It's wild how many hours people sink into GTA V and still never really go offshore. The ocean's not just filler; it's basically its own playground, and if you're even a little curious, the submarine parts hunt is a solid excuse to explore it. If you're coming back to the game late or you're setting up a new save with GTA 5 Modded Accounts, it's one of those side activities that feels different from the usual "drive here, shoot that" loop without turning into a grindy chore.

Getting it to actually trigger

First things first, this one's tied to Michael, so don't expect the full setup to fire with Franklin or Trevor. You need to push the story far enough to finish "The Merryweather Heist." After that, head up toward Paleto Cove and buy the Sonar Collections Dock. It's $250,000, and yeah, it can feel annoying, but it's the switch that flips everything on. Any character can buy the place, but you'll want to swap to Michael to start "Death at Sea" and meet Abigail, who lays out the whole deal about the wreck and why she wants the parts brought up.

Tools that make the hunt painless

Once you've spoken to Abigail, you're basically set. You get access to a Dinghy with sonar, plus scuba gear when you hop out, so you're not fighting the game just to stay alive underwater. Here's the rhythm: cruise in the boat, watch for the sonar ping, and you'll get a search area marked. Then dive. The Trackify app is the real MVP, though. Pop it open and follow the beeps toward the red blip, because the sea floor can get messy fast and visibility isn't always your friend down there.

Where players usually get stuck

Some pieces are practically freebies near the coast, but others are deep, tucked beside wreckage or wedged near rocks where your camera starts acting up. Kelp can block your view, and it's easy to lose your bearings when everything turns blue-green and quiet. A tip that saves time: don't chase the blip in a straight line if you're hitting terrain; loop around and approach from a different angle. Also, sharks aren't everywhere, but they show up often enough that you'll want to keep moving and not hover in one spot too long.

What makes it worth finishing

Collecting all 30 parts is less about the reward and more about the vibe—you end up touring corners of San Andreas most players never see, and it's oddly calming between louder missions. When you finally turn everything in, you get closure on Abigail's story, and it feels like a proper little detour, not just a checklist. And if you're the type who likes having options on hand for replaying side content without the long build-up, browsing cheap GTA 5 Accounts can make it easier to jump straight into the parts hunt on a fresh run without waiting around for the perfect point in the campaign.