It is hard to believe that the Grand Theft Auto series has been around since 1997. However, since then fans have been completely obsessed with the series, so much so that it has since been critically acclaimed and dubbed commercially successful after having shipped well over 250 million units across the whole series – saying that the franchise has been successful is clearly an understatement.

Despite its obvious issues, Grand Theft Auto is often regarded as one of the best franchises to have ever been created, with GTA V being classed as one of the greatest games all time. From large open worlds, numerous mission and side activities, high-octane set pieces, likable characters, and even one of the largest online communities to date, it’s easy to understand why GTA V so highly regarded.

However, given the sheer size of the Grand Theft Auto universe – especially GTA V – it is easy to understand why so many features and references have been overlooked during the course of the series. Some particular spoilers have even remained hidden for years after the games initial release – the teaser of GTA V during Grand Theft Auto IV is a perfect example.

From hidden references, character cameo’s, and even overlooked missions, here are 25 hidden spoilers that you may have missed in Grand Theft Auto series.

25 Essential Herbs Are The Key To Dramatic Transformations

When it comes to weird hidden features, the Peyote Plants definitely take the cake as many players had initially missed these unique plants during their first playthrough of the game. That isn’t the only reason that they were initially missed, as they were only introduced during the enhanced version of the game and often require extensive searching as they are quite challenging to find.

However, once found the player is able to eat the Peyote Plant – which contains psychoactive properties – causing hallucinogenic effects to occur on the player's brain and body. This effect causes the player to transform into one of twenty-eight different playable animals – with each animal having its own corresponding plant. Out of these animals, the player can transform into different types of dogs, cats, boars, coyotes, stingrays, dolphins, fish, and even the sasquatch himself.

As weird as this particular feature may be, it adds a whole new dimension for the GTA community to explore.

24 CJ, Ryder & Big Smoke Make A Return To The Big Screen

When it comes to the Grand Theft Auto franchise, it’s no secret that GTA San Andreas is one of the most popular games within the series as it ultimately helped set the foundation for what makes the series to so enjoyable.

So, you can only imagine how excited fans were when they heard that GTA V was making a triumphant return to the city of Los Santos, with many fans hoping to see the return of the original cast, whether it be through a cameo, an encounter or even a minor reference.

Thankfully though, Rockstar heard the fans pleas and incorporated what is possibly one of the biggest waves of nostalgia in recent history as the trio made a cameo appearance – one that many players didn’t even know existed - during one of the earlier missions, Hood Safari.

It is during this mission, while heading into the Grove Street cul-de-sac - with Franklin, Lamar, Trevor, and Chop - that the player can witness three people on bicycles riding away from the street. These three riders perfectly resemble the original Grove Street crew - CJ, Big Smoke, and Ryder.

23 The Truth Makes A Return

When it comes to conspiracy theories, The Truth is the man to see as the elderly Flint County hippie definitely knows a thing or two when it comes to weed and conspiracies surrounding the government and other related organizations. Behind some of GTA: San Andrea’s most memorable missions – such as gaining access to the infamous jetpack – it is safe to say that The Truth was a definite favorite amongst the community.

However, what many fans don’t know is that The Truth is actually believed to make a cameo appearance in GTA IV, according to an email that Niko receives from a user called Chiliad8888. What gives it away, is that the email is heavily written in a conspiratorial tone, that even contains a link to the site “whattheydonotwantyoutoknow.com”. The site is even complete with a user called Trooth, who is encouraging others to “Jump to a new level of spirituality.”

22 The Exact Ending To The GTA V Trailer Is Referenced In The Previous Game

When it comes to coincidences, this one is definitely up there with things that are just seemly too good to be true, as we can guarantee that almost everyone missed this subtle spoiler during their playthroughs of GTA IV.

Hidden among the Funland amusement park in Firefly Island - Liberty City - players missed one crucial spoiler that depicts the exact ending to the GTA V trailer that was revealed in late 2011. That is over three years after the initial release of GTA IV in 2008, which would ultimately mean that GTA V, at least to some extent, was already well into development.

Even more so, when taking into consideration the image behind the breakdance-style ride, it quite obvious that it was purposing developed to tease players as the background clearly doesn’t suit the ride.

