Grand Theft Auto V's Least Violent Activities

Image via Complex Original

Just like in real life, there are few things more relaxing—to certain demographics, at least—than a good game of golf. And considering golf is just one activity of many in GTA V, Rockstar got it surprisingly right.

You can switch between different clubs and adjust your shot, then flick the stick to control power and ball spin. And the experience is as authentic as you want; you can walk or drive a golf cart to the next shot, or simple press a button and be teleported to your ball. Convenient!

For some reason one of our favorite things to do in Grand Theft Auto games is to simply try to drive with traffic. It's harder than it sounds!

A bit like the missions where you have to tail someone without them seeing you, driving while following the rules of the road requires a lot of patience and precision. Why do red lights in the game feel so much longer than in real life? At least the traffic isn't nearly as bad as real Los Angeles commutes.

One of the greatest moments in Grand Theft Auto IV was flying to the Statue of Happiness (that game's parody of the Statue of Liberty), skydiving inside, and seeing the city's chained-up, beating heart. We haven't found anything like that in GTA V yet, but there's still plenty to see around Rockstar's fictional California.

The game features satirized versions of tons of real world Los Angeles landmarks: the Santa Monica pier with its carnival rides, Venice Beach's boardwalk and Muscle Beach, Hollywood and Sunset Blvds. ("Vinewood" and "Eclipse" in the game), Grauman's Chinese Theater on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Echo Park, the "Vinewood" sign on its hill, the Griffith Observatory—the list goes on. Grab a map and see the sights!

While you're playing the part of the tourist and seeing the sights on Vinewood Boulevard, stop by Grauman's Chinese Theater—or one of the game's other movie theaters—and take in a show. While you're at it, call someone in your phone and invite them along to earn some friendship points.

And yes, you can really buy a ticket and sit through an entire movie. Not sure why you'd want to—but this is a list about taking breaks, right?

Because why train for months, like most people do, when you can simply crash your car onto the beach and sign up moments before the event starts?

In real life a triathlon is a strenuous test of will, endurance, speed, and strength. Triathlons in Grand Theft Auto V are tedious stretches of mashing on the "A/X" button to go faster. But hey, at least it will get your strength and stamina up.

You need one, you dirty hippie. Or maybe that's just us—that's what we get for giving all three character big, bushy beards as soon as we started.

On the plus side, now our Franklin looks a bit like Questlove.

Tennis is actually one of the most complex mini games in GTA V. Deceptively so, since it looks like you're just running around mashing buttons.

Actually, every face button on the controller is a different type of swing, and you're meant to keep your opponent guessing. If you can get the hang of it it's actually pretty fun, and it totally fits with Michael's bored-rich-ex-criminal-having-a-midlife-crisis thing.

Outside of a few missions, it's actually not that easy to go scuba diving. That's a shame, especially considering how heavily it factored into Rockstar's marketing for Grand Theft Auto V.

As far as we know you can never get flippers outside of missions, which also sucks, since you move so slowly underwater without them. But if you find the right boat (check out this video for an explanation) you can at least get the mask and tank, allowing you to stay under indefinitely and hunt for treasures and sea monsters all you want (no idea if you'll find any, though).

This one may seem obvious, but don't skip it just because it's everywhere. Going skydiving is one of the best thrills in the game (besides the ultra creepy two-girl lap dances).

And unlike in most games, you have a good deal of control over your speed and trajectory. So it's actually possible to hit your target. Skydiving spots are located all over the city—try to complete them all!

You'll be forced to do yoga in one mandatory Michael mission, and granted, it's not that fun. But we're told that you have to do it a lot for it to start having an effect.

Luckily, there's a better spot for it than Michael's backyard, too. If you're willing to make the trek out and climb a mountain, you can find your center in a pretty picturesque spot. Look for it on the map if you're bored.

What else do you do in Grand Theft Auto V that doesn't involve headshots or blowing up as many cars as possible before the Army takes you out? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter.