The Elusive Security Van: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding It in GTA 5
The question of where to find the missing security van in GTA 5 is a common one among players, and rightfully so. These armored vehicles, carrying valuable deposits, are a tempting target in the chaotic world of Los Santos and Blaine County. While not explicitly “missing,” their elusive nature and unpredictable spawn points often make them feel that way. In short, security vans in GTA 5 spawn randomly at specific locations around the map during Freemode events, but here’s the crucial detail: they operate on a one-week in-game timer. This means that if you’ve recently encountered one, you likely won’t see another until this timer expires, and even then, only one will spawn. The first specific spawn point you hit after the timer expires will contain a van. This system, while intended to keep things interesting, can certainly be frustrating for players hoping to make a quick buck. However, knowing the key locations and understanding how the game’s spawning mechanics work will greatly increase your chances of successfully locating, and subsequently, liberating the security van’s precious cargo.
Understanding the Armored Truck Event
The “Armored Truck” freemode event is the primary way you encounter these valuable targets. It is not a continuously available feature. Instead, the game cycles through different types of random events. When the Armored Truck event is active, there are a handful of specific, predetermined locations where you might find these vehicles. These locations aren’t static; they vary across the map, making the search part of the challenge.
Key Spawn Locations
Here are the known spawn locations for the Armored Truck Event:
- Cascabel Avenue, Paleto Bay: This is a relatively northern location, often near the coastline.
- Grapeseed Main Street, Grapeseed: Located in the agricultural heartland of Blaine County, expect to find it within the main town area.
- Smoke Tree Road, Near Sandy Shores Airfield, Grand Senora Desert: The vast, desolate expanse of the desert hosts another spawn point near the airstrip.
It’s important to note these are not the only possible locations, but the most reliable. Other areas might occasionally spawn a truck, but these listed areas are your best bets.
How the Security Van Spawning Works
The one-week in-game timer is the biggest factor in the elusiveness of these vans. Once a truck has spawned for you, no other trucks will spawn until that timer resets. This is why simply driving around the map hoping to find one is typically unsuccessful. The game is designed to limit the frequency of this event.
Adding to the confusion, there is no explicit visual cue or notification when an Armored Truck event is available. Players must rely on their knowledge of spawn locations and a touch of luck to find one. You will not see any indicators on the map, you have to physically be present and nearby for a van to spawn, if it’s that week and in that location. This absence of a clear indicator contributes to the “missing” feeling many players experience. Once the timer expires, if you are in a location where a van is supposed to spawn, you will see one. If you drive out of the spawn area you may lose the van, but if you continue to drive around you should eventually encounter one.
Liberating the Deposit
Once you have located an armored truck, your objective is to stop it and access its valuable cargo. The most common method is to attack the truck, shooting at it to make it stop then to shoot the rear doors to get the briefcase out. You can use a variety of weapons, though explosives are often the most effective, but be mindful that you have to deal with the security guards and police. Once the doors are blown, a deposit case will drop out, which you can then collect. This case is usually worth a substantial amount of money, making the effort of finding and stopping the van worthwhile.
Related FAQs
Here are some additional Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about security vans and related aspects in GTA 5 to give you a deeper understanding of the game’s mechanics:
1. Why don’t security vans spawn for me?
The most likely reason is the one-week in-game timer is not expired. Wait a full week of in-game time and then look again, keeping in mind you might find the van on the first spawn point you visit. If you just had a truck event and you are looking for another, you may have to wait the full timer.
2. Can I find security vans in GTA 5 Story Mode?
Yes, but they are much less common than in GTA Online. The spawns tend to be more infrequent and less reliable in Story Mode. You won’t be able to do the specific event like you can in GTA Online.
3. Are security vans part of a specific mission?
No, the Armored Truck event is a Freemode event and is not related to any specific missions in either Story Mode or GTA Online. There are several missions involving vans, like the Lost in Transit mission which requires you to retrieve a stolen van.
4. Is the Gun Van the same as the Security Van?
No, the Gun Van is a separate entity introduced in the updates. The Gun Van is not an armored vehicle and serves as a mobile arms dealer. It has its own specific and scheduled spawn locations and functions differently from the armored security vans.
5. Where is the Gun Van located?
The Gun Van locations change every day in GTA Online and can be found using map markers in game, although you must be near it to view it, or by subscribing to GTA+. As of this article, the Gun Van is at the Palmer-Taylor Power Station.
6. Can I rob a bank like in the movies in GTA 5?
While you can rob banks in missions and heists, you cannot walk into a bank in Freemode and rob it at will. Bank robberies are part of specific missions in both Story Mode and GTA Online.
7. What is the most effective way to stop a security van?
Explosives like sticky bombs or grenades are generally the most effective way to stop a van quickly. However, be prepared to deal with the security guards and potentially the police.
8. How do I open the back of a security van?
You must damage the back doors using weapons, ideally explosives. The doors are not designed to be opened by hand in this event.
9. What happens if I fail to get the deposit case?
If the police destroy the case, or another player collects it, it will be gone and cannot be recovered until another truck event spawns.
10. Are there any other ways to find valuable goods in GTA 5?
Yes, there are various other Freemode events, such as the crate drops, vehicle export events, and more. These events also randomly spawn and present opportunities for valuable pickups.
11. How do I access Security Contracts?
To access Security Contracts you must first own an Agency and you can then use the laptop in the Agency to choose and start them.
12. Is Trevor’s house locked?
Yes, initially, Trevor’s house is locked until you complete the mission “Damaged Goods.” It’s part of the story progression and unlocks after that mission.
13. Where do I find a Deludamol van for Mrs. Phillips?
Deludamol vans can typically be found near hospitals and pharmacies. A reliable place is the Dollar Pills store in Strawberry.
14. What is Deathwish in GTA 5?
Deathwish is the canonical ending of GTA 5, where Michael, Franklin, and Trevor survive. Choosing the other ending means one or more of these characters will not make it.
15. Can I buy multiple houses for Michael, Franklin, or Trevor?
No, in single player mode you cannot purchase additional houses for the main characters. You are limited to their initial default homes.
Conclusion
Finding the missing security van in GTA 5 is about understanding the game’s mechanics, knowing the spawn locations, and having a bit of patience. The one-week in-game timer and the random nature of the event might make it seem like the vans are missing, but they’re simply waiting for the right moment to appear. With the information provided, you’ll be well-equipped to locate, stop, and claim the valuable deposits from these elusive armored vehicles. Keep an eye out for the event and be ready to take advantage when opportunity strikes!