This is undoubtedly one of the coolest and most overlooked spoilers within the series.

21 Find The Frozen Remains Of A Hidden Alien

One particularly cool feature that many players missed when playing through Grand Theft Auto V is hidden during the very first mission of the game. This Easter egg is found shortly after both Michael and Trevor escape from the bank that they have just robbed.

As you begin to travel down the snow-covered road in your getaway car, you will notice a bridge located just before you are prompted to make a sharp right turn. It is directly under this very bridge that you will find an alien encased in the frozen river. Instead of passing the bridge, you will want to veer off the road and head towards the river on the right.

You must be warned though, getting a glimpse of this hidden feature isn’t exactly easy, as soon as you veer off the road you will have approximately five to six seconds to get a good look at the alien. However, this time can be increased by simply staying closer to the road before heading under the bridge.

20 Come Face-To-Face With Bigfoot

Ever since the launch of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas in 2004, fans still continually speculate whether or not Bigfoot even exists. However, this has all changed in Grand Theft Auto V as some eagle-eyed fans spotted the hairy beast during the “Predator” mission with Michael, in which they used a sniper fitted with a thermal scope to spot his outline.

While the initial finding went viral within the community, many fans overlooked the fact that one secret mission actually holds the truth about the mysterious creature. This encounter – which is part of the Strangers and Freaks mission dubbed “The Last One” – is only unlockable once the player has attained 100% completion within the game and can only be performed by Franklin.

While I won’t spoil the specifics, the mission does offer an interesting twist that you wouldn’t initially expect.

19 Help Patrick "Packie" McReary Escape The Cops

As annoying as some random events may be, sometimes they really do pay off as one particular random events sees the return of a popular character from the Grand Theft Auto universe – Patrick McReary, or otherwise known as Packie from GTA IV.

During the random event, the player is given the choice of helping two people get away from a robbery or killing the two and their taking money. If the player chooses to help the two people, you’ll quickly come to realize that person needing help is Packie – and despite being a seasoned criminal – he even makes continuous remakes as to how much easier Liberty City is to rob.

By helping Packie escape, he’ll become a possible crew member for heists. He even has some rather unique dialogue should he be selected for a heist as he makes mention of Niko Bellic, in which he states that he is most likely dead, but he does not know for certain.

18 Solve The Infinity Eight Murder Mystery

Who doesn’t love a good old cryptic murder mystery, especially around the scariest time of the year! What makes this mystery so intriguing is that Merle – a psychotic serial killer who was obsessed with the number eight and infinity – left behind a series of clues scattered across the State of San Andreas for the player to find.

Merle Abrahams story is rather twisted, as he was convicted of a string of disappearances where it is believed that he "ended" eight different male joggers and hid them in an undisclosed location somewhere in the state.

Although Merle never verbally spoke of the attacks, the player is able to uncover a series of clues located at his house, a nearby rock, and even within the prison - where the most important clue of them all lies. In most cases, the clues are often in the form of short phrases, where he details the motives behind each murder.

Once all of the clues have been found, the player will be able to piece together all of the clues to ultimately determine the exact location of Merle’s victims.

17 Lamar & Franklin’s Aunt May Actually Be An Item

One particular hidden spoiler that many fans may have missed occurs when Franklin visits the in-game website “PsychicShootout” and speaks with Mrs Marcy, where she will make a rather disturbing statement. During one of Marcy’s visions, she sees Lamar sleeping with someone on Franklin’s bed. This has led many to speculate that Lamar is indeed sleeping with Franklin’s aunt, Denise Clinton.

Not only has Lamar been caught making some rather suggestive comments about Denise’s appearance, but he has also been seen leaving Franklin’s house with her in tow during the mission Hood Safari.

Whether or not Lamar and Denise actually did the deed, I think we can all agree that we would just rather not know!

16 Watch The Enactment Of The Famous Thelma & Louise Scene

It’s no secret that Rockstar loves to hide hidden movie and television references within their games, as the Grand Theft Auto series is heavily based upon parodies of today’s latest pop culture. As a result, hidden among the Chiliad Mountain State Wilderness – near Raton Canyon – Rockstar has incorporated - arguably – one of the coolest Easter eggs within the game as the player is able to witness an almost identical scene playout from the ending of the 1991 classic film, Thelma and Louise.

