WFAFO 13 NEWS: State Prepares for Soft-Opening as Residents Return to San Andreas Tonight

By WFAFO 13 News | leadballoon | RP – Dec. 5, 2025

SAN ANDREAS: State officials have confirmed that the long-awaited soft-opening of leadballoon | RP will begin tonight at 8 PM EDT, giving whitelisted residents their first opportunity to explore the rebuilt state ahead of the full launch later this month.

The soft-open has been described by leadership as a low-pressure, early-access introduction focused on exploration, testing the economy, and establishing character roots.

“Tonight isn’t about structure,” one administrator told WFAFO 13 News.“It’s about letting people breathe in the world, settle, and start shaping who they want to become.”

A State Waking Back Up

Travel routes across San Andreas reopened earlier this week, with construction crews finishing final roadway inspections and power teams restoring service to rural regions. Businesses in Los Santos and Blaine County report that shelves are stocked, registers are online, and several new owners have already begun claiming property.

Whitelisted residents will be free to:

• Explore the state

• Visit open businesses

• Begin establishing their storylines

• Get familiar with job systems and early economy flow

  
  

Officials stress that this is not a test event — all progress earned tonight will carry forward into the live city.

Limited Law Enforcement Presence

While the state’s new law-enforcement structure (SAHP, BCSO, LSPD) continues onboarding personnel, officials noted that LEO presence will be minimal tonight. This is intentional.

The soft-open is designed to feel open, organic, and civilian-driven without the pressure of full enforcement or administrative oversight.

Medical Services Standing By

SAMS confirmed they will have limited personnel available for emergency support throughout the evening. Staffing will scale up as more residents arrive ahead of the December 22nd launch.

Business Owners and Early Entrepreneurs Already Moving

State records show that several residents have begun staking claims on lots, storefronts, and early service routes. The soft-open is expected to give entrepreneurs their first real chance to:

• Interact with customers

• Establish branding

• Test pricing and supply routes

• Network with other characters

  
  

This phase is a crucial opportunity for the state’s economy to begin forming naturally.

A Quiet Anticipation Across the State

From Vespucci Beach to the Grand Senora Desert, the atmosphere is one of cautious excitement. Lights that were off for months are finally back on, and locals say they’re eager to see new faces fill the streets again.

Even longtime Blaine County resident Tater Biscuit — who declined to be interviewed on camera — acknowledged the moment.

“People comin’ back?’ Bout damn time,” he said, before immediately refusing further questions.

A Night That Sets the Tone

As the clock moves toward 8 PM, officials encourage residents to explore freely, interact authentically, and start building the foundation of their long-term stories.

Tonight is not a test. Tonight is the beginning.

WFAFO 13 News will continue covering the state’s reopening as the soft-opening unfolds.