The latest in a string of many updates has come to Grand Theft Auto Online with the new Arena War. The themes behind the update are mixtures of monster truck warfare, Mad Max, and Borderlands, but in Grand Theft Auto V. Rockstar would prefer to describe the newest addition as “automotive gladiatorial combat.” With many team and single player vehicle modes on the violent tracks, Rockstar has brought another unique piece of content to the ever expanding Online, along with discounts on weapons and equipment once a player steps out from the Arena.
Arena War introduces 7 vehicle game modes that are distinct and chaotic. The Carnage mode pits every player against each other in an all-out, weaponized car and bike brawl that only ends when there is one left standing. Flag War is the typical team-based capture the flag with the update’s chaotic twist of vehicle violence. Wreck It is a normal race, or “driving really fast and turning to the left,” where the first to cross the finish line is the winner. Tag Team throws one player from each team into the Arena to battle until they are tagged out like a wrestling match, and the spectator teammates have perks and equipment to help their fighter in the ring. Here Come the Monsters gives one team the advantage of monster trucks and the other team smaller cars with a bit more speed, with their goal simply being to survive. Finally, Hot Bomb is Arena War’s take on hot potato, except to get rid of the bomb, a player must collide with another before revving off. Check out some of the disorderly gameplay:
Players that drive in the Arena within the first week will receive double Grand Theft Auto monetary rewards and RP experience in Arena War activities. Those that play before December 17 will receive two exclusive T-shirts for their avatars. Some contenders in the Arena will make these activities an in-game “career” for their character and will wish to drive the best of machines. A website is available in the game to order and customize the meanest vehicles with names like Apocalypse and Nightmare.
Grand Theft Auto V has continued to add to its online gameplay over its five year lifespan and is available on PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.