Grand Theft Auto V — PS5 Expanded & Enhanced: Complete Story Campaign Walkthrough

Start the correct PS5 edition and choose a graphics mode

Launch Grand Theft Auto V on PlayStation 5 and select Story Mode. The PS5 release is the March 15, 2022 version with Fidelity, Performance, and Performance RT graphics settings. Open the Pause menu, enter Settings, and locate the display or graphics options before beginning a serious mission.

Choose Performance as the general-purpose setting. Rockstar describes it as targeting 60 frames per second with upscaled 4K resolution on PS5, making it the most practical choice for steering corrections, aiming, quick camera movement, and transitions between cover. Fidelity targets 30 frames per second and emphasizes image quality, native 4K, and ray tracing. Performance RT combines ray tracing with a 60 FPS target and upscaled 4K. Use Performance RT if you want the lighting and reflection improvements without giving up the higher frame-rate target; use Fidelity mainly when visual quality matters more to you than responsiveness.

• Story Mode is selected.
• Performance or Performance RT is selected for normal campaign play, or Fidelity is selected deliberately for visual quality.
• The graphics setting is confirmed before launching a difficult mission.

Review DualSense, camera, subtitle, and map preferences

Before starting the Prologue, open the control and display settings and adjust them once rather than repeatedly changing sensitivity during missions. The PS5 edition uses DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive trigger effects for driving surfaces, impacts, weather, and weapons. Keep those effects enabled if they help you read what is happening; reduce them through the available game or console settings if trigger resistance becomes tiring or interferes with precise shooting.

Enable subtitles if you want dialogue and objective instructions to remain readable during vehicle scenes. Keep the minimap and route display visible while learning Los Santos and Blaine County. The minimap shows the active destination, waypoint route, nearby threats, and wanted-level information. You can change these preferences later, but setting them before the Prologue prevents a mission failure caused by an unfamiliar display layout.

• Subtitles are enabled if needed.
• The minimap and waypoint route are visible.
• Aim, camera, vibration, and trigger settings are comfortable enough for driving and shooting.

Decide whether to begin fresh or migrate a PS4 Story Mode save

If you are starting a new campaign, continue directly into Story Mode and save the new game to a new local file once saving becomes available. Do not overwrite an existing campaign simply because the PS5 version displays it during setup. A fresh campaign and a migrated campaign are separate choices.

For an eligible PS4 Story Mode save, Rockstar’s migration process requires the PS4 and PS5 versions to use a linked Rockstar Games account. On PS4, open the in-game Pause menu, choose Game, select Upload Save Game, and upload the save you intend to move. On PS5, use the Story tab on the landing page or choose Game and Download Save Game from the Pause menu, then sign in with the same account. Only one Story Mode save can be uploaded per console at a time, and Rockstar states that the uploaded save is available for download for 90 days. After migration, PS4 and PS5 Story Mode progress is stored separately rather than synchronized continuously.

• The intended Rockstar Games account is linked to the correct PlayStation account if migration or connected services are needed.
• An existing PS4 save is identified before starting a new campaign.
• A new campaign will be saved separately from any migrated or older progress.

Build a rotating manual-save routine

GTA V has autosave, but treat it as a convenience rather than protection for major choices. Once you can use the in-game phone’s Quick Save option or a protagonist’s bed, create a manual save in a new slot. Use one slot as the current campaign file, one as the pre-mission file, and one as a protected backup. The labels are practical rather than mandatory; the important point is that the latest save must not overwrite every earlier recovery point.

Save before each heist, before selecting an approach or crew when the game presents a choice, and immediately before Franklin receives the final-ending decision. After a successful mission, make a separate post-mission save so you can confirm that the game has recorded the result. Keep the pre-choice file until you have finished any ending or approach you may want to replay. Do not rely on a checkpoint to preserve an earlier heist setup, because retrying a mission is not the same as restoring the previous crew, approach, or free-roam state.

• A current campaign save exists.
• A separate pre-mission or pre-heist save is maintained.
• A protected save is made before major choices and the final mission decision.
• The post-mission result is saved before beginning unrelated activities.

Buy armor, ammunition, and weapons when Ammu-Nation unlocks

Ammu-Nation access and inventory expand with Story Mode progress, so do not assume every weapon is available during the opening missions. When the game permits normal purchases, visit an Ammu-Nation after completing a mission and buy ammunition for the weapons you actually use. Body armor is a sensible purchase before missions that combine extended firefights with vehicle escapes, provided the character has enough cash.

Add a dependable assault weapon when one becomes available and affordable, but do not spend all early cash on attachments or cosmetic upgrades. Weapon availability, prices, and discounts can change with story progress and other activities. Keep enough money for mission-related expenses and replace ammunition after a failed attempt if the retry consumed a large portion of your stock. The goal is readiness, not a fully upgraded arsenal at the beginning.

• Body armor is purchased when available and affordable.
• Ammunition is replenished before a demanding mission.
• A reliable assault weapon is obtained when Story Mode and shop inventory allow it.
• Cash is reserved for required story expenses.

Use dependable vehicles instead of making an early purchase mandatory

During the opening campaign, the protagonists’ personal vehicles and mission-provided vehicles are sufficient for normal progress. Franklin’s personal car is especially useful for early driving missions, but any controllable vehicle with intact tires and enough speed for the waypoint route is generally more valuable than an expensive car that is difficult to handle.

When a mission specifies a vehicle, use the vehicle supplied by the objective or follow the mission instructions before substituting a personal car. Store a useful replacement in an accessible garage once the game provides that facility, and repair or replace a damaged vehicle before beginning the next mission. Do not make an expensive vehicle purchase part of the preparation checklist; armor, ammunition, and protected saves are more important early in the campaign.

• Each available protagonist has dependable transportation.
• The vehicle is repaired or replaced before a serious mission.
• No expensive vehicle purchase is being treated as a story requirement.
• A manual save is made before the next heist or irreversible decision.

Complete the North Yankton prologue

The game opens in Ludendorff, North Yankton, during a bank robbery involving Michael, Trevor and Brad. Follow the on-screen objectives through the bank. Move between the marked rooms, control the hostages when prompted and use the explosive at the designated door. The sequence is scripted, so remain inside the active objective area rather than searching for alternate routes.

When police enter, use the bank counters, walls and doorways as cover. Fire in short bursts and advance only when the objective changes. The game introduces character switching during this section. Use the switch prompt when it appears, then follow the highlighted objective for the selected character.

After the robbery, follow the marked escape route through the snow. Stay with the group and use the minimap because visibility is poor. The escape changes between driving and movement on foot before the cemetery sequence. Complete the prompts and allow the scripted ambush and crash to play out. The game then jumps forward nine years and places you in Los Santos as Franklin Clinton.

• Finish the bank robbery.
• Complete the North Yankton escape and cemetery sequence.
• Reach the first playable Franklin section in Los Santos.

Complete Franklin and Lamar

Drive Franklin to Simeon Yetarian’s Premium Deluxe Motorsport dealership when the green S marker appears. After the cutscene, follow Lamar to the marked vehicle area. Choose either of the two target cars; both choices continue the story. Follow Lamar through the route and use Franklin’s driving ability to recover from sharp turns or heavy traffic.

The race against Lamar is optional for story completion. Concentrate on keeping the car under control and reaching the dealership. When the wanted level begins, keep driving rather than stopping to fight. Use side streets and turns to break police line of sight, then hide when the search radius moves away. Avoid severe collisions because destroying the vehicle fails the mission and can interfere with the delivery.

After the dealership scene, get back into Franklin’s Buffalo and drive to Franklin’s Strawberry home. Park in the highlighted area and let the house scene finish. This establishes the early safehouse and introduces saving and clothing changes. Repossession becomes available from Simeon after the mission sequence advances.

• Choose one target vehicle.
• Complete the race section with Lamar.
• Lose the wanted level without destroying the vehicle.
• Return the vehicle to Simeon.
• Drive Franklin’s Buffalo to the Strawberry safehouse.

Complete Repossession

Start Repossession at Simeon’s dealership and follow Lamar to the Vespucci Beach area. Stay close to him while he searches the marked garages. Continue opening the indicated doors until the game directs Franklin to collect a weapon. Pick it up before moving farther into the alley; this begins the combat section.

Use garage corners, walls and parked vehicles as cover during the Vagos fight. Let enemies expose themselves before firing and avoid crossing the open alley while several hostile indicators remain nearby. If Franklin’s health is low, stay behind cover until it recovers. Clear the enemies blocking the active route rather than chasing every target into side areas.

Once the fleeing Vagos member escapes, return to Franklin’s car and follow the chase route. Avoid unnecessary impacts and keep the target within pursuit range. When the target is stopped, take the motorcycle and ride it to the Strawberry car wash. Lamar’s closing scene makes clear that the motorcycle is not delivered back to Simeon; the car wash is the required destination.

After the completion screen, leave the area and wait for Simeon’s next marker or call if Complications is not immediately visible. Do not treat the optional race or unrelated activities as replacements for the Simeon marker.

• Reach the Vagos garage area.
• Collect the mission weapon.
• Clear the alley fight.
• Pursue the fleeing vehicle.
• Take the motorcycle.
• Ride the motorcycle to the Strawberry car wash.
• Confirm Repossession is complete.

Start and complete Complications

Go to Simeon’s dealership and start Complications. Simeon sends Franklin to repossess a customer’s yellow SUV from a mansion in Rockford Hills. Drive to the marked property and approach from the side. Climb the fence and use the indicated route to enter the mansion without drawing attention. The quiet entry is safer than trying to force a direct approach through the front.

Inside, move through the marked rooms and locate the garage. Enter the yellow SUV and begin driving it out of the property. The mission then reveals that Michael De Santa is hiding in the back of the vehicle. Follow Michael’s instructions and continue toward Simeon’s dealership rather than attempting to abandon the SUV.

At the dealership, Michael takes control of the situation and forces Franklin to crash the SUV through the showroom window. Follow the prompts during the confrontation. The cutscene establishes Michael as a major protagonist and unlocks the next Michael-led progression, including Father/Son. Once the mission completion screen appears, create a manual save if you want a reliable early-game recovery point.

• Start Complications at Simeon’s dealership.
• Reach the Rockford Hills mansion.
• Enter through the side route.
• Locate and take Jimmy De Santa’s yellow SUV.
• Drive the SUV to Simeon’s dealership.
• Complete Michael’s showroom confrontation.
• Confirm Father/Son or the next Michael mission becomes available.

Start Chop from Franklin’s home

Return to Franklin’s Strawberry home and begin Chop when Lamar and Chop arrive. Walk with Lamar to the van, then drive to the marked location on Vinewood Boulevard. Follow the objective rather than free-roaming after Lamar identifies D, a Ballas member, as the target of the kidnapping attempt.

When D flees on a motorcycle, return to the van and pursue him through the city. The chase eventually reaches the bus-depot and rail-yard area after D is knocked from the motorcycle. Leave the van when instructed and follow D on foot with Chop. Keep moving through the marked route and avoid letting the pursuit stall behind environmental obstacles.

• Meet Lamar and Chop at Franklin’s home.
• Collect the van.
• Reach Vinewood Boulevard.
• Pursue D by vehicle.
• Follow D on foot into the rail yard.

Use Chop to find D and finish the mission

When D disappears among the boxcars, use the prompted character switch to view and direct the search as Chop. Let Chop investigate the possible hiding places. If he becomes distracted by another dog, move Franklin to Chop and pull him away before continuing the search. Search the indicated boxcars rather than firing blindly or leaving the rail yard.

When Chop locates D, approach the boxcar and allow the takedown sequence to occur. Return to the van and place D inside with Lamar and Chop. Drive toward Lamar’s house while Lamar attempts to demand a ransom. Franklin recognizes that the call can expose their location, so follow the objective to stop and release D when prompted.

If you continue driving instead of releasing D, the mission can trigger a two-star wanted level. In that case, lose the police before completing the final route. The safer path is to release D when the game gives the instruction. Afterward, drive Lamar and Chop to the BJ Smith Recreational Center. The mission ends at the recreation center, not with a simple return to Franklin’s house. Chop will subsequently be available at Franklin’s home.

After Chop is marked complete, save in a separate slot. The early required route is now complete: Prologue, Franklin and Lamar, Repossession, Complications and Chop. Continue to the next chapter by following the newly available Michael and Franklin markers, especially Father/Son when it appears.

• Use Chop to search the rail yard.
• Find D in the correct boxcar.
• Put D in the van.
• Release D when instructed.
• Lose the police if the wanted level is triggered.
• Drop Lamar and Chop at the BJ Smith Recreational Center.
• Confirm Chop is complete.
• Create a separate manual save before continuing.

Step 1: Complete Father/Son, then Pulling Favors as Franklin

Begin this chapter after Repossession, Complications and Chop are complete. Start Father/Son at Michael’s house. Follow Michael and Franklin to the marina, take the Sentinel, and drive toward the marked yacht location. During the chase, keep the vehicle under control and follow the objective route rather than taking dangerous shortcuts.

When the yacht sequence begins, follow the prompts to climb aboard, rescue Jimmy and return to safety. Complete the return drive and let the mission finish normally. After the cutscene, switch to Franklin and look for Tonya’s marker near Franklin’s neighborhood. Start Pulling Favors and help Tonya and JB recover the tow truck and complete the towing job.

Pulling Favors is a required early progression mission after Father/Son. Complete it before expecting Marriage Counseling to become available. Do not treat it as an optional Strangers & Freaks activity, a replacement for Complications or Chop, or merely a way to reveal a marker. The game uses Pulling Favors to unlock the next part of this route, including Marriage Counseling.

If a required marker does not appear immediately, switch between Michael and Franklin, move away from the current area, and return after the mission-ending phone calls or dialogue have finished. Do not abandon Pulling Favors and assume the main route will continue without it.

• Repossession is complete.
• Complications is complete.
• Chop is complete.
• Father/Son is complete.
• Switch to Franklin after Father/Son.
• Complete Tonya’s Pulling Favors.
• Confirm that Marriage Counseling is available.

Step 2: Complete Marriage Counseling and protect the Bison

Start Marriage Counseling when its marker appears. The mission begins at Michael’s house and uses both Michael and Franklin. After the opening scene, take the Bison and follow Kyle Chavis toward the hillside property. Keep the truck moving on the marked route and avoid unnecessary collisions, jumps or steep off-road cuts.

