It's hard to think of a better starting location than Grove Street in the GTA series.
It is important to clarify that the starting location of each GTA game differs from game to game. Essentially, they are the protagonist's first place of residence, although they can also be the first place where the player has to fulfill some missions.
Naturally, the GTA series has over a dozen starting locations. The 2D universe GTA games will not be discussed here, as saves and missions work differently in these games. Still, Johnson's hideout and several key missions take place in GTA San Andreas' Grove Street, which makes it feel like one of the most influential early areas in the series.
How Grove Street is the best starting location in the GTA series
Ultimately, Grove Street is where GTA San Andreas begins and ends. Although the player does not literally start in Grove Street, the game still requires them to go there to start the game's first real mission. Of course, this is also where the game ends, as End of the Line brings the entire plot to its climax in this location.
No other starting location is as important. In other games in the 3D universe, the protagonist moves to a better location as the game progresses. GTA 5 starts with Franklin, and its default areas are incredibly small in the grand scheme of things.
What makes Grove Street stand out
In addition to the aforementioned point, Grove Street also has a number of other great features that make it feel like the best starting place for a GTA game.
For starters, a Hydra spawns on Sweet's roof if the player has 100% completion in GTA San Andreas. There is also a Rhino under the bridge near Ganton, which is highly convenient for the player.
However, most GTA San Andreas players will remember how Johnson's Hideout can generate up to $10.000 in profit every day. In addition, those who sprayed all brands also receive some weapons in the kitchen.
What other departure locations lack in comparison
Aside from the other GTA games ending in a different place, it's worth noting that these start locations tend to be less important to the overall storyline. The only exception would be Lost MC Clubhouse in GTA 4: The Lost and Damned.
Technically, the Lost MC Clubhouse is more relevant to most of the game than Grove Street is to GTA San Andreas. While CJ is in San Fierro and Las Venturas, Grove Street is not as relevant. But it's important to note that GTA San Andreas is a much bigger game overall.
Related: GTA 5 Event Week for July 25, 2021Not only that, but it's from a mainline title, which means GTA fans are more likely to fondly remember Grove Street rather than a location from a GTA 4 spin-off.
Also, the Lost MC Clubhouse is destroyed at the end of GTA 4: The Lost and Damned, not to mention that the Lost MC's reputation is also tarnished thanks to Trevor Philips in GTA 5.
Of course, other GTA games aren't like GTA San Andreas or The Lost and Damned. In these games, the start location often serves as a tutorial level, before the player progresses to something bigger and better.
Naturally, this means players are less inclined to get emotionally involved in these early areas. Something like the Ocean View Hotel is memorable, but it's nowhere near as important or useful as Grove Street in GTA San Andreas.
Note: This article reflects the writer's personal views.
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