Complete Arsenal & Combat System Breakdown

Rockstar Games has replaced GTA V's infinite weapon wheel with a realistic, physics-driven combat loop inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2:

1. Physical Inventory & Vehicle Trunk Storage

  • Concealed Sidearms: Players can carry up to two sidearms (pistols, revolvers, compact SMGs) in visible hip or shoulder holsters under clothing.
  • Shoulder Slings: One heavy rifle or shotgun can be carried across the back via a shoulder sling.
  • Trunk Weapon Cache: Storing extra heavy weapons, sniper rifles, and rocket launchers in your vehicle trunk acts as your mobile armory.

2. Ballistics & Firearm Customization

  • Attachments: Upgrade weapons with suppressors, extended drum magazines, holographic sights, laser pointers, and ergonomic grips.
  • Caliber & Armor Penetration: Different calibers penetrate body armor and vehicle doors with varying stopping power. Heavy 7.62mm rifle rounds pierce light car doors, while 9mm pistol rounds ricochet off reinforced glass.

3. Dual-Wielding & Hand-to-Hand Melee

  • Dual Pistol Stance: Equip two sidearms simultaneously for high-rate-of-fire close-quarters engagements.
  • Advanced Melee Mechanics: Dodge, parry, grab, and use environmental melee finishers using knives, baseball bats, or bare fists.

Tactical Analysis by Vic Duval

To dominate combat encounters across Vice City, keep these tactical guidelines in mind:

1. The Weapon Wheel Redesign

You cannot carry 50 weapons on your person. Always equip a versatile primary rifle before starting robbery missions, and keep heavy ordinance (RPGs, Grenade Launchers) in your trunk cache until needed.

2. Suppressors for Clean Getaways

Store robberies equipped with suppressed sidearms delay witness calls and prevent automatic 3-star wanted levels from triggering immediately.

3. Weapons Database Hub

Check our dedicated /weapons hub for confirmed weapon tier lists and damage breakdowns.