At the mansion, follow the objective to connect the truck to the marked structure. Position the Bison as directed, attach the winch, and pull the building down only after the game displays the demolition objective. Do not leave the truck stuck against the property or damage it through repeated ramming; the Bison must remain usable for the mission to continue.

After the demolition, Madrazo’s men pursue Michael and Franklin. Use the character-switch prompt when it appears, fire controlled bursts at pursuing vehicles, and prioritize reaching the next waypoint instead of stopping to eliminate every attacker. Return to Michael’s residence and complete the final escape sequence.

Marriage Counseling is now the correct mission to follow Pulling Favors. Its completion opens the next family activities. If the mission fails because the Bison is destroyed, stuck or abandoned, retry from the checkpoint or restart the mission and use the marked roads more conservatively.

• Start Marriage Counseling after Pulling Favors.
• Keep the Bison mobile and intact enough to finish the route.
• Attach the winch at the marked mansion point.
• Pull down the structure when instructed.
• Survive Madrazo’s pursuit.
• Return to Michael’s residence.

Step 3: Complete Daddy’s Little Girl at Vespucci Beach

When Daddy’s Little Girl appears, take Michael and Jimmy to Vespucci Beach. Follow the objective to obtain the bicycles, then ride along the marked route. Use controlled acceleration and braking around pedestrians, traffic and tight turns; reckless shortcuts can cause a fall or separate Michael from the objective.

Continue toward the water when the mission directs you to do so. Follow the route to the boat, complete the water section and reach Jimmy’s marked location. Do not leave the active objective area to start unrelated activities. Follow the escape prompts and finish the return segment to complete the mission.

Daddy’s Little Girl is part of the early Michael family route. Complete it before treating the jewel-store reconnaissance as the next major objective. The game may display other markers, so check both Michael’s and Franklin’s positions after the mission ends.

• Reach Vespucci Beach with Michael and Jimmy.
• Complete the bicycle section.
• Follow the route to the boat.
• Complete the water rescue.
• Finish the return sequence.

Step 4: Complete Friend Request through the Lifeinvader infiltration

Start Friend Request as Michael at Lester’s location. Travel to SubUrban and purchase the requested outfit. Equip it before going to the Lifeinvader offices; entering without satisfying the clothing objective can disrupt the infiltration sequence.

At Lifeinvader, use the rear entrance and follow the programmer inside. Keep Michael’s weapon holstered and stay with the target rather than forcing entry. At the computer, interact with the system and clear the pop-ups as instructed. Continue into the demonstration area, locate the prototype phone and plant Lester’s device.

Leave through the instructed route and return to Michael’s house. Watch the televised presentation. When the prototype phone appears, call Jay Norris as directed. The call triggers the device and completes the mission. Avoid starting a firefight inside the office; Friend Request is built around following the employee and completing the sabotage objective quietly.

• Buy the requested SubUrban outfit.
• Equip the outfit before entering Lifeinvader.
• Use the rear entrance.
• Follow the programmer inside.
• Clear the computer pop-ups.
• Plant the device on the prototype phone.
• Call Jay Norris during the presentation.
• Return to Michael’s house and complete the mission.

Step 5: Complete Casing the Jewel Store and save before choosing an approach

Start Casing the Jewel Store at Lester’s garment factory. Drive to Vangelico and enter when instructed. Use Michael’s camera glasses to photograph the store’s relevant security features. Capture the alarm system, a security camera and the ventilation information, checking the objective text after each photograph so you know the correct targets were recorded.

After leaving Vangelico, drive around the block to the nearby construction site. Follow the stairs and ladders to the roof vantage point. Move carefully across the unfinished structure and do not jump across gaps unless the game clearly directs you. From the roof, photograph the ventilation equipment serving the store, then return to Lester’s garment factory.

At the planning board, choose between Loud and Smart. Create a manual save before confirming the approach. This is the first protected recovery point for the Jewel Store Job. If you change your mind or later fail a preparation, reload this save instead of relying only on autosave.

• Photograph the alarm information.
• Photograph a security camera.
• Photograph the store’s ventilation information.
• Reach the construction-site roof.
• Photograph the roof ventilation equipment.
• Return to Lester’s garment factory.
• Create a manual save before selecting Loud or Smart.

Step 6: Finish the correct Jewel Store Job preparations

For the Loud approach, complete Carbine Rifles. Follow the mission marker to the LSPD tactical vehicle, obtain the required carbines and escape the police response. Deliver the weapons to the designated location. Buying an ordinary rifle from Ammu-Nation does not replace this setup; the Loud approach requires the equipment taken during Carbine Rifles.

For the Smart approach, complete both Bugstars Equipment and BZ Gas Grenades. In Bugstars Equipment, steal the marked Bugstars pest-control van and deliver it without destroying it. In BZ Gas Grenades, intercept the marked vehicle carrying the gas equipment, take the grenades and escape the police response. Avoid unnecessary collisions and prolonged fights while preserving the required equipment.

After the selected preparations are complete, review the planning board and confirm the hacker, driver and gunman. Hacker skill affects the time available during the jewelry-store section. Driver and gunman choices affect the escape and the amount of risk during the finale. Read the briefing for the chosen plan because the Smart and Loud approaches use different entry and robbery behavior.

Create a second manual save after the selected setup missions and crew selection are complete. Start The Jewel Store Job only after the board shows the required equipment and the crew is locked in. During the finale, follow the active approach objectives, use the marked escape route and do not detour for optional targets if doing so risks delaying the getaway.

• For Loud, complete Carbine Rifles.
• For Smart, complete Bugstars Equipment.
• For Smart, complete BZ Gas Grenades.
• Confirm the hacker, driver and gunman.
• Review the approach briefing.
• Create a manual save after setup and crew selection.
• Start The Jewel Store Job only when the board is ready.

1. Finish Casing the Jewel Store and create a decision save

Complete Casing the Jewel Store by photographing the required security features, examining the store and ventilation outlet, scouting the roof access and returning to Lester at Darnell Bros. The planning board then presents the two available approaches: Smart and Loud.

Create a manual save before confirming the approach if you want the option to compare both versions without replaying the preceding story missions. The choice is permanent for that completed heist in the current save, although the mission can later be replayed for medal attempts.

• Complete Casing the Jewel Store.
• Return to the planning board at Darnell Bros.
• Make a manual save before confirming the approach.

2. Choose Smart or Loud according to your priorities

Choose Smart if you prefer a quieter opening and a more controlled entry. Its preparation missions are Bugstars Equipment and BZ Gas Grenades. The crew uses the pest-control disguise and knockout gas to enter Vangelico before the robbery becomes an armed fight.

Choose Loud if you want a direct robbery with fewer setup missions. Its preparation is Carbine Rifles. The finale begins with Michael and the crew entering Vangelico openly, so the police response and interior resistance are immediate.

Smart is generally the more forgiving route for a first completion because the opening store resistance is reduced. Loud remains straightforward if you use cover, keep the crew together and leave as soon as the required jewelry has been collected. Gold-medal objectives are optional and do not affect campaign progression.

• Smart: complete Bugstars Equipment and BZ Gas Grenades.
• Loud: complete Carbine Rifles.
• Do not delay the finale for optional medals unless you are replaying deliberately.

