Exploring the vast ocean depths surrounding San Andreas offers one of the most immersive side activities in Grand Theft Auto 5. Players seeking to complete the Strangers and Freaks storyline must embark on a deep-sea treasure hunt to recover sunken collectibles scattered along the coastline. Understanding how to locate these items efficiently will save you considerable time while navigating the underwater terrain.
Unlocking the Submarine Parts Mission
Before starting your search across the map, you must complete the Blitz Play story mission and acquire the Sonar Collections Dock property located at Paleto Cove. Once purchased as Michael, you will meet Abigail Mathers, who tasks you with finding 30 scattered wreckage pieces from her late husband's vessel. Initiating this encounter grants access to a aquatic dinghy equipped with essential scuba diving equipment.
Equipping proper diving gear is automatic upon exiting the dinghy or submarine in deep water, allowing unlimited underwater exploration. Using the in-game Trackify app on your phone provides real-time sonar pings that guide you toward nearby submerged targets. Players looking to streamline their collection route can consult a complete to plan efficient travel paths around the island.
Navigating the Key Wreckage Locations
The 30 submarine parts are distributed underwater around the entirety of the San Andreas coastline, often resting within shipwrecks or submerged structures. Heavy concentrations of collectibles can be found near the port areas of Terminal, Elysian Island, and Palomino Highlands. Diving around sunken cargo freighters and plane crashes will reward attentive players with multiple pieces resting close together.
Caution is advised when searching deeper oceanic trenches, as sea life like great white sharks inhabit open water zones. Maintaining proximity to your dinghy ensures a quick escape route and keeps your Trackify radar operational during long searches. Systematically following the coastline clockwise or counterclockwise prevents backtrack confusion during your salvage run.
Mission Rewards and Final Outcomes
Gathering all 30 submarine parts unlocks the follow-up Strangers and Freaks mission titled What Lies Beneath. Returning to Abigail at Paleto Cove triggers the final dialogue scene, resolving the mystery behind the tragic submarine incident. While completing this collection quest is not strictly required for 100% game completion, it provides rich lore and unique underwater gameplay.
Additionally, exploring these underwater wreck locations frequently reveals hidden cash briefcases and weapon pickups on the sea floor. Taking the time to search every ocean zone fully enhances your overall experience in San Andreas while completing Michael's side story arc.
