Traces of Unimplemented Climbing Mechanics Found in Grand Theft Auto 5

Game file miner Lucas7yoshi_RS has found remnants of an unused climbing mechanic in GTA 5's code that Rockstar Games ultimately decided not to include in the final version of the game. The elements found indicate that characters would have been able to climb pipes, walls, and other vertical surfaces using mechanics that combined elements of GTA 4's ledge-climbing and L.A. Noire's climbing.

The system, referred to in the files as "handholds," was an early development system that would have greatly enhanced gameplay. However, the studio apparently scrapped the idea, possibly to focus on other elements of the project. The developers' primary focus was subsequently on developing and supporting the online mode Grand Theft Auto Online, which became a key component of the game.