3. Select the hacker, gunman and driver

The hacker determines how much time you have to empty the display cases. Rickie Lukens takes the smallest cut but gives the tightest collection window. Christian Feltz costs more and provides more time, while Paige Harris gives the most generous window at the highest cut. Rickie is adequate if you move continuously; Paige is the safer choice when learning the store layout.

For the gunman, Packie McReary is the preferred low-cut reliable choice if his random event has been completed. Gustavo Mota is also dependable but takes a larger percentage. Norm Richards is cheap but can lose jewelry, mishandle the store situation and crash during the motorcycle escape, creating additional losses and complications.

Karim Denz is the usual low-cost driver for the highest reported Smart-approach payout when paired with Packie and Rickie. His inexperienced getaway performance makes the escape less forgiving. Choose Eddie Toh instead when a dependable first attempt matters more than maximizing the take. Crew cuts and the selected lineup are applied to the completed heist, so use the pre-approach save if you want to change them.

• Choose a hacker with enough time for your collection speed.
• Use Packie or Gustavo when gunman reliability matters.
• Use Karim for a lower-cost Smart run only if you accept a harder getaway.

4. Complete the Smart preparations and finale

For Bugstars Equipment, take the marked Bugstars van and deliver it as instructed. Avoid unnecessary collisions and police attention. For BZ Gas Grenades, intercept the shipment, obtain the gas canisters and deliver them to the required destination. Follow the mission markers rather than attempting to improvise another gas source.

At the finale, drive to Vangelico and move Franklin to the roof using the marked construction access. When the objective appears, throw the BZ gas into the indicated ventilation opening. Wait for the prompt and target the marked vent; using a different grenade or throwing before the objective can disrupt the sequence.

Michael and the crew then enter the store while Franklin retrieves the motorcycles. Move from case to case without stopping to explore. Collect the required amount and leave promptly unless you are specifically attempting the medal objectives.

• Deliver the Bugstars van.
• Deliver the BZ gas canisters.
• Throw the gas into the marked roof vent.
• Collect the required jewelry and exit without unnecessary delay.

5. Complete the Loud preparation and finale

For Carbine Rifles, intercept the marked LSPD tactical-team vehicle, take the carbines and lose the wanted level before delivering the vehicle to Darnell Bros. Use cover during the ambush and avoid damaging the truck unnecessarily.

At Vangelico, the crew enters openly and the store immediately becomes hostile. Stay near the robbery area, use controlled bursts and let the gunman manage the occupants while Michael collects the jewelry. A weak gunman can create delays or lose part of the take, which can outweigh the money saved by choosing a low-cut crew member.

Once the required amount has been collected, leave immediately. Do not chase unrelated police vehicles or break formation to pursue optional targets. The route continues into the underground drainage and sewer network.

• Deliver the stolen carbines before starting the finale.
• Keep Michael and the crew inside the robbery area.
• Leave after collecting the required jewelry.
• Follow the marked escape route.

6. Survive the motorcycle escape and river pursuit

Both approaches continue with the crew escaping on motorcycles. Follow the other riders into the storm-drain and sewer route. Use controlled steering through the narrow sections and prioritize staying with the group over taking risky shortcuts. Repeated crashes or losing the crew can fail the sequence.

After the motorcycles reach the Los Santos River, control switches to Michael in the getaway truck. Protect Franklin and the riders by targeting police vehicles that are blocking or closing on them. Ram threatening cruisers, sideswipe them away from the riders or use the truck’s weapon when the game provides the opportunity. Do not waste time attacking distant units that are not endangering the crew.

When the pursuit is over, follow the waypoint to the lockup. The Jewel Store Job is complete when the crew reaches the lockup and the post-heist sequence begins. If the payout or crew result is unacceptable, reload the manual save made before the approach rather than relying only on mission replay.

• Stay with the motorcycles through the sewer route.
• Protect Franklin and the other riders in the Los Santos River.
• Follow the waypoint to the lockup.
• Make a separate post-heist manual save.

7. Optional medal goals and the Fleeca clarification

The Jewel Store Job has optional gold-medal objectives shared by the two approach variants. Quick Grab requires stealing the jewelry within 50 seconds, and Clean Sweep requires taking the jewelry from all 20 display cabinets. These goals are not required to finish the story, and medal requirements can be pursued across separate replays rather than completed in the campaign save.

Do not search for Fleeca Job among Michael, Franklin or Trevor’s Story Mode mission markers. Fleeca Job is one of the original GTA Online heists and is separate from the single-player campaign. It is not a preparation for The Jewel Store Job, does not unlock its Story Mode finale and is not required for later campaign heists.

• Complete the Smart or Loud finale through the lockup.
• Treat Quick Grab and Clean Sweep as optional medal objectives.
• Create a post-heist manual save.
• Do not count Fleeca Job as a Story Mode mission or prerequisite.

1. Begin Mr. Philips and eliminate the Lost MC presence

Mr. Philips starts at Michael’s house after The Jewel Store Job and transfers control to Trevor. Follow Trevor’s opening drive with Wade and Ron to the Lost MC gathering in Grapeseed. The route is mostly paved, so stay on the marked road and avoid damaging the vehicle before the confrontation begins.

At the Lost camp, use the available cover around trailers, vehicles and structures. Trevor’s special ability reduces incoming damage and is most useful when crossing exposed ground or finishing several enemies at close range. Clear the marked Lost members before advancing; do not sprint into the camp while enemies are still active on both sides of the approach.

The mission then leads Trevor to Ortega’s trailer. Push the trailer into the water as instructed. Afterward, you may kill Ortega or leave him alive. Sparing him allows Ortega to appear during Trevor Philips Industries; killing him removes that later encounter. Either choice completes the campaign route, so choose based on the world state you want rather than treating one option as mandatory.

• Complete the Lost MC confrontation in Grapeseed and Stab City.
• Push Ortega’s trailer into the water.
• Make the optional Ortega choice and wait for the next objective before driving away.

2. Choose the correct order for Trevor Philips Industries and Nervous Ron

Mr. Philips unlocks both Trevor Philips Industries and Nervous Ron. You can normally approach the two visible Trevor markers in either order, but Trevor Philips Industries must be completed before Crystal Maze becomes available. Friends Reunited requires Nervous Ron and Crystal Maze, so finish both branches rather than waiting for a single fixed sequence.

Do not assume you need to buy a sniper rifle before Nervous Ron. That mission sends Trevor to Ammu-Nation and provides the Sniper Rifle, advanced scope and suppressor as part of the objective. Likewise, the rural missions do not require a special purchased off-road vehicle; a durable vehicle is helpful between checkpoints, but the mission route and supplied equipment are sufficient for story completion.

• Finish Trevor Philips Industries and Nervous Ron.
• Confirm that Crystal Maze appears only after Trevor Philips Industries is complete.
• Do not spend money on equipment that the mission itself supplies.

3. Defend the meth lab in Trevor Philips Industries

Start at the Yellow Jack Inn in Sandy Shores and meet Tao Cheng and his translator. Trevor takes them to the meth lab, where he and Chef must defend the business from an Aztecas attack. Stay near the lab and use its walls, doorways and vehicles as cover instead of chasing enemies into the open desert.

