Unlocking the Secrets of Area 69 (and Fort Zancudo): Your Ultimate GTA 5 Military Base Guide
Where exactly is Area 69 in Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5)? The answer, simply put, is that it isn’t. Area 69, the infamous secret military research facility steeped in mystery and rampant speculation, is a staple of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, not GTA 5. In GTA 5, its spiritual successor is Fort Zancudo. Fort Zancudo, serving the same purpose in the storyline, and igniting the same player curiosity. Understanding this distinction is key to navigating the heavily guarded airspace and ground perimeter in Rockstar’s Los Santos-based installment. This article will delve into the real-world inspiration for Area 69/Fort Zancudo, how to get into Fort Zancudo and related information.
Understanding Area 69 and its Legacy: A San Andreas Flashback
Before focusing on Fort Zancudo, it’s important to acknowledge Area 69’s cultural impact. Located in Bone County, San Andreas, near Fort Carson, Area 69 was a blatant parody of Area 51, the real-life highly classified United States Air Force facility. Inside the game, its presence fueled rumors of alien sightings, UFO landings, and government conspiracies, mirroring the real-world mystique surrounding its Nevada counterpart.
Area 69: A Hotspot in San Andreas
- Location: Heart of Bone County, San Andreas.
- Surroundings: South of Verdant Meadows, west of Las Venturas, east of El Castillo del Diablo, north of Green Palms.
- Gameplay Significance: Home to the “Black Project” mission, requiring infiltration. Entering the airspace triggers a five-star wanted level.
Fort Zancudo: GTA 5’s Military Fortress
In GTA 5, Rockstar replaced Area 69 with Fort Zancudo, a military base with a similar function and the same intense level of security. Located off the Great Ocean Highway, south of Paleto Bay, Fort Zancudo is a strategic military stronghold offering unique vehicles and challenges.
Fort Zancudo: The Modern Military Hub
- Location: Great Ocean Highway, south of Paleto Bay, Blaine County.
- Gameplay Significance: Contains military vehicles like the P-996 Lazer fighter jet, Rhino tank, and Cargobob helicopter. Entering the airspace or restricted areas immediately triggers a four-star wanted level.
- Accessibility: Multiple entry points exist, but all are heavily guarded.
Infiltrating Fort Zancudo: Tactics and Strategies
Successfully penetrating Fort Zancudo demands careful planning and execution. Direct approaches result in immediate aggression from the military personnel, so stealth, speed, or sheer firepower are necessary.
Methods of Entry and Evasion
- Frontal Assault: Expect heavy resistance. Tanks and aircraft will quickly overwhelm the player unless they are adequately equipped.
- Stealth Approach: Utilize the terrain and disguises to avoid detection. However, security patrols are vigilant.
- Air Entry: Flying directly into the base triggers immediate anti-air defenses. Low-altitude maneuvers and evasive flying are required to survive.
- Vehicle Tactics: Fast vehicles like the Panto can be used to quickly slip inside the base. Armored vehicles are helpful for those wanting to create mayhem.
Why Fort Zancudo Over Area 69?
The transition from Area 69 to Fort Zancudo reflects a broader design shift in the Grand Theft Auto series. While Area 69 emphasized the bizarre conspiracy theories surrounding Area 51, Fort Zancudo focuses on a more grounded (though still exaggerated) military presence, fitting the tone of GTA 5’s satire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Area 69 and Fort Zancudo
1. Is Fort Zancudo supposed to be Area 51?
Yes, Fort Zancudo is heavily inspired by Area 51, mirroring the real-world base’s restricted access, mysterious aura, and rumored connection to UFOs and extraterrestrial research. Fort Zancudo is Area 51 in GTA 5.
2. What happens if you enter Fort Zancudo?
Entering Fort Zancudo will immediately result in a four-star wanted level. Military personnel will aggressively pursue you with ground vehicles, helicopters, and fighter jets.
3. What are the best vehicles to steal from Fort Zancudo?
The most sought-after vehicles are the P-996 Lazer fighter jet, the Rhino tank, and the Cargobob helicopter. The Lazer offers unparalleled aerial combat capabilities, the Rhino tank provides immense firepower, and the Cargobob allows for versatile transportation of vehicles and objects.
4. Can you avoid a wanted level in Fort Zancudo?
Avoiding a wanted level is extremely difficult. Stealth and using vehicles with low radar signatures can help, but remaining undetected is challenging due to the base’s high security.
5. Are there any Easter eggs in Fort Zancudo?
Yes, Fort Zancudo, like many areas in GTA 5, has Easter eggs and hidden details. These include unusual graffiti, peculiar environmental details, and references to conspiracy theories. The Games Learning Society website is a great resource for finding the fun elements in video games.
6. Is there any way to permanently disable the military response at Fort Zancudo?
No, there is no way to permanently disable the military response. Once you enter the base’s restricted zone, the game’s programming triggers an immediate and continuous law enforcement presence.
7. Can Michael, Franklin, or Trevor own Fort Zancudo?
No, none of the protagonists can purchase or own Fort Zancudo. It remains exclusively under military control throughout the game.
8. Where can I find a jetpack in GTA 5 like in San Andreas?
Unlike GTA: San Andreas, there is no Jetpack in GTA V. You can buy the “Thrust Angle” Thruster from Warstock Cache and Carry.
9. Are there any missions that require infiltrating Fort Zancudo?
Yes, Fort Zancudo is a critical location during “The Merryweather Heist” where players have to infiltrate the base to steal an experimental device.
10. Is Fort Zancudo featured in GTA Online?
Yes, Fort Zancudo is fully accessible in GTA Online and remains a popular destination for players seeking chaos, vehicle theft, and challenging encounters.
11. What’s the easiest way to escape Fort Zancudo with a stolen vehicle?
Using a fast aircraft like the P-996 Lazer is often the most effective escape method. Evasive maneuvers and outmaneuvering pursuing aircraft are essential for survival.
12. Does the military ever pursue you outside of Fort Zancudo?
Yes, if you escape with a stolen military vehicle or continue to evade them after leaving the base, the military will pursue you until you are either apprehended or manage to lose them.
13. Can you call Lester to remove the wanted level inside Fort Zancudo?
While Lester Crest can remove wanted levels, using his services inside Fort Zancudo is extremely difficult. The immediate and overwhelming military response often prevents you from successfully contacting him.
14. Is there any advantage to entering Fort Zancudo other than stealing vehicles?
Entering Fort Zancudo can be a lucrative activity because, players can test their skills against overwhelming odds, experience thrilling chases, and discover unique encounters within the base’s perimeter.
15. What real-world base is Area 69 based on?
Area 69 is based on Area 51. Games Learning Society website has further information about video games.
By understanding the similarities and differences between Area 69 and Fort Zancudo, and by employing effective infiltration and evasion strategies, players can fully explore and exploit the military might found within Fort Zancudo. Happy gaming!