In Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V), the way you acquire and customize weapons is integral to enhancing your gameplay experience, blending both story progression and in-game economy. Here’s a detailed overview of how this system operates:

Weapon Acquisition

1. Progression Through Missions: Throughout the narrative, players unlock various weapons by completing story missions and engaging in side activities. Completing these tasks often rewards you with new weapons and ammo at no cost.

2. Ammu-Nation Stores: After progressing through certain missions, players receive in-game emails notifying them of newly available weapons for purchase at Ammu-Nation, the franchise’s iconic weapon store. Here, a variety of firearms and some melee weapons can be bought.

Weapon Customization

Single-Player GTA V
– The options for customizing weapons are relatively basic. Players can visit Ammu-Nation to purchase up to a limited number of attachments (such as scopes, grips, and suppressors) after acquiring weapons. The customization is straightforward, mainly focusing on enhancing weapons’ performance with standard modifications.

GTA Online
– Expanded Customization Options: When it comes to GTA Online, weapon customization becomes significantly more creative and intricate. Players can make use of multiple avenues for upgrades:

– Ammu-Nation: Players can still purchase weapons along with basic attachments, variable ammo types, and tints to modify the weapon’s appearance.

– Weapon Workshops: These specialized workshops located at personal properties like the Mobile Operations Center (MOC), Avenger, Terrorbyte, or Kosatka allow for significant upgrades. Players can transform weapons into Mk II variants, which unlock additional enhancements such as advanced customization options and access to special ammo types.

– Agency Armory: If you own an Agency property, you can purchase weapons at discounted rates, upgrade them to Mk II variants, and also access essential gear like body armor.

– Gun Locker Add-ons: Properties can feature a Gun Locker, which enables players to manage their weapon loadout visibility directly from the weapon wheel, providing ease of access to preferred armaments during gameplay.

Special Weapons
In addition to the standard weapon acquisition methods, players can unlock special or secret weapons by collecting parts scattered across the expansive game world or completing specific challenges. After fulfilling certain criteria, these unique weapons may also become available for direct purchase at a premium price.

Summary
In summary, the process of acquiring and customizing weapons in GTA V not only drives the storyline forward but also enriches the game’s economy and player engagement. Players enjoy a robust system where they can collect weapons through gameplay and then enhance their arsenal’s performance and aesthetics, especially in GTA Online, where customization options are both extensive and pivotal to successful gameplay. This system provides a dynamic blend of narrative progress and player agency, allowing for deeper immersion and strategic choice in both single-player and online modes.