The attack arrives in several groups from different directions. Watch the minimap and objective indicators, then engage the closest enemies threatening the lab or the Cheng party. Explosive weapons are effective against clustered vehicles, but avoid firing explosives beside Chef, Tao Cheng or the translator. Trevor’s special ability is best reserved for a sudden push at the entrance or an exposed move between cover.

After the defense, follow the objective to free and escort the required characters. Do not drive off or leave the marked area while Chef, Tao Cheng or the translator is still part of the active objective. The mission ends after the group is secured and the lab sequence is complete.

• Meet Tao Cheng and his translator at the Yellow Jack Inn.
• Defend the lab without abandoning Chef or the Cheng party.
• Remain in the mission area until the escort objective is finished.

4. Complete Nervous Ron and take control of the airfield

At Trevor’s trailer, Ron explains that the Lost MC has attacked him. Follow the mission prompts to take the ATV to Ammu-Nation, obtain the Sniper Rifle upgrades, and then reach the water tower overlooking Sandy Shores Airfield. This elevated position is the safest part of the mission: use the scope, identify the marked targets and take deliberate shots rather than firing at every movement.

The mission changes from overwatch to a close firefight when Ron plants the charge and the Lost respond. Move between hangars, walls and aircraft for cover. Protect Ron and the plane by eliminating enemies who can reach the runway or attack the aircraft. Trevor then boards a plane and follows Ron’s flight path. Keep the aircraft low when the mission warns about Fort Zancudo and use smooth turns instead of abrupt corrections.

After the cargo drop, race Ron back to the airfield and land under the objective marker. Completing the mission unlocks Trevor’s Sandy Shores Airfield property and makes aircraft storage there available. The sniper equipment and the airfield are progression rewards, not prerequisites that must be obtained elsewhere.

• Collect the sniper equipment at Ammu-Nation.
• Defend Ron and the aircraft at Sandy Shores Airfield.
• Complete the cargo drop and return to the airfield.

5. Burn the O’Neil operation in Crystal Maze

Crystal Maze begins at the Yellow Jack Inn after Trevor Philips Industries is complete. Drive to the O’Neil brothers’ ranch in Grapeseed and stop at the hilltop vantage point. From there, use the elevated position to thin the first group before entering the property. Fences, sheds and the farmhouse provide better protection than the open approach road.

Advance through the ranch and farmhouse carefully. Clear the O’Neil defenders as the objective directs, then reach the basement meth lab. The mission does not end when the enemies are defeated: pick up the Jerry Can and follow the marked path to pour gasoline from the lab through the house and out into the yard.

When the trail is complete, shoot the gasoline to ignite it. Wait for the fire to travel back into the house, then leave the property and get away from the burning ranch. Do not remain inside to collect weapons or continue fighting after the fire objective appears. The required escape is the final part of the mission.

• Reach the O’Neil Ranch vantage point.
• Clear the ranch and reach the basement meth lab.
• Lay the complete gasoline trail, ignite it and escape the farmhouse.

6. Destroy the Lost trailer park in Friends Reunited

Friends Reunited unlocks after Nervous Ron and Crystal Maze. Begin at Trevor’s trailer, enter Wade’s vehicle and drive to the Lost MC trailer park at Stab City. Wade supplies the sticky bombs for this mission, so do not waste time searching Ammu-Nation for them.

At the park, use stealth mode and a suppressed weapon when available. Move around the outside of the camp, avoid the bright lights and remove isolated guards only when they block a trailer or threaten to raise the alarm. The mission objective is to plant bombs on five marked trailers. Plant all five before detonating anything; detonating early can leave the trailer park abandoned or cause the mission to fail.

Once every marked trailer has a bomb, return toward the truck and detonate the charges from a safe distance. This completes the optional Perfect Gift gold-medal condition by destroying all five trailers at once. After the explosion, return to Wade, drive to Los Santos, stop at the Vinewood overlook when prompted, and then follow Wade up to Floyd’s apartment in Vespucci Beach. The mission ends after the apartment cutscene, and the story resumes with Michael and Franklin available again.

• Plant bombs on all five marked trailers.
• Detonate them before leaving the trailer park.
• Reach Floyd’s apartment and follow Wade inside.

1. Finish the missions that reunite the three protagonists

After Friends Reunited, complete Fame or Shame as Michael and Trevor. Follow the marked route to the television studio, then pursue Lazlow when the objective changes. The chase is scripted, so stay behind him and follow the route rather than trying to end it early. When control returns to free roam, switch characters if necessary to locate the next available FIB marker.

Complete Dead Man Walking as Michael. Meet Dave Norton at the morgue, enter the building when directed and use the interior cover during the escape. After the objective changes to reaching the roof, move quickly through the marked route instead of stopping to clear every officer. The mission is designed around surviving the extraction, not winning a prolonged firefight.

Three’s Company brings Michael, Franklin and Trevor together for the FIB helicopter operation. Follow the switching prompts: Franklin handles the helicopter approach, Trevor provides the heavy fire and Michael enters the building for the target. During the aerial escape, keep the helicopter stable and eliminate threats that block the route. Complete By the Book afterward, following the FIB’s instructions and switching characters when prompted; do not wander from the marked interrogation and extraction objectives.

• Fame or Shame completed
• Dead Man Walking completed
• Three’s Company completed
• By the Book completed

2. Complete The Long Stretch, Hood Safari and Did Somebody Say Yoga?

Start The Long Stretch with Franklin when the green marker appears. Collect the shotgun, drive Lamar and Stretch to the meeting location, then use the warehouse and alley structures as cover when the deal turns hostile. Keep the objective vehicle moving when the game orders the escape; do not stay in the first firefight longer than necessary.

Hood Safari begins at Franklin’s neighborhood and sends Franklin, Lamar and Trevor into Grove Street. Follow the group through the alley and drug-house approach. Once the exchange collapses, move through the rail yard and canals using concrete walls and embankments for cover. Trevor’s special ability is useful when enemies surround the group, but preserve it for the open sections where several attackers can fire at once.

Complete Did Somebody Say Yoga? as Michael. Follow the yoga instructor’s directions through the sequence and remain within the prompted actions until the scene ends. The mission then becomes a driving objective involving Jimmy; follow the waypoint and do not abandon the vehicle before the destination is reached. These missions are required story progression, not optional Strangers & Freaks content.

• The Long Stretch completed
• Hood Safari completed
• Did Somebody Say Yoga? completed

3. Complete The Hotel Assassination before Blitz Play

When Lester gives Franklin The Hotel Assassination, complete it before attempting to finish Blitz Play. Drive to the Von Crastenburg Hotel, find the marked vantage point and wait for Brett Lowrey to appear. Use the supplied rifle or another controlled weapon to make the shot, then leave the area and lose the police response. A manual save before the mission is useful if you are preserving an investment plan.

The Hotel Assassination is the only Lester assassination required at this point in the story. The Multi Target Assassination, Vice Assassination, Bus Assassination and Construction Assassination can all be delayed until after The Big Score and the chosen ending if you want to optimize the stock-market opportunities. Delaying those four missions does not block the midgame route.