Much like the ending of the film, the two women – who can be seen driving a convertible Tornado that is complete with two guitars and a large sombrero on the backseat – are in a stand-off with law enforcement officers. Ultimately, the two women drive off the cliff.

Witnessing this hidden Easter egg is a little challenging, as the scene can only be witnessed during the time period of 7 pm and 8 pm, and will require access to a helicopter as the location of the scene can only be accessed or viewed from the sky.

15 The Ghost Of Mount Gordo

Arguably one of the creepiest hidden features within Grand Theft Auto V is the ghost of Jolene Cranley, who can often be found haunting the peaks of Mount Gordo. Jolene’s spirit can be found sitting upon a large flat rock – near the peak of Mount Gordo – that bares the word “JOCK” that has been smeared in what appears to be blood.

Much like the Ghost Town Figure from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas the ghost will only appear during the time period of 23:00 and 0:00. Once Jolene has appeared, you will notice that she is dressed in a long white dress, with dark black hair.

Like many of the other hidden spoilers within the series, getting a good glimpse of Jolene’s ghost can sometimes be quite challenging as she not only appears very transparent, but she will also disappear should you happen to get too close to her. Luckily though, players have found that by using the sight of a sniper or using the phone's camera, you can easily get a much clearer view of her ghost.

14 Unlock The Hidden Space Docker Vehicle

One particular vehicle that many players may have missed is the Spacer Docker – a highly modified and unique looking Dune Buggy that not only performs well off-road but also has the ability to glide short distances when driven off a jump or a ledge. However, this vehicle is rather challenging to obtain and requires the player to collect a series of spaceship parts in order to unlock it.

Gaining the ability to collect the spaceship parts will become available after Franklin meets with Omega during the mission “Far Out,” which is only available to Franklin – although collecting the parts is also available for Michael and Trevor. In most cases, the parts will often be very well hidden inside of buildings, crevices, rooftops, or even underwater – however, they do emit a soft glow and even a slight humming sound to help assist with finding the parts.

Once all fifty pieces have been found, the mission “The Final Frontier” will become available for Franklin to complete, which will reward him with the unique Space Docker vehicle.

13 Take Part In A Secret Beach Ball Minigame

Let’s be honest, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is among one of the best games in the series, as it was not only received extremely well, but was also full of hidden features that many players didn’t even know about.

One of these features was a hidden mini-game that challenged players to continuously bounce a beach ball without it hitting the ground, while trying to achieve the highest score possible. The mini-game, Keepie-Uppy Beach Ball, wasn’t easy to find as the beach balls were not only small, but they were also known to only spawn in certain areas within Starfish Island, Vice Point, and even Ocean Beach.

Don’t get too invested though, as despite the whole purpose of the challenge, the in-game counter for the mini-game will eventually max out at one hundred bounces - and you don’t even earn a reward.

12 Several References Are Made To Niko Bellic

CJ and the crew weren’t the only people to make a cameo appearance in Grand Theft Auto V as Niko Bellic – the protagonist from GTA IV – also made a rather interesting return. Although Lester has made several references to an “Eastern European guy” from Liberty City that “went quiet,” there is also another reference showing that Niko is in fact, alive and well.

This subtle reference can be found when Jimmy is sitting at dining room table using his laptop, in which he can be seen viewing Niko Bellic’s LifeInvader page. When getting a closer look, you can even see that Roman appears to be on Niko’s friends list.

This seemly small Easter egg not only confirms that Niko is still alive, but that the Revenge Ending may have also been the canonical ending to GTA IV.

11 Behold The Hidden Secrets Of The Blueprints Map

If you were one of the lucky ones that managed to get their hands on either the Special and Collector’s Edition of Grand Theft Auto V, you may or may not realise that the Trevor Phillips Enterprises (T.P.E.) Blueprint Map contains a whole array of hidden spoilers that many players didn’t even know existed.

Players were able to unlock these hidden spoilers by using either a blacklight or UV light on the map to reveal locations for fast cash, safehouses, custom rides, armoured cars, and even nuclear waste barrels that are awaiting to be retrieved from the middle of the ocean.

Most importantly, the map also contains information that many have since linked to possibly being a key piece to the Mount Chiliad Mystery.

10 The Beast Vs. Big Foot

The Beast vs. Bigfoot event is by far one of the most unknown features within the game. Part of this is because, not only is the player required to have completed the game 100% - including the mission “The Last One” - but they must have also found all 27 Peyote plants, which is arguably a tough challenge on its own.

Once all required tasks have been completed, the player will now be tasked with collecting the Golden Peyote's for an entire week, during the time period of 5:30 am to 8:00 am every day. However, in order for the event to occur, the plants can only be eaten during snowy or foggy weather.

After collecting the final golden Peyote, the player will make a final transformation into Bigfoot and will gain the ability the growl – each time the player growls, a howl can be heard from the distance. As you follow the sound – and the trail of mysterious dead bodies – the player will eventually end up at the Thomson Scrapyard. As the last body is discovered within the scrapyard, the camera will pan towards the plane wreckage, in which The Beast can be seen jumping down from.

9 Discover UFO’s Around The City Of Los Santos

Located at several different areas within the game, players who have achieved 100% completion in-game can witness first hand a UFO at the Beam Me Up compound, Fort Zancudo, and especially Mount Chiliad – the home to all things strange!

However, due to these rather harsh requirements, those that have not yet completed the game fully - or are not interested in getting 100% completion - one UFO can be found sunken off the northern coast of San Andreas, just north of Procopio Beach.

Also remember, don’t go wasting your bullets either, as UFO’s are immune to all weapons within the game, and will even cause a temporary engine shutdown should your aircraft get too close when trying to approach them.

While unlocking the UFO’s isn’t a complete necessity, it is a rather cool feature that many believe may hold the key to unlocking the much-fabled jetpack.

8 Solve The Abandoned Mine Murder Mystery

Hidden within the Great Chaparral area – near Mount Josiah – players can find an old boarded up mineshaft entrance that is hidden away from the public eye – given its location, it’s easy to understand why so many players didn’t even know that it existed.

However, this old mineshaft isn’t what you would expect as it isn’t just full old tools and minecarts, as you will also find a mysterious dead body of a man wearing a classic 1940’s pinstripe suit. Little do most players realize though, the body of the deceased man is actually part of the Murder Mystery side quest, in which players not only learn of the man’s backstory, but they also unlock the Vintage Noir filters.

It is these very filters, that have led many to believe that the deceased man may actually be a reference toward Officer Cole Phelps, who drowned at the end of L.A Noire – another game made by Rockstar.

If this hidden area wasn’t already scary enough, it is said that when passing the body - even once the player has stopped moving - footsteps can be heard moving through the mineshaft.

7 A Deal Gone Wrong

Let’s be honest, Grand Theft Auto V is full of many ruthless thugs, so you would be forgiven if you had mistakenly overlooked a group of cars, sprawled with bullet holes and screeching horns in the middle of the Chiliad Mountain State Wilderness. However, what many players don’t realize is that this is actually a replicated scene from the 2007 film, No Country For Old Men.

With various dead bodies lying scattered across the field, the player can further investigate the scene by travelling down past the hill, where they will find one last drug dealer sitting by a silver briefcase that filled with a $25,000 reward. After killing the last dealer, the player is given the option to either steal the case, or simply move on. However, if the case is stolen, a gang of drug dealers will purse you and demand the case to be returned.

The only way that you’re going to be able to keep the money is to successfully kill every last member of the gang.

6 The Sad End Of Leonora Johnson

Unlocked shortly after the mission “Repossession,” players are able to begin collecting a series of Letter Scraps that are strewn throughout the state of San Andreas. These Letter Scraps – fifty to be exact – reveal the truth behind the mysterious murder of the actress Leonora Johnson. These Letter Pieces actually belong to a torn-up letter that Peter Dreyfuss sent to a friend in 1975, shortly after Leonora’s murder, where he details his confession to the crime and justifies his actions artistically.

Due to the sheer number of pieces, many fans didn’t realise that by collecting these pieces of paper, you will actually unlock the mission “A Starlet in Vinewood” for Franklin’s character.

Thankfully, the Letter Scraps glow white, and can be heard rustling in the wind as the player nears them. Chop can even be recruited to help Franklin by finding the nearest location at which a scrap can be found at.