The GTA Online San Andreas Mercenaries update is now live, so it's time to form an airborne squad with other elite mercs and take control of the skies. You need to prepare well because there's one of the toughest fights ahead, as you go head to head in GTA Online with the all-powerful Merryweather Security private army to stop them wiping out all criminal competition around. In addition to that there are many experience improvements being introduced to better the quality of life within the game world, so if you want to know what's new then here's the biggest changes with the San Andreas Mercenaries update for GTA Online.
Is the GTA Online San Andreas Mercenaries update available on PS4 and Xbox One?
Yes, now that the GTA Online San Andreas Mercenaries update has launched on June 13 it is available on PS4 and Xbox One, in addition to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series. Almost all of the features will be available on previous gen consoles, so if you haven't upgraded then you don't need to worry about missing out, as Rockstar are committed to supporting all of those platforms as far as possible.
You'll be taking on Merryweather Security in a new storyline
In the new San Andreas Mercenaries GTA Online Project Overthrow missions you'll be joining forces with Charlie Reed, an expert pilot and aircraft mechanic, to create a squadron called the Los Santos Angels and take on daring high-value contracts. In these you'll be going head-to-head with Merryweather Security, the infamous private military company, to shut down their corrupt practices and prevent them from driving all criminal competition out of San Andreas. Expect plenty of explosive set pieces, as Merryweather won't go down without a fight, especially in the GTA Online On Parade mission where you need to defeat one of their Avengers using the new F-160 Raiju jet.
The Mammoth Avenger is getting a serious upgrade
The GTA Online San Andreas Mercenaries update is heavily focused on aircraft, and the main area of development is with the Mammoth Avenger. You'll work with Charlie to convert this huge aircraft into an aerial command center, from which you can run operations and upgrade weapon systems. This will also unlock fresh ventures to expand your criminal empire, including attacking high-value moving targets to steal cash and supplies.
Fresh vehicles are on their way
Of course, this wouldn't be a proper update unless there were some GTA Online New Cars included, so you can expect a selection of fresh rides appearing across the Legendary Motorsport and Southern San Andreas Super Autos dealerships. We already have five fresh rides to get started, including the Grotti Itali GTO Stinger TT and Vapid Clique Wagon, plus two new planes from Warstock Cache & Carry. Some future arrivals have also been leaked, including the Bravado Buffalo EVX which appears to be an electric muscle car and is bound to divide opinion amongst players. However, on the flip side there have also been almost 200 cars removed from GTA Online as part of "experience improvements," which a lot of players are unhappy about.
There's a new SMG to add to your arsenal
If you track down the GTA Online Gun Van following the San Andreas Mercenaries update, you'll see a new weapon for sale in the form of a Tactical SMG. This exclusive gun is fully automatic, incredibly powerful, and can be fitted with an oversized magazine, making it the ideal choice for drive-by attacks.
PS5 and Xbox Series players can track their progress
One feature of the San Andreas Mercenaries update that is exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series players is the addition of a GTA Online Career Progress tracker, which can be accessed either through the pause menu or the main menu screen. This will help players get an overview of their progression and the status of their criminal empire, so you can see exactly what you've achieved so far.
There are lots of experience improvements being made
Following feedback received, the GTA Online San Andreas Mercenaries update is introducing another wave of experience improvements. Some highlights from these include being able to claim all destroyed vehicles at once while calling Mors Mutual Insurance, adding custom description tags to garages so it's easier to find vehicles when calling the Mechanic, and being able to complete GTA Online Taxi Work using the Willard Eudora or Classique Broadway if you've applied the Taxi Livery to them. A new Register as a Boss option is being added to the Interaction Menu to streamline the Securoserv system, and if you quick restart a mission then your Body Armor levels will be restocked to their initial level so you can't deplete your supplies completely.
GTA+ Members can access The Vinewood Car Club
Finally, players who are subscribed to GTA+ will have access to The Vinewood Car Club, which is a premium service for members to check out a curated selection on vehicles. These can be delivered to your location in Freemode, taken for a test drive, and purchased if desired at a discount of at least 20%. You can also view the monthly complimentary GTA+ vehicle when visiting The Vinewood Car Club, and claim it directly while you're there.
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