Dataminer Reveals GTA V Once Had a Climbing Feature—But Rockstar Cut It?
United Gaming – Rockstar Games is back in the spotlight with GTA VI confirmed for 2026. While fans wait for the new release, some players are still digging into GTA V. A recent discovery suggests the game once included a climbing mechanic, but Rockstar decided to cut it before launch.
The Dataminer’s Discovery
Dataminer Lucas7yoshi_RS shared his findings on Twitter/X. He uncovered evidence that Rockstar had tested a climbing system where players could scale pipes, walls, and even buildings.
He found unused assets and a file named handholds.xml. The data indicated specific points designed for climbing interactions. In a video he released, you can see spots around Los Santos that were likely intended as climbing locations.
Why Rockstar Removed It
The removal of this feature left fans puzzled. Climbing could have added depth and immersion, especially in a city as vertical as Los Santos. However, Rockstar has never explained its decision.
Speculation suggests the feature might not have been polished enough for release. Another theory is that Rockstar shifted its focus to bigger mechanics, like the groundbreaking character-switching system, which became central to GTA V.
Rockstar has a history of cutting planned content. Fans still recall the scrapped DLC where Trevor was set to work as an undercover FBI agent. Dataminers even found unused dialogue and motion capture files from that abandoned storyline.
What Could Have Been
If climbing had made it into the final version, GTA V might have felt very different. Players could have escaped police by scaling rooftops or accessed missions through stealthy rooftop entries. It would have added new layers to exploration and gameplay.
Will GTA VI Revive the Idea?
The big question now is whether Rockstar will revisit this mechanic for GTA VI. With promises of their most ambitious game yet, climbing could enhance exploration and make Vice City—or whichever setting they choose—feel more alive than ever.
For now, this remains just another “what if” in Rockstar’s long history of cut ideas. Still, the discovery highlights how much detail and experimentation goes into their games—even features we never get to see.
About the Author
