GTA V: Here’s How to Switch Weapons & Change Gun Inventory
Grand Theft Auto has always involved combat elements, which naturally include a selection of numerous weapons. But, considering the weapon system has been revamped with more recent releases, many fans are curious to know how to switch weapons and change gun inventory in GTA 5.
GTA 5 Weapons System
GTA 5 offers players a vast selection of weapons, including handguns, powerful rifles, and even thrown weapons such as explosives. There’s something for every kind of player, whether you prefer sniping opponents from a distance or appreciate an in-your-face “guns blazing” approach.
But, the new weapons system has been tricky for some players, including new GTA 5 fans as well as gamers who have been supporting the GTA franchise for many years. This is because the weapons system introduced with the release of GTA 5 (GTA V) is slightly different from previous versions of the game, and it’s relatively scarce compared to many other titles within the same genre.
Weapon Wheel in GTA 5: Explained
Unlike previous GTA titles, the weapon system in GTA 5 holds more weapons – offering more flexibility to players. Instead of having to scroll through all of the player’s weapons like in older releases, players can now use a wheel to change their weapons (similar to the Radio Wheel and Character Wheel).
Thanks to the introduction of this new weapons system, players can hold more than one weapon within the same weapon class. For example, in GTA IV, players would be unable to hold an SMG and a Micro SMG at the same time, but this sort of loadout is possible in GTA 5, thanks to the new Weapon Wheel.
GTA 5’s Weapon Wheel features eight different slots designated to different weapon classes. Below is an overview of the Weapon Wheel’s structure, as well as how different weapons are sorted within the GTA 5 weapons system.
| Weapon Wheel Location | GTA 5 Weapon Class | Weapon Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Handguns | Pistol, Combat Pistol, AP Pistol, Stun Gun, Pistol .50, SNS Pistol, Heavy Pistol, Vintage Pistol, Flare Gun, Marksman Pistol, Heavy Revolver, Double-Action Revolver, Up-n-Atomizer, Ceramic Pistol, Navy Revolver, and Perico Pistol. |
| Top Right | Machine Guns | Micro SMG, SMG, Assault SMG, Combat PDW, Machine Pistol, MG, Combat MG, Gusenberg Sweeper, Mini SMG, and Unholy Hellbringer. |
| Right | Assault Rifles | Assault Rifle, Carbine Rifle, Advanced Rifle, Special Carbine, Bullpup Rifle, Compact Rifle, and Heavy Rifle. |
| Bottom Right | Sniper Rifles | Sniper Rifle, Heavy Sniper Rifle, and Marksman Rifle. |
| Bottom | Melee | Fist, Knife, Nightstick, Hammer, Baseball Bat, Crowbar, Golf Club, Broken Bottle, Antique Cavalry Dagger, Hatchet, Knuckle Dusters, Machete, Flashlight, Switchblade, Pipe Wrench, Pool Cue, Battle Axe, and Stone Hatchet. |
| Bottom Left | Shotguns | Shotgun, Sawed-Off Shotgun, Assault Shotgun, Bullpup Shotgun, Musket, Heavy Shotgun, Double Barreled Shotgun, and Sweeper Shotgun. |
| Left | Heavy | Grenade Launcher, RPG, Minigun, Firework Launcher, Rail Gun, Homing Launcher, Compact Grenade Launcher, Widowmaker, and Compact EMP Launcher. |
| Top Left | Thrown | Grenade, Sticky Bomb, Proximity Mines, Tear Gas, Molotov Cocktail, Jerry Can, Ball, Snowballs, and Pipe Bomb. |
The center of the Weapon Wheel displays the details of the highlighted weapon when selected. The slot will show the weapon’s name, the inventory place as well as the total of the weapon type, and all of the attachments that have been added to the weapon – such as suppressors or flashlights.
Switching Weapons & Changing Gun Inventory
Accessing the Weapon Wheel in GTA 5 is pretty simple once you know which keys to press. In addition, there is no limit as to how many weapons can be held at a time, meaning players will need to cycle through all of their weapons by category.
However, players will need to make sure that they are not inside a car, as the Weapon Wheel can only be accessed while the player’s GTA 5 character is on foot. From there, follow the steps below to access your chosen weapon.
- Open up the Weapon Wheel by holding down the L1 button (PS3), the LB button (Xbox 360), or the Tab key (PC). Make sure to keep the button pressed down while you’re still using the Weapon Wheel. In-game time will slow down as long as the Weapon Wheel is open in GTA 5 Story Mode, and releasing the relative button or key will result in the Weapon Wheel disappearing.
- Scroll through each of the 8 Weapon Wheel sections. Players can select between the weapon classes by using the left stick on consoles (PS3 and Xbox 360) or by hovering over the section using the mouse (PC).
- From there, players can view the weapons in the relative weapons class. Scroll through the available weapons within that category by using the right and left buttons on the D-pad for consoles (PS3 and Xbox 360), or by using the directional arrow keys (PC).
- Players can then check weapon info, which is indicated beneath the icon of each gun. This would include things like the amount of available ammunition, any attachments, as well as the weapon’s stats (in the right-hand corner).
- Once you’ve found your chosen weapon and are ready to equip it, simply make sure that the weapon is highlighted and release the held-down button or key. Once the player exits the Weapon Wheel, the character will automatically have the selected weapon equipped.
Alternatively, players can scroll down the mouse wheel and cycle through each of the guns in the character’s inventory. Players can also use the number keys, if applicable in order to cycle through weapons.
With the second alternative method, players can press 1 for Handguns (for example) and press the same number key multiple times in order to cycle through each of the weapons within that weapons class. These methods will not affect in-game time, while the main method of bringing up the entire Weapon Wheel will slow down the game – allowing enough time to select your weapon.
It’s great to know that there are additional methods for switching weapons on the spot, but it can leave players vulnerable in some situations. The primary method of bringing up the Weapon Wheel is seen as a safer option, making it the chosen method for the majority of GTA 5 players.
That’s everything there is to know about the Weapon Wheel in GTA 5, with images thanks to the GTA Wiki. While many players have found some issues when learning how to use this new weapons system, it’s actually proven to be far simpler and more popular among players when compared to previous GTA releases.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!