• The Hotel Assassination completed
• A separate save preserves the pre-assassination state if desired
• The other four Lester assassinations remain postponed unless deliberately chosen

4. Reconnoiter the port and choose the Merryweather approach

Start Scouting the Port as Trevor at Floyd’s apartment. Drive to Pier 400, follow the dock instructions and operate the marked container handler carefully. Move the containers to the indicated loading area, climb the crane and photograph the freighter from the required viewpoint. Send all requested photographs to Ron before leaving the restricted dock area. Damaging containers or causing a disturbance can fail the mission, so treat this as reconnaissance rather than a combat mission.

After Scouting the Port, steal the Minisub. Trevor can release it from the Daisy-Lee by using the control panel or shooting the support cables from a suitable position, then enter the water and deliver it to the marked warehouse. The Minisub preparation is required for either Merryweather approach.

Choose between Freighter and Offshore at the planning board. Freighter uses the Minisub preparation and sends the team onto the protected freighter. Offshore uses the Minisub plus Cargobob: steal the Cargobob from Fort Zancudo, lose the military response and deliver it to Sandy Shores Airfield. Save before committing to the approach if you want to preserve both possibilities.

• Scouting the Port completed
• Minisub completed
• Merryweather approach selected
• Cargobob completed if Offshore was selected

5. Complete The Merryweather Heist, then prepare Blitz Play

For Freighter, follow Trevor’s route to the port, board the ship with Michael and Franklin and clear the marked resistance while advancing toward the prototype. For Offshore, fly the Cargobob and release the Minisub near the test site, use Trackify as Trevor to locate the device, surface at the marked position and let Michael recover the submersible. Franklin then handles the pursuing Merryweather boats and helicopters from the helicopter’s weapon position. In either approach, follow the extraction marker and remember that the stolen device is returned at the end of the mission; the heist does not produce a normal cash payout.

After the Merryweather finale, complete the Blitz Play preparations: Boiler Suits, Masks, Trash Truck, Tow Truck and Getaway Vehicle. Buy the clothing and masks when instructed, steal and deliver the two work vehicles, then use a healthy, reasonably fast car for the getaway vehicle. Park it inside the accepted marked area and wait for the game to confirm the setup. Make one manual save before the preparations and another after all five are accepted.

• The Merryweather Heist completed using Freighter or Offshore
• Boiler Suits completed
• Masks completed
• Trash Truck completed
• Tow Truck completed
• Getaway Vehicle accepted
• Hotel Assassination completed before Blitz Play completion

6. Execute Blitz Play and clear the connected city missions

Take the Trash Truck to Cypress Flats and place it at the ambush point. Franklin uses the Tow Truck to strike the armored vehicle; breach the rear with the instructed sticky bomb, collect the bonds and then fight through the police response. Use the truck, walls and industrial buildings as cover. Prioritize snipers, helicopters and units blocking the route. Switch protagonists whenever one character is exposed. Destroy the Trash Truck only at the marked location, transfer to the getaway car and deliver the bonds to Devin Weston.

Complete I Fought the Law... by intercepting Devin’s two target cars, then complete Eye in the Sky by helping Trevor locate the Z-Type from the helicopter. In Mr. Richards, reach the film set and deal with the disruptive crew without destroying the marked helicopter. Caida Libre requires Michael to damage the aircraft from the overlook before the ground pursuit. Deep Inside sends Franklin into the film set for the JB 700; follow the disguise and vehicle prompts. Minor Turbulence is Trevor’s desert aircraft interception, where staying on the marked route and maintaining control of the supplied plane prevents failure.

• Blitz Play completed
• I Fought the Law... completed
• Eye in the Sky completed
• Mr. Richards completed
• Caida Libre completed
• Deep Inside completed
• Minor Turbulence completed

7. Complete The Paleto Score and the Blaine County bridge missions

Begin Paleto Score Setup at the bank, then complete Predator in the forest. Use the thermal scope to identify the O’Neil targets and let Chop track the final members. Military Hardware is the required convoy preparation; attack from cover, secure the marked equipment and deliver it to the heist site.

During The Paleto Score, advance through the bank and town in heavy armor, using the protagonists’ special abilities when several enemies converge. Follow the route through the construction area, regroup at the factory and board the train when instructed. Do not stop to chase distant enemies during the escape. Save after the mission while retaining the pre-heist file.

Complete Derailed, Monkey Business, Hang Ten, Surveying the Score and Bury the Hatchet. In Derailed, use the motorcycle jump to board the train and protect the marked cargo after the crash. Monkey Business alternates between a water approach, facility combat and extraction. Hang Ten is the Trevor transition at Floyd’s apartment. Surveying the Score reveals the Union Depository access and armored-vehicle routes. Bury the Hatchet sends Trevor and Michael to North Yankton; follow the airport and cemetery objectives without diverting from the mission route.

• Paleto Score Setup completed
• Predator completed
• Military Hardware completed
• The Paleto Score completed
• Derailed completed
• Monkey Business completed
• Hang Ten completed
• Surveying the Score completed
• Bury the Hatchet completed

8. Finish the Bureau chain and unlock Planning The Big Score

Complete Pack Man by keeping Franklin, Trevor and Lamar’s vehicle convoy together during the delivery. Fresh Meat then sends Franklin to rescue Michael at the slaughterhouse; use the marked entrance, switch protagonists during the interior fight and clear enemies blocking Michael’s extraction. Complete The Ballad of Rocco at the movie studio, then Cleaning out the Bureau by following the janitor and obtaining the required access information.

Choose one Bureau Raid approach. For Roof Entry, complete Architect’s Plans by following the construction worker, taking the plans and returning to Lester. For Fire Crew, complete Fire Truck and place the accepted getaway vehicle where the game confirms it. Do not complete both branches unless you are intentionally maintaining separate approach saves.

In The Bureau Raid, Roof Entry uses a helicopter landing, a server-room hack, defensive fire and a rappel escape. Fire Crew uses disguises, planted explosives, the FIB data room and a fire-truck extraction. In either version, shoot only enemies blocking movement, keep the selected crew alive and follow the escape marker instead of clearing every distant pursuer. Save after the raid.

Complete The Wrap Up at the Kortz Center, Reuniting the Family, Legal Trouble, Lamar Down and Meltdown. In Lamar Down, use the sawmill structures as cover and switch protagonists to clear separate enemy angles. During Meltdown, buy the required tuxedo, attend the premiere and defend Michael’s house; use Michael’s ability carefully around Amanda and Tracey. When Meltdown ends, Planning The Big Score becomes the next required story objective. Create a final manual save at this handoff.

• Pack Man completed
• Fresh Meat completed
• The Ballad of Rocco completed
• Cleaning out the Bureau completed
• Architect’s Plans completed for Roof Entry, or Fire Truck and Getaway Vehicle completed for Fire Crew
• The Bureau Raid completed
• The Wrap Up completed
• Reuniting the Family completed
• Legal Trouble completed
• Lamar Down completed
• Meltdown completed
• Planning The Big Score available

1. Separate the required assassination from the optional four

All five Lester assassination missions are Franklin missions. The first is The Hotel Assassination, which becomes available during the middle portion of the campaign. Complete it when the story route requires it; do not postpone it until after The Big Score. Blitz Play and the surrounding campaign progression depend on this first assassination being completed.

