What Guns Can I Use While Driving in GTA?
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The world of Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is a chaotic one, where high-speed chases and gunfights are part of everyday life. Being able to shoot effectively while driving is crucial for both survival and completing missions. So, what firearms can you actually use behind the wheel in GTA 5 and GTA Online? The answer is that your options are more limited than on foot. You can use pistols, certain submachine guns (SMGs), and specific shotguns from motorcycles. However, the type of vehicle you’re driving will also affect your weapon choice. Below, we’ll break down exactly what you can use and what works best.
The Best Drive-By Weapons in GTA
Pistols
Most standard pistols are usable while driving. These include the default Pistol, Combat Pistol, AP Pistol, and Heavy Pistol. They offer decent stopping power and accuracy at close to medium ranges. The key thing to remember is that not all weapons are created equal for drive-bys; your choice makes a significant difference in combat.
Submachine Guns (SMGs)
Here’s where things get more specific. Not all SMGs can be fired from inside your vehicle. Typically, only the Micro SMG, the Mini SMG and the Machine Pistol can be used from vehicles. As the article extract above stated, the Tactical SMG is a great choice for drive-by’s as well. This makes the Micro SMG a more viable option than other SMGs for drive-bys. The regular Uzi is another option for use in cars. Unfortunately, other SMGs like the MP5 and assault SMG can’t be used in a car.
Shotguns
While shotguns aren’t generally the best choice for drive-bys, the Sawed-off Shotgun, the Double Barrel Shotgun and the Sweeper Shotgun can be fired when riding a motorcycle, along with melee weapons. This can be advantageous if you’re using a motorcycle for travel and combat.
The Superior Choice: AP Pistol
Out of all of these options, the AP Pistol stands out as the best choice for drive-bys. It delivers better damage, has a superior accuracy, and a faster reload time compared to the Micro SMG, all while being usable from inside any car. It also has surprisingly high effectiveness against vehicles, which is handy in car combat.
How to Shoot While Driving
Shooting while driving takes practice and familiarity with the controls. Here’s a breakdown:
- Aiming: To aim, you need to use the aim button (L1 on PlayStation, LB on Xbox).
- Firing: To shoot, hold down the fire button (R1 on PlayStation, RB on Xbox) while aiming.
- Control Setting Bug: Sometimes your control settings will impact aiming and firing. Check your control setting for “Driveby Control Type”. This can be found in the game settings under the “Controls” tab. If it is set to “Aim + Fire” then L1 will aim and R1 will fire. If the setting is “Fire” L1 will both aim and fire.
- Motorcycles: When riding a motorcycle, you can shoot straight ahead by pressing the fire button or to the side by pressing the aim button and using the analog stick to select the direction you wish to shoot. You can only shoot to the sides in a car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about shooting while driving in GTA, providing deeper insight into specific mechanics and limitations:
1. Can I use any weapon while driving in GTA?
No, you cannot use all weapons while driving in GTA. Generally, only pistols and select SMGs can be used from inside cars, while the choices are a little broader for motorcycles and include a few shotguns as well.
2. Why can’t I use assault rifles in a vehicle?
Assault rifles are designed to be two-handed weapons, making them unsuitable for drive-bys. The game restricts their usage while driving or riding for balance and realism.
3. Is the Micro SMG MK II usable from cars?
No, the MKII upgrades don’t change the base weapon’s usage limitations. The Micro SMG MK II is usable on a motorcycle, but not from inside a car.
4. What is the most effective drive-by weapon in GTA?
The AP Pistol is widely considered the most effective drive-by weapon due to its high damage output, accuracy, and fast reload.
5. Can I use the Heavy Sniper while driving?
No, sniper rifles are not usable while driving or riding. They are designed for long-range engagements and require a steady position.
6. Are shotguns useful for drive-bys in GTA?
While most shotguns aren’t usable in cars, the Sawed-off, Double Barrel, and Sweeper Shotguns can be used on a motorcycle. However, their short range makes them less effective for drive-bys compared to SMGs or the AP Pistol.
7. What’s the best way to disable another car in GTA?
The Compact EMP Launcher is designed to disable vehicles with its EMP projectiles. It is a much more effective option than shooting a vehicle with a standard weapon.
8. How do I improve my accuracy when shooting from a car?
Practice makes perfect. Try driving around in a safe area, like an empty parking lot, and shooting at stationary objects. Additionally, try the various driving control types that the game offers to see which one you are most comfortable with.
9. Can I shoot backwards while driving?
No, you cannot shoot directly backwards while driving a car in GTA. You can only shoot to the left or right.
10. Can I use melee weapons while driving?
Melee weapons can only be used while riding a motorcycle and are used by pressing the same button you would use to swing the weapon on foot.
11. What is the “Driveby Control Type” setting?
The “Driveby Control Type” setting in the game determines whether the aim button aims and fires or whether the fire button is separate from the aim button. It is recommended that you try both settings to find out which you prefer.
12. Why can’t I shoot while driving in some situations?
There may be occasions when the game disables your ability to shoot while driving for specific reasons, such as during some story missions, and your current game settings may be different than what you expect.
13. What are the best settings for drive-by shooting?
Experiment with your control settings to find what works for you. Some people prefer separate aim and fire buttons, while others prefer using one button to do both.
14. Does my Driving Skill affect shooting?
No, your driving skill primarily affects how well you can drive, wheelie, and handle jumps. It does not affect your accuracy while shooting from a vehicle.
15. What are some strategies for winning drive-by battles?
Use cover, take wide turns and time your shots. Try to focus fire on the driver of an enemy vehicle to eliminate it quickly and always carry extra ammo for your preferred drive-by weapon.
In conclusion, understanding the nuances of vehicle combat in GTA can significantly improve your gameplay. While your arsenal is limited while driving or riding, selecting the right weapon and mastering the controls can turn you into a driving force on the streets of Los Santos.