The 12-Year Puzzle That Baffled Gamers
For nearly 12 years, fans of Grand Theft Auto V were left scratching their heads over the mysterious Mount Chiliad mural. The strange drawings and cryptic symbols sparked endless theories about their meaning, with many players convinced Rockstar Games had hidden something big in plain sight.
Now, a gamer known as Gator Keys may have cracked the code. In a recent YouTube video, he explained how the mural is actually a map-like guide that leads players to the game’s most elusive secret: an alien UFO encounter only visible after reaching 100% game completion.
Breaking Down the Symbols
According to the theory, the mural’s three main symbols represent a journey:
- The egg – symbolizes the player and their progress toward full completion.
- The jetpack – hints at ascending or “looking up” to discover hidden UFOs.
- The saucer with the all-seeing eye – represents the final alien craft waiting at the summit of Mount Chiliad.
At the mountain’s peak, a message reads: “Come back when your story is complete.” But completing the main storyline isn’t enough. Players need to finish 100% of the game’s content, including side missions and secrets, to unlock the UFO event.
The mysterious “X” marks on the mural point to three additional locations tied to the UFO appearances: Mount Chiliad itself, the hippie camp near Sandy Shores, and the Altruist cult camp. Each location triggers UFO sightings under specific conditions such as nighttime, thunderstorms, or exact map positions.
The Government Conspiracy Angle
The biggest twist in Gator Keys’ theory is the involvement of the FIB (the game’s version of the FBI). He suggests that the UFOs are not truly alien, but instead creations of the FIB. The mural and its symbols reflect a deeper conspiracy: a commentary on government control and surveillance.
“The UFOs are the FIB. They are the all-seeing eye. It’s a metaphor for how those in power control the population,” he explains. This theory ties into the in-game location “Beam Me Up,” where FIB-placed UFOs supposedly hover above, worshipped by NPC hippies who mistake them for real aliens.
Community Reactions and Skepticism
As with any fan theory, reactions have been mixed. Some players argue that UFOs can appear even without the mural’s guidance, while others believe Gator Keys has uncovered only part of a much bigger secret. Critics also say that if this is the true solution, it feels “a little underwhelming” after more than a decade of speculation.
Nevertheless, the theory adds fresh fuel to the ongoing GTA conspiracy culture, which thrives on uncovering Rockstar’s most hidden Easter eggs.
Looking Ahead to GTA 6
With GTA 6 expected in 2025, fans won’t have long to theorize before Rockstar drops a new batch of mysteries. The upcoming game will follow Lucia and Jason in what’s promised to be the franchise’s largest story campaign ever. In the latest trailer, fans even spotted what might be the first child character in GTA history, sparking yet another wave of speculation.
Conclusion
The Mount Chiliad mystery may not be fully resolved, but Gator Keys’ explanation offers the most compelling interpretation yet. Whether it’s an alien secret or government conspiracy, the puzzle perfectly reflects Rockstar’s ability to keep players guessing for over a decade. And with GTA 6 on the horizon, it’s safe to say the mystery-hunting tradition is far from over.