The other four missions are The Multi Target Assassination, The Vice Assassination, The Bus Assassination, and The Construction Assassination. They are not required to reach any of the three endings, so the best investment route is to leave them untouched until after The Big Score and, if desired, the final story mission. They remain available after the ending. All five are relevant to the game’s 100% completion requirements.

• Complete The Hotel Assassination before Blitz Play progression must finish.
• Leave Multi Target, Vice, Bus, and Construction for the endgame if optimizing money.
• Start and finish every Lester assassination as Franklin.

2. Use a separate save routine for every trade

Make a manual save in a separate slot before buying any assassination-related stock. Keep that save until the mission is complete, the stock has been sold, and any optional recovery trade has been evaluated. A failed investment is easier to undo by reloading the untouched pre-purchase file than by trying to repair a damaged portfolio.

Michael, Franklin, and Trevor have separate cash balances and portfolios. Switch to each surviving protagonist before investing, and inspect the portfolio for each character after the mission. The displayed return in your save is more useful than a fixed percentage from an older guide. Market movement can take multiple in-game sleep or character-switch cycles, and the exact peak is not guaranteed.

• Create a pre-investment manual save.
• Invest separately with each available protagonist.
• Do not overwrite the original save until the trade is finished.

3. Complete Hotel with Betta Pharmaceuticals before it

Before launching The Hotel Assassination, buy Betta Pharmaceuticals on BAWSAQ with the protagonists whose money you want to use. Then return to Franklin, meet Lester at the mission marker, and follow the objective to the hotel. Eliminate Brett Lowrey as instructed, then leave the area and follow the escape route until the wanted response is cleared. Avoid unnecessary firefights during the exit; the mission is completed by reaching safety, not by defeating every pursuing officer.

After the mission, advance time by sleeping or switching characters and check Betta in every portfolio. Sell when the price has reached the best sustained return shown in your save, then make a new manual save. Bilkinton Research may become a recovery opportunity after its decline, but it is optional. Do not risk your main bankroll on it unless you have preserved a separate post-sale save.

• Buy Betta Pharmaceuticals before Hotel if using the stock route.
• Eliminate Brett Lowrey and escape the police response.
• Sell Betta from each portfolio after checking the local peak.

4. Postpone Multi Target, then use Debonaire

After Hotel, continue the main campaign normally. Do not start The Multi Target Assassination when its marker appears if you are saving the missions for maximum investment capital. Finish The Big Score and, if desired, the chosen final ending first. Confirm that the endgame money has been deposited, then create a new manual save before accepting Multi Target.

Buy Debonaire Cigarettes on LCN before beginning the mission. Franklin must eliminate four targets in sequence. Follow each target marker, use controlled shots, and move promptly between objectives. After completion, advance time and monitor Debonaire in each portfolio. Sell after the rise levels off in your save. Redwood Cigarettes can be considered after Debonaire falls, but make another save before attempting that optional recovery trade.

• Finish The Big Score before Multi Target when optimizing wealth.
• Buy Debonaire before accepting the mission.
• Sell Debonaire based on your displayed return, then save before considering Redwood.

5. Complete Vice with Fruit Computers

Before The Vice Assassination, buy Fruit Computers on BAWSAQ. Return to Franklin, follow the target marker, identify the marked executive, complete the hit, and leave the area using the route shown by the game. A fast escape vehicle and armor are more useful than stopping to fight every police unit.

Advance time after the mission and check Fruit in each protagonist’s portfolio. Sell when the return has reached its best sustained level in your save, then preserve the result in a new slot. Facade is the associated rival opportunity and may be attempted afterward, but it is optional and should not replace the primary Fruit trade.

• Buy Fruit before Vice.
• Prioritize the marked executive and the escape route.
• Sell Fruit after monitoring the in-game return.

6. Handle Bus as the buy-after exception

Do not buy Vapid before The Bus Assassination. Franklin uses a bus and must follow the route and objective prompts until the target event occurs. Stay with the mission’s marked stops rather than abandoning the bus to search independently. When the target becomes vulnerable, complete the kill and follow the escape instructions.

Only after the mission is complete should you buy Vapid on BAWSAQ. Advance time and monitor the price with each protagonist. The recovery can require several in-game time advances, and the peak can differ from published examples. Sell when the price movement has clearly stalled, then create a new save.

• Do not purchase Vapid before Bus.
• Follow the bus route and wait for the marked target event.
• Buy Vapid only after mission completion.

7. Finish with Construction and GoldCoast

Before The Construction Assassination, buy GoldCoast Development on LCN. Travel with Franklin to the construction site and use cover while moving through the guards. Keep armor equipped, use a reliable rifle, eliminate the marked target, and leave the site using the mission route. Clear the wanted response before managing the stock position.

Advance time and monitor GoldCoast after the mission. Sell when its return reaches the best sustained point shown in your save, then make a final manual save. GoldCoast is the final primary stock trade tied to the assassination sequence.

• Buy GoldCoast before Construction.
• Use armor and cover at the construction site.
• Confirm the mission is complete before selling and saving.

8. If you are not using the stock market

The assassination missions can be completed normally without investing. Carry body armor, a dependable rifle, and a fast vehicle. Hotel is a hotel hit, Multi Target requires four separate eliminations, Vice requires identifying the marked executive, Bus depends on the route event, and Construction takes Franklin into a guarded worksite. Follow the active objective rather than improvising target locations.

If an investment goes wrong, reload the untouched pre-purchase save or continue without speculation. Stock manipulation is optional for story completion, but the missions themselves should be completed if you are pursuing 100%. The four optional missions may be delayed; they are not permanently lost by completing the campaign.

• Complete every mission as Franklin.
• Use the active objective markers for each target.
• Keep a clean save if you may retry an investment.

1. Match the specialist to the job instead of choosing only by cut

The planning board shows the available role, cut and skill level for each recruit. A higher cut can buy reliability, but the value depends on what that character must do. Hackers matter when the mission gives you a technical or collection window. Drivers matter during escapes and any sequence involving helicopters, trains, motorcycles or other specialist vehicles. Gunmen provide combat support, but weak choices can drop equipment, lose part of the take or die during scripted events.

Use the displayed cut as one factor, not the entire decision. A cheap crew member is worthwhile when the role is low-risk and the mission does not punish poor performance. A cheap driver in a demanding escape is a false saving if the result is lost loot or a harder pursuit. Crew members who survive earlier work can improve for later jobs, so using a lower-cost recruit can be sensible when you understand the risk and have a manual save.

• Read the role and cut on the planning board before confirming.
• Use a stronger specialist for technical, aircraft or long escape sections.
• Do not assume a low cut means the crew member is harmlessly inefficient.

2. Build the Jewel Store Job around the selected approach

For the Smart approach, the hacker controls the time available during the jewelry collection. Rickie Lukens is a practical low-cost choice for a normal completion, while a stronger hacker gives more breathing room. If Packie McReary has been unlocked through his optional store-robbery encounter, he is a dependable gunman at a lower cut than Gustavo Mota. Karim Denz is a cheaper driver, but the escape is less forgiving; Eddie Toh costs more and makes the getaway more reliable.

