Rockstar Games has, once again, upped the ante with the release of The Chop Shop update, a GTA Online expansion that’s introducing an all-new illegal business venture.
The update, available on all platforms as of Wednesday, December 12, adds a fresh layer of criminal enterprise to the already content-rich virtual world of Los Santos.
The core of The Chop Shop update revolves around a new salvage yard business, introduced by Yusuf Amir, a character familiar to fans from the Grand Theft Auto 4 expansion, The Ballad of Gay Tony.
Now making his mark in San Andreas, Yusuf helps players establish a salvage yard that doubles as an illicit chop shop.
In this new venture, players are tasked with stealing high-end cars, which can be sold as complete units or dismantled for valuable scrap. This new business model offers players a new avenue for earning in the game, blending the thrill of car theft with the strategic management of a criminal operation.
Players have the option to choose from five different locations for their salvage yard, allowing them to set up shop in a part of the map that suits their playstyle. These yards can be progressively upgraded, enhancing their functionality and efficiency.
Adding to the intrigue, the car robberies required for the business demand a specific blend of skills, including hacking, driving, and even the use of disguises and undercover work. This varied gameplay injects new life into GTA Online, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.
But the update isn’t just about stealing cars. It also introduces an array of new vehicles to the game, ranging from sleek supercars to versatile SUVs, and even (finally) Police cars, which can be used to wreak havoc and chaos. A new battle rifle, available at the armory, is also available for players.
As fans eagerly await the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2025 (not on PC though, that comes a ways later but for a good reason), The Chop Shop update serves as a reminder of Rockstar’s commitment to keeping GTA Online fresh and exciting.
The incorporation of characters from the franchise’s past, like Yusuf Amir, is a nod to the long-standing fans and an example of how Rockstar Games skillfully weaves its narrative universe across different titles.
The Chop Shop update also brings improvements to the overall gameplay experience. It includes the addition of drift races, new cars, over 300 pieces of clothing, 32 new tattoos, birthday gifts, daily challenges, and a new 100-car garage exclusively for GTA+ subscribers. These enhancements not only offer new content but also refine the existing mechanics, ensuring that GTA Online continues to evolve and remain relevant.
For PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players, the update brings a unique feature – wildlife in free mode. This addition, unfortunately not available on PC and previous-gen consoles, adds another layer of immersion to the game, making the world of San Andreas feel more alive and dynamic.
The Chop Shop update also addresses the long-standing issue of accessing Police vehicles in the game. Players can now unlock and own police cruisers, unmarked cop cars, and riot vans through specific challenges, adding a new dimension to the gameplay. This feature, which was previously accessible only through mods or hacks, is now legitimately integrated into the game, further expanding the possibilities within the GTA Online universe.
