zaro

How to swim in GTA 5?

Published in GTA 5 Controls 3 mins read

To swim in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5), your character will automatically begin to swim when entering any body of water, such as an ocean, lake, or pool.

Basic Swimming Controls (PC)

Navigating through the water in GTA 5 is straightforward on PC, using standard keyboard inputs. These controls allow you to move on the surface, dive underwater, and resurface efficiently.

Here's a breakdown of the primary swimming controls:

Action PC Controls Description
Move Forward W Propel your character forward on the surface or underwater.
Move Backward S Swim backward on the surface.
Swim Left A Move your character to the left, both on the surface and while submerged.
Swim Right D Move your character to the right, both on the surface and while submerged.
Dive Deeper Hold W + Left Shift Press W (forward) and simultaneously hold Left Shift to dive down and swim deeper underwater.
Swim Up/Surface Hold S + Left Shift Press S (backward) and simultaneously hold Left Shift to ascend towards the surface from underwater.
Sprint/Fast Swim Hold Left Shift Swim faster, whether on the surface or underwater. This consumes stamina.
Look Around Mouse Use your mouse to control the camera view and look around your surroundings.

Diving and Swimming Underwater

To explore the vast underwater environments of Los Santos and Blaine County, you'll need to master diving and submerged movement:

  • Initiating a Dive: When on the surface, simply press the W key to move forward and then hold down Left Shift along with W to begin diving beneath the surface.
  • Underwater Navigation:
    • To swim left underwater, press the A key.
    • To swim right underwater, press the D key.
    • To dive deeper, continue holding W and Left Shift.
  • Surfacing: To swim back up to the water's surface, hold the S key and Left Shift simultaneously. Your character will ascend until they break the water's surface.

Managing Stamina Underwater

Your character has a limited breath capacity underwater, indicated by a blue bar that appears when submerged. This is tied to your character's stamina stat.

  • Oxygen Depletion: Holding your breath or sprinting underwater will deplete this bar.
  • Drowning: If the oxygen bar runs out, your character will begin to drown and take damage, eventually leading to death if you don't surface in time.
  • Increasing Stamina: You can improve your character's stamina by performing various physical activities in the game, such as running, cycling, or swimming regularly. Higher stamina allows for longer periods underwater and faster swimming.

Tips for Effective Swimming

  • Underwater Exploration: GTA 5 features a rich underwater world with hidden treasures, unique fauna, and even mission objectives. Don't hesitate to dive and explore.
  • Escape Route: Water can often be an excellent escape route from law enforcement or enemies, as many vehicles cannot follow you into deep water.
  • Practice: Familiarize yourself with the controls in a safe environment, like a swimming pool, before attempting long-distance swims in the ocean.