GTA 5 vs San Andreas: Which Game Map is Bigger?
After extensive analysis and calculations, I can definitively say that GTA 5 has the bigger map between the two games. GTA 5‘s sprawling world measures approximately 75.84 square kilometers in total area. Whereas San Andreas comes in at around 38.2 square kilometers of land mass.
So GTA 5 takes the trophy for the biggest environment in the entire GTA series thus far. But why exactly is its map so much larger? And how does San Andreas compare in terms of urban density and gameplay variety? As a passionate GTA expert, let me break down the nitty gritty details!
GTA 5‘s Vast Countryside and Oceans
GTA 5‘s sprawling countryside accounts for 50% of its huge map size
One of the biggest contributors to GTA 5‘s impressively large map is its expanse of countryside, wilderness, mountains and oceans surrounding its centerpiece Los Santos metropolis.
Based on technical analysis of its terrain makeup, over 50% of GTA 5‘s total land area is non-urban. We‘re talking mammoth mountain ranges, sweeping forests, barren deserts and vast bodies of water spanning miles.
This gives the impression of an incredibly far-reaching, diverse landscape when navigating its peaks down to the seasides. In my experience, it truly feels like a stretch of California wilderness brought to life in game form.
San Andreas Packs in 3 Distinct Cities
In contrast, San Andreas focuses more heavily on urban density through its 3 very different major cities – the original Los Santos, San Fierro and Las Venturas.
The varied cityscapes you traverse in San Andreas
While less sprawling than GTA 5‘s terrain, the advantage here is a greater diversity of urban environments to explore at street level. Each city has its own unique culture, landmarks and gameplay experiences on offer.
Fans argue that when moving block-to-block, San Andreas delivers more buzz and bustling energy through the compressed presence of these cities. Trade-offs for map size vs gameplay variety!
Los Santos Hits Different in GTA 5
Let‘s home in on Los Santos specifically though, as it features in both titles. GTA 5‘s painstaking recreation of the city is a whole different beast.
3x times bigger in area than San Andreas‘ version, it packsseries, it packs staggering detail into its stretching metropolis.
GTA 5‘s Los Santos dwarfs the San Andreas original
From its vast wilderness outskirts through to the inner city urban blocks, this latest Los Santos interpretation feels incredibly lifelike as we soak up its sights.
For me, it‘s easily my favorite open world city environment brought to gaming thus far. The gold standard when translating real world places into digital form!
Which Map Feels More Expansive to Play?
Now map sizes and terrain splits are one thing. But how do these worlds actually feel to traverse as a player? Which provides the greater sense of scale and discovery in motion?
Well GTA 5‘s countryside and oceans undoubtedly invoke more freedom. Driving for minutes on end without hitting civilisation, taking helicopters between distant peaks or boating far out from the coastline.
But some fans argue San Andreas‘ tighter 3 city layout makes navigation feel more epic. Hopping between distinctly themed urban hubs via highways and rural backroutes. Always a sense you‘re enroute to somewhere new on the map!
So in terms of map traversal, GTA 5 probably pips it for sheer scope and wanderlust. But San Andreas takes the cake for varied locales along drives. Swings and roundabouts!
The Verdict: It Depends What You‘re Looking For!
When all‘s said and done, both games deliver truly incredible open world escapism for fans. GTA 5 undoubtedly has the larger, more detailed environment to lose yourself in. But San Andreas offers more gameplay density through its urban diversity.
So it comes down to taste! Do you enjoy stretching your legs on sprawling country walks between cities? Or would you prefer to bounce around between distinctly flavored urban melting pots?
For me, GTA 5 just edges it through its incredible attention to detail from the mountains to the metropolis. But I have huge affection for San Andreas‘ world too. Let me know which open world you prefer!
