact on your drone’s performance. To compensate, you’ll need to adjust your throttle and steering accordingly. When flying into the wind, try increasing your throttle to maintain speed. When flying with the wind at your back, reduce your throttle to avoid losing control.
Choosing the Right Drone
Not all drones in GTA 5 are created equal. With several different models to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and abilities, selecting the right one for your needs is crucial.
Recon Drone
The Recon Drone is the default drone model in GTA 5 and is well-suited for most tasks. It’s agile, easy to control, and relatively inexpensive.
Camera Drone
The Camera Drone is a variation of the Recon Drone that’s equipped with a high-quality camera. It’s ideal for filming or taking photographs of the game world.
Gustave Drone
The Gustave Drone is a high-end model that’s perfect for experienced players. It’s faster and more agile than other drones, making it ideal for stunt flying.
Flying a Drone Without a Terrorbyte
So, how do you fly a drone in GTA 5 without a Terrorbyte? Fortunately, it’s a lot easier than you might think.
Purchasing a Drone
The first step in flying a drone without a Terrorbyte is to purchase one from a reputable vendor. There are several different stores throughout the game world where you can buy a drone, including:
- Warstock: Warstock is a popular online retailer that sells a wide variety of drones.
- Elitas Travel: Elitas Travel is a high-end store that specializes in luxury goods, including advanced drones.
Deploying Your Drone
Once you’ve purchased your drone, you’ll need to deploy it. To do this, simply enter the “Interact” menu and select “Deploy Drone.” Your drone will then spawn in front of you, ready for action.
Upgrading Your Drone
Just like other vehicles in GTA 5, drones can be upgraded and customized to improve their performance. Some popular upgrades include:
- Enhanced Camera: This upgrade provides a higher-quality camera, making it ideal for filming or taking photographs.
- Improved Propellers: This upgrade increases your drone’s speed and agility, making it easier to maneuver.
Tips for Successful Drone Flight
Flying a drone in GTA 5 can be challenging, especially for beginners. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Start Low and Go Slow: When you first start flying your drone, try keeping it close to the ground and moving slowly. This will make it easier to control and will help you get a feel for the game’s mechanics.
- Use the Right Joystick
: The right joystick can be used to adjust your drone’s camera angle and zoom in or out.
- Stay Out of Reach of Enemies: Drones can be destroyed by enemies, so try to stay out of reach and avoid hostile areas.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be flying like a pro in no time. Happy flying!
What is the difference between flying a drone with and without a Terrorbyte?
Flying a drone without a Terrorbyte in GTA 5 may seem daunting, especially for those used to the added features of the Terrorbyte. The key difference lies in the controls and access to certain features. Without a Terrorbyte, you may need to rely more on manual control, as some advanced features may be limited.
However, without the added bulk of the Terrorbyte, some players may find it easier to control and maneuver the drone. It also forces you to focus more on developing essential piloting skills and paying attention to your surroundings. While missing out on some features, flying without a Terrorbyte can be an effective way to master drone skills.
What are the basic controls for flying a drone in GTA 5?
The basic controls for flying a drone in GTA 5 are quite straightforward. For PlayStation and Xbox users, the right control stick is used to control the altitude and yaw (rotation) of the drone. The left control stick controls the roll (tilting left or right) and pitch (tilting forward or backward). The A or X buttons on the consoles will make the drone ascend or descend.
Additionally, PlayStation and Xbox players can use the triggers to adjust the drone’s speed. PC players can use the WASD keys or arrow keys to control roll, pitch, yaw, and altitude. The game’s intuitive controls also adapt to individual player preferences and types of controller. Familiarizing yourself with these controls is the first step to mastering the drone.
What should I avoid when flying a drone?
You should avoid crashing your drone and unnecessary damage to the environment or NPCs around you. Keep an eye out for areas that may cause interference with the drone’s system. GTA 5 is full of objects, signals, and other electromagnetic phenomena that may harm the drone or prevent you from properly controlling it.
One particular obstacle you should avoid is bodies of water, trees, or tall power lines, which can make it hard for you to recover your drone. Keeping a safe distance and height while navigating can help you to capture more frames and gain a deeper view of what you’re trying to survey or capture on camera.
How can I upgrade my drone’s camera in GTA 5?
Upgrading the drone’s camera in GTA 5 requires accessing the Interaction Menu on your controller. From there, go to Vehicles, and then choose Vehicle Interaction Menu, where an option for modifying or customizing your drone will be available. Remember that without a Terrorbyte, some drone features may be unavailable or limited.
Once you have opened the modifications menu for your drone, it’s just a matter of choosing from the list of camera upgrades that are available. Each camera upgrade will give your drone better capabilities to capture higher-quality images, zoom in further, or handle different lighting conditions.
Can I fly a drone in other game modes besides Story Mode?
Yes, players can fly drones in GTA Online as well, although some requirements need to be satisfied. In GTA Online, to fly drones, you will need a nightclub. After purchasing a nightclub, Daryl Johns from SecuroServ will offer you a certain vehicle called “The Oppressor”, where the drone is found.
Without a nightclub though, it’s hard to get access to a drone to practice and build upon the essential skills and knowledge learned from this guide. Before flying a drone in GTA Online, ensure you meet the required in-game criteria to minimize errors or frustration.
How can I reset my drone if I get stuck?
When stuck or when attempting a recovery after losing control of the drone, using quick resume can reset your drone instantly to its designated GPS location. Also consider regularly quick saving your progress whenever handling the drone.
Return to a location far from obstacles and get an uninterrupted view of the sky. If your drone goes out of range and is destroyed elsewhere in Los Santos, it will be instantly recovered at a nearby designated location. Another solution to recover a destroyed or stuck drone in GTA 5 involves just cycling through different vehicles in the garage that stores your drone, helping bypass recovery difficulties.
What are the benefits of mastering drone flying skills in GTA 5?
Mastering drone flying skills can unlock many challenging opportunities within GTA 5 and explore more inaccessible areas of Los Santos, enhancing gameplay with completely new interactive opportunities. Players with better mastery of flying drones are better prepared to overcome various environmental, vehicle, and survival challenges in-game.
Increasing your piloting skills while flying the drone can make it more enjoyable to achieve one-hundred percent game completion. Finishing certain missions that require advanced flying skills to complete or unlocking that hard-earned Gold medal can also depend heavily on effectively mastering GTA 5 drone handling.