5 ways how Chop from GTA 5 could have been utilized better
Chop from GTA 5 is Franklin's canine companion featured on certain missions and can even be found in freeroam. However, Rockstar Games could've better used the first dog companion in the Grand Theft Auto series in many ways. For instance, he should've been made immortal as his AI isn't smart enough to avoid dangerous situations. There should've also been a way to keep him during friend activities, and even involve him in these.
In light of this, we've compiled a comprehensive list of ways Rockstar could have used Chop from GTA 5 better.
Note: This article is subjective and only reflects the writer’s opinions.
5 ways Chop from GTA 5 would've been of better use
1) Made him immortal
Chop from GTA 5 can follow you around anywhere, but he can also get killed just as easily as you. Keeping two characters alive simultaneously in the chaotic map of San Andreas can be quite stressful. This is all the more annoying as Chop's AI can't avoid traffic all that well. He can also die pretty easily during gunfights.
This is why most Grand Theft Auto 5 players didn't bring Chop along. The hassle of fetching him again after he dies could've been avoided by making him immortal, like Dogmeat from Fallout 4.
2) Allowed in hangouts
You can bring Chop along for whatever you do while freeroaming, except when you decide to hang out with friends. Chop from GTA 5 will get in the front passenger seat when you're driving, but he can't get in the back. This makes it impossible to bring him along when you have a friend in tow. Rockstar should've let us bring Chop along when hanging out, as this could've led to some memorable moments.
3) Customizability
Chop from GTA 5 used to be somewhat customizable, but this was quite limited. With the now-defunct iFruit App, players could buy different colored collars which could then be used in-game on him. This could've been made part of the game instead of being a smartphone-exclusive feature.
In addition, there should've been more customization options for Chop, including more clothing/apparel, and possibly even toys and other items. Some games allow your pets' colors and physical properties to be customizable, which could also have been implemented to some degree.
4) Call him anywhere
Chop from GTA 5 won't just follow you everywhere. He has to be manually brought along. While he can usually be found in Franklin's backyard, it also means that if you're quite far away, like in Paleto Bay, you'll have to go all the way down to Los Santos. This is made more frustrating by the fact that Chop can die pretty easily, as mentioned.
So, there should've been a feature to spawn him next to you or close to you, just like how the Mechanic in Grand Theft Auto Online can send any vehicle to your location on the map.
5) Customizable stats
Chop from GTA 5 could be taught a variety of simple tricks and commands using the aforementioned iFruit App, including "sit" and "paw." His in-game behavior was impacted by his happiness meter in the iFruit app, which could be improved by playing some games. These are no longer possible as iFruit is defunct now, but this leads to an interesting idea.
Chop should've had some stats like the player characters, which could've been made customizable or upgradable. For instance, you can take him with you for different side missions, which would give him experience points that could then be spent on his stats, like speed an attack.
Chop from GTA 5: Is he present in GTA Online?
Yes, Chop from GTA 5 is present in Grand Theft Auto Online as well. He was added to the game after The Contract DLC was released in December 2021. Franklin and Lamar were also added back, so it's only natural that Chop would return. However, he is merely present as an NPC in the player's Agency property, often found sleeping in the protagonist's bed.