For the Loud approach, the entry is direct and the escape places more emphasis on gunfire and driving. Give priority to a reliable driver and gunman rather than selecting every minimum-cut recruit. If you choose Karim, expect a more demanding chase and keep the getaway moving instead of stopping to fight unnecessarily. If you are learning the campaign, use the approach and crew that give you the greatest control, then save after the job so the surviving crew can gain experience for later work.

• Create a manual save before confirming the Jewel Store board.
• Use Rickie or a stronger hacker for Smart, depending on how much time you want.
• Use Packie when available; otherwise compare the gunman’s cut with the risk of equipment loss.
• Choose Eddie for a safer driver section or Karim when you accept a harder escape.

3. Treat the Merryweather Heist as a route-and-equipment mission

The Merryweather Heist does not produce a normal cash payout in either approach, so paying for premium crew members does not improve your final bank balance. Concentrate on the route selected during setup. Offshore requires the submarine, the Cargobob recovery sequence and underwater tracking with the phone. Freighter places the operation around the ship and its close-quarters firefights.

Before starting, make sure Trevor has armor, ammunition and weapons suited to sustained combat. During Offshore, follow the vehicle prompts and keep the submarine and Cargobob under control rather than improvising with a personal vehicle. During Freighter, move through the ship using cover and clear each deck before advancing. The important “gadget” choices are the submarine, Cargobob and mission-supplied equipment obtained through the setups; this is not a conventional crew-cut optimization problem.

• Do not spend extra money chasing a larger Merryweather payout.
• Prepare for the selected route’s aircraft, submarine or ship combat.
• Use the required setup vehicles instead of treating the finale like free roam.

4. Choose Paleto Score gunmen for survival and equipment retention

The Paleto Score is a long, loud assault with two gunmen and heavy resistance. Every hit that removes money from the crew reduces the final take, so the cheapest available gunman is not automatically the best value. Packie is a strong choice if he survived and was used in the Jewel Store Job. Chef is another dependable practical choice. Norm Richards and Daryl Johns can produce special loss or casualty outcomes, so avoid them when your priority is a clean first completion rather than testing the maximum-payout route.

The finale supplies the heavy armor and weaponry needed for the assault. Stay behind the armored vehicle during the street advance, use protagonist switching when prompted and avoid abandoning the protected route for a faster civilian car. Full armor helps, but it cannot compensate for standing in the open. Keep moving with the mission’s armored equipment and focus on threats directly blocking the route instead of chasing distant enemies.

• Prefer Packie or Chef for a reliable first completion.
• Avoid low-skill gunmen if you do not want scripted losses or a crew casualty.
• Use the mission’s armored equipment and refill armor before starting.

5. Match the Bureau Raid crew to Roof Entry or Fire Crew

The Bureau Raid has two different approaches. Roof Entry uses a helicopter insertion, building combat and an extraction, so a dependable driver is valuable. If Taliana Martinez has been rescued during her optional encounter, she is a strong low-cut driver for later heists. Rickie Lukens is generally sufficient as the hacker when you are not pursuing a particular payout calculation. For gunmen, use recruits you can afford to lose only if you deliberately choose the Fire Crew route’s riskier outcomes.

Fire Crew requires you to follow the disguise and entry procedure before the operation turns into a firefight. Do not confuse the approach with a free-form stealth mission: once the cover breaks, move through the building and follow the objective markers. Roof Entry is usually the easier choice for a dependable completion when you have a capable driver. Preserve a save before the board if you want to compare both approaches without permanently changing your crew’s later availability.

• Use Taliana when available for a dependable driver slot.
• Rickie is adequate for the hacker role unless you are optimizing a specific payout.
• Choose gunmen with the Big Score in mind; do not sacrifice a valuable recruit casually.
• Save before selecting Roof Entry or Fire Crew.

6. Plan The Big Score around the escape roles

The Big Score has Subtle and Obvious approaches, and the escape assignments are more important here than the small difference in a crew member’s percentage. Subtle combines disguises, drilling, technical work and an underground escape. Use a hacker who gives you comfortable technical time; Rickie can be serviceable if he has gained experience, while Paige provides a larger margin. The drivers must also be reliable because the escape uses multiple specialist vehicles and a mistake can reduce the take or force a restart.

Obvious is a direct assault followed by a lengthy vehicle escape. Taliana Martinez and Karim Denz are commonly used as economical drivers when both have been unlocked and you accept the route’s demands. For gunmen, use low-cost recruits only when you understand the route and their scripted behavior; otherwise pay for stronger support. The planning board determines the available roles, so confirm every slot before starting the final heist and create a separate save immediately beforehand.

• Make a manual save before locking in The Big Score approach.
• Use an experienced hacker for Subtle and reliable drivers for either approach.
• Choose gunmen according to their scripted responsibilities, not only their percentage.
• Keep an earlier save if you intend to replay the other approach or ending.

7. Buy preparation gear, but do not confuse Story Mode with GTA Online

Before a major heist, visit Ammu-Nation with each protagonist who will enter the next mission. Refill body armor and ammunition, then carry the weapons you use confidently. Sticky bombs are useful against vehicles and for some setup objectives. An RPG can help against armored or pursuing vehicles when the mission permits it, but explosives are dangerous in confined interiors and may damage mission-critical targets. Some finales restrict or replace your normal loadout, so preparation improves your free-roam and setup readiness without guaranteeing access to every weapon during the finale.

For travel between setups, use a fast, controllable car when the route is long or police pursuit is likely. An armored car is useful in exposed free-roam combat, but it is not a universal answer: narrow alleys, traffic and mission scripts can make acceleration and handling more important. Fast motorcycles are excellent for slipping through gaps but leave the rider exposed. Do not assume you can bring a preferred armored car, bike or helicopter into a finale; many heists provide fixed vehicles or require special equipment acquired in setup missions. The Cargobob, submarine, drilling equipment and other specialist vehicles belong to their assigned operations.

• Refill armor and ammunition before starting a heist chain.
• Use explosives for vehicles or fortified targets only when the mission allows them.
• Choose fast personal vehicles for long setup travel and protected vehicles for exposed free-roam fights.
• Follow setup objectives to obtain specialist vehicles and equipment.

Confirm the prerequisite handoff and create a planning save

Do not expect Planning The Big Score immediately after The Bureau Raid. Complete Surveying the Score, then advance the required late-story missions through Meltdown. Once Meltdown is finished, Michael, Trevor, Franklin and Lester meet at the Vanilla Unicorn to plan the Union Depository robbery. The Bureau Raid alone does not unlock this meeting.

Before entering the planning marker, create a manual save in a separate slot. This protects the approach and crew decision. Keep the save until the heist and your chosen ending are complete. Confirm that all three protagonists are available, then replenish armor, ammunition and explosives. The Big Score is the final major heist; completing it unlocks Franklin’s three ending missions: Something Sensible, The Time’s Come and The Third Way.

• Surveying the Score is complete.
• The required story chain through Meltdown is complete.
• Planning The Big Score is available at the Vanilla Unicorn.
• A protected manual save exists before choosing the approach.

Choose an approach and assign the crew by role

Subtle requires two gunmen, two drivers and a hacker. The first gunman helps move the gold, while the second handles the armored-car hostages. The first driver has the demanding Gauntlet and police-escape role; the second driver handles the armored-car tire work. The hacker controls traffic lights while the armored cars travel to the transfer point.

For Subtle, use a dependable