PSA(?) - Influence Research Item Choice

[sl_aio]

Edited with both with or without fast track research.

Possibly won't have much time the next days, so this quick and dirty post should do.

Still trying to answer questions occasionally.

 

Hey,

I found a method to get another chance at a "better" item from research at your bunker.

I don't know exactly if this has been found already (I tried to search), but I tried this method out of curiosity and it surprisingly worked for me.

Basically, you close the game without saving.

 

Note: This only applies to the next item that is being chosen after your current one. There is no way to alter the current item with this method.

 

 

Steps without fast tracking:

(Reports say it might not work on PC! The server saving your status might handle it differently compared to consoles.)

 

- be supplied

- set spawn location to your bunker (or maybe anything close. Not sure because of the game saving. Maybe it does not progress if you aren't a CEO)

- get your research bar as high as possible (not full) to reduce time

- force a save before the bar is full as a "savepoint"

(- if you are a little too late, don't save and close the game immediately)

- wait until you bar is full and check the laptop for the item that is being researched

- if you don't want that particular item, close the game without saving

- after a restart the bar should be reset to close to full and you'll wait again until it is filled

- next time there should be a different random item to be researched

- at this point just close the game and retry until the desired item appears

 

Additional edit: To make it clear, if the desired item finally appears, DO force a save or play until the game does it anyways.

 

 

Steps with fast tracking:

 

- access your laptop

- before selecting/confirming to fast track, disconnect from the internet (make sure there is a way of not getting kicked on your platform. For me, I unplug the internet connection of my network switch, so the PS4 does not register)

- confirm fast tracking research and wait for the next item to pop up

- if it's good, reconnect to the internet and save/play

- if it isn't, close the game before reconnecting to the internet

- repeat as needed

 

 

I can confirm it working for me on PS4, but it should probably work for all platforms.

I have no idea if this works with fast-tracking the research. It might or might not work. Maybe block your internet connection momentarily, idk...

 

And yes, it does waste time, but it potentially saves time and money over waiting for the research the regular way.

 

 

I hope it helps!

Edited June 17, 2017 by sl_aio

[fryday]

will try soon.

 

But why do you need to be supplied? Is it essentially?

[sl_aio]

will try soon.

 

But why do you need to be supplied? Is it essentially?

Not really, only for that last tiny bit research has to progress. So I thought I'd list it.

[Lubas]

Anyone else tried this yet?

 

And how do you force a save actually?

[REXX]

Anyone else tried this yet?

 

And how do you force a save actually?

You can force save by applying and unapplying an accessory, armor or parachute.

[Jimbatron]

Normally the game saves on close. Presumably you're shutting your internet connection down or something before exiting?

[Zoolock]

Awesome I only wanted the ammo upgrades.

[MitchMaljers]

Normally the game saves on close. Presumably you're shutting your internet connection down or something before exiting?

Doesn't quiting the game on your dashboard simply close the game without saving?

[sl_aio]

Normally the game saves on close. Presumably you're shutting your internet connection down or something before exiting?

Doesn't quiting the game on your dashboard simply close the game without saving?

Exactly this. You don't quit the game to story mode or similar. You close the game via dashboard/console function, also Alt+F4 on PC, I'd guess. This way the game has no chance to trigger/upload your save to the servers.

 

Same idea like closing the game in LSC to discard changes you made to your vehicle.

[kenmy13999]

Tried this and it didn't work for me. I may have had bad luck and it somehow saved before I closed the game and I'm not sure when the last save was, so I'll check it one more time and make sure I have a save before I click fast research

[whywontyoulisten]

What, so after spending hours researching a particular item, and saving whilst doing so, the game somehow forgets what it was doing after a forced closure with a full bar?

[kenmy13999]

What, so after spending hours researching a particular item, and saving whilst doing so, the game somehow forgets what it was doing after a forced closure with a full bar?

If you were answering me, no but it finished the research so I had to start a new one. I must have saved just when research was finished

[sl_aio]

What, so after spending hours researching a particular item, and saving whilst doing so, the game somehow forgets what it was doing after a forced closure with a full bar?

I guess I get what you mean, but no, it applies to the next item that is researched, not the current one.

 

So you let the bar become almost full, force a save as close to this point as you like (to minimize waiting), then you wait until the bar is full and you temporarily unlock your current item. Nothing you can do about that.

But the next item you can check on your laptop does get chosen randomly now. In case it isn't the one you want, close the game.

Restart the game and the research bar is restored to the point where you last saved and the current item is locked again.

Then you wait again until the bar is full and you check the next item on your laptop again, if it's the desired one or not.

Repeat as often as needed.

 

 

I hope this does work for anyone besides me, since it is a similar exploit to other methods abusing closing the game like going into LSC to test paintjobs or something...

 

It works flawlessly for me on PS4, even after cold rebooting it.

Edited June 15, 2017 by sl_aio

[sl_aio]

Tried this and it didn't work for me. I may have had bad luck and it somehow saved before I closed the game and I'm not sure when the last save was, so I'll check it one more time and make sure I have a save before I click fast research

That would be very unfortunate... I can only speak for the regular way, without fast tracking.

The game sometimes is saving very quickly when there is money spent. This might be the case here.

You could try to block the internet connection temporarily, if your setup allows it. Re-enable it after confirming it to be the right item.

 

Regardless, I have some money to spare. Might as well try fast tracking myself.

Will get back to you.

 

 

Edit, big one:

I did test it twice using fast tracking research.

Can confirm it working by disconnecting your internet connection before you choose to fast track it.

The new item shows up, but progress isn't saved by then.

If it is your desired item, reconnect to the internet and force a save or keep on playing.

If it isn't the desired one, close the game BEFORE you reconnect to the internet.

 

 

If someone wants to compile both of these methods in a how-to, feel free to do so. Also you don't need to credit me, sharing is caring. ;D

 

(I would do it myself, but possibly limited time over the weekend...)

 

I will still answer questions, if anything is unclear. But I can't post an elaborate tutorial atm.

Edited June 15, 2017 by sl_aio

[Erispedia]

Edit, big one:

I did test it twice using fast tracking research.

Can confirm it working by disconnecting your internet connection before you choose to fast track it.

The new item shows up, but progress isn't saved by then.

If it is your desired item, reconnect to the internet and force a save or keep on playing.

If it isn't the desired one, close the game BEFORE you reconnect to the internet.

I'm on PC, when I disconnect, the game always immediately forced me to switch into GTA V (offline). What to do?

[Gugggen]

On a ps4, unplugging network cable insta kicks me until internet is reconnected. Fast track is a no go for me. Will test non fast track method soon.

[Tech-Noir]

Non fast track method is working for me, thanks.

 

Now just have to keep trying until I get the damn research project for the Tampa's miniguns.

[sl_aio]

 

I'm on PC, when I disconnect, the game always immediately forced me to switch into GTA V (offline). What to do?

On a ps4, unplugging network cable insta kicks me until internet is reconnected. Fast track is a no go for me. Will test non fast track method soon.

Make sure your method of disconnecting doesn't get noticed by the game. Otherwise yes, it does kick you unfortunately...

My setup allows me to unplug the cable that delivers internet connection to my network switch. Other devices remain plugged into the switch, so does the PS4. This way, the device still sees a connection, but does not get anything from the internet.

 

Blocking the corresponding IP using the router (blacklist, firewall maybe?) or UDP flooding the console might work in that case. Anything that does not signal the console/PC that it's disconnected should work, if you can figure out a way.

 

 

Also, keep in mind, to reconnect in time. There is a sufficient amount of time you have, but if you forget to revert, it kicks you for timing out.

[stagolee]

It works on Xbone, I did it several times to get something more useful, thanks OP =D

[whywontyoulisten]

 

What, so after spending hours researching a particular item, and saving whilst doing so, the game somehow forgets what it was doing after a forced closure with a full bar?

I guess I get what you mean, but no, it applies to the next item that is researched, not the current one.

 

So you let the bar become almost full, force a save as close to this point as you like (to minimize waiting), then you wait until the bar is full and you temporarily unlock your current item. Nothing you can do about that.

But the next item you can check on your laptop does get chosen randomly now. In case it isn't the one you want, close the game.

Restart the game and the research bar is restored to the point where you last saved and the current item is locked again.

Then you wait again until the bar is full and you check the next item on your laptop again, if it's the desired one or not.

Repeat as often as needed.

 

 

I hope this does work for anyone besides me, since it is a similar exploit to other methods abusing closing the game like going into LSC to test paintjobs or something...

 

It works flawlessly for me on PS4, even after cold rebooting it.

 

Ahh, I get it now. Thanks!

[Tokasmoka]

Hopefully this will work in 9hrs when I get home. I've been kind of lucky so far my first two unlocks were FMJ rounds and some homing rocket thingy for a trailer I am not sure I even have lol.

[ash-274]

Trying this now, and it works; but takes a lot of time, especially if you are using the PS4's MTU method for private lobbies.

For context, I'm hoping for Explosive Rounds, Tampa Miniguns, Vehicle drop-Mines, Heavy Sniper Barrel, or Combat MG Barrel (in that order). I've already completed 22 of the Researches.

 

Forced a save 1 tick before the Research was done and about a 2-3 minute wait. I'm not paying a dime to fast track the stupid "Boom" weapon livery that's almost complete. I have a 22.7% chance for something I want

1st try was a scope for a weapon I don't want to upgrade

2nd try was a scope for a DIFFERENT weapon I don't want to upgrade

3rd try was Explosive Rounds. Sweet! That's worth fast tracking!

 

Saved and let it add one tick of Research so I can try for a different item again. Now I have a 19% chance for something I want.

1st try was a heavy barrel for a weapon I don't want to upgrade

2nd try was a scope for a weapon I don't want to upgrade (damn, the game is scope-obsessed.)

3rd try was the missile tubes for the AA trailer

4th try was a vehicle livery

5th try was for the same vehicle livery

6th try was for a scope, again.

7th try was for the other scope, again

8th try was for a weapon livery.

9th try was the Heavy Barrel for the Combat MG. That's on my list!

Put the ER on my Heavy Sniper (those are expensive bullets in a very expensive magazine!) and came back to he laptop, changed glasses, and started the next round.

1st try was the pistol Compensator.

Edited June 17, 2017 by ash-274

[Jimbatron]

 

Normally the game saves on close. Presumably you're shutting your internet connection down or something before exiting?

Doesn't quiting the game on your dashboard simply close the game without saving?

Exactly this. You don't quit the game to story mode or similar. You close the game via dashboard/console function, also Alt+F4 on PC, I'd guess. This way the game has no chance to trigger/upload your save to the servers.

 

Same idea like closing the game in LSC to discard changes you made to your vehicle.

 

 

Thanks. I think Alt-F4 probably won't work on the PC - if I remember that will still result in a save as you still get a warning "are you sure you want to close" and an orange save wheel.

 

I'd imagine on the PC you'd need to terminate your internet connection and then close the game to prevent a save - although I'm not sure whether this patch will kick you out quicker. Presumably the your progress is saved as the current item is unlocked and you have to avoid that.

 

Regardless, if this works I think you'll be a popular man. Who wants [email protected]*king liveries?!

Edited June 16, 2017 by Jimbatron

[sl_aio]

 

Thanks. I think Alt-F4 probably won't work on the PC - if I remember that will still result in a save as you still get a warning "are you sure you want to close" and an orange save wheel.

 

I'd imagine on the PC you'd need to terminate your internet connection and then close the game to prevent a save - although I'm not sure whether this patch will kick you out quicker. Presumably the your progress is saved as the current item is unlocked and you have to avoid that.

 

Regardless, if this works I think you'll be a popular man. Who wants [email protected]*king liveries?!

Maybe possible using task manager? But yeah, if Alt+F4 does get caught by the game, it is unfortunate once again.

 

I can confirm there being a buffer before the game saves on PS4. Up to a minute or possibly more for me. I can easily check the next item that is researched without triggering a save and I was sometimes really slow. I hope it is the same for all platforms, but cannot be sure.

I was simply sitting in front of the laptop and avoided everything else.

Also it would be most secure to use a solo session, as there is no such risk of being targeted by someone else (bounty or something), triggering a save once again...

 

 

And thanks for the kind words of this getting popular, but I don't need any credit. Just giving something away, because I want to.

 

 

Although, if this takes off, I can see a hotfix coming, as it "costs" R* money (no liveries to pay for).

[Gugggen]

I figured out a faster way to do both methods faster.

 

Instead of closing the game each time after the research has complete when you didn't get the item you wanted:

1.) Disconnect the physical internet cable from the ps4 or xbox so that you get kicked to story mode.

2.) Replug in the cable and rejoin online.

3.) Allow research to finish/fastrack and repeat these until desired item is being researched.

 

Closing the game on console and reloading each time just takes too much time. This method removes closing game step all together.

[ash-274]

I figured out a faster way to do both methods faster.

 

Instead of closing the game each time after the research has complete when you didn't get the item you wanted:

1.) Disconnect the physical internet cable from the ps4 or xbox so that you get kicked to story mode.

2.) Replug in the cable and rejoin online.

3.) Allow research to finish/fastrack and repeat these until desired item is being researched.

 

Closing the game on console and reloading each time just takes too much time. This method removes closing game step all together.

Which would work unless you can't have your PS4 on a wired connection

[Fireboy769]

For fast tracking heres a alternate method

Fast track

Wait for the lock to dissappear from the image

Press confirm

Look at the new item

Quit if you dont want it

Stay if you do want it

 

Works on PS4

[gtafan26]

For fast tracking heres a alternate method

Fast track

Wait for the lock to dissappear from the image

Press confirm

Look at the new item

Quit if you dont want it

Stay if you do want it

 

Works on PS4

Didnt work for me on PS4, maybe I didnt do it fast enough, going to try the pulling of the Ethernet cable next

[ash-274]

For fast tracking heres a alternate method

Fast track

Wait for the lock to dissappear from the image

Press confirm

Look at the new item

Quit if you dont want it

Stay if you do want it

 

Works on PS4

I can confirm this works, as that's what I've been doing.

Look at the new item. If unwanted, PS Button > Close Application, then Restart the game. Takes about 7-8 minutes per cycle to be able to look at the next new research item.

[gtafan26]

 

For fast tracking heres a alternate method

Fast track

Wait for the lock to dissappear from the image

Press confirm

Look at the new item

Quit if you dont want it

Stay if you do want it

 

Works on PS4

I can confirm this works, as that's what I've been doing.

Look at the new item. If unwanted, PS Button > Close Application, then Restart the game. Takes about 7-8 minutes per cycle to be able to look at the next new research item.

 

That is what I did, PS button, closed app, came back and it was the same item , maybe I took too much time, I was going to pull the cable first, but couldnt get it out, so then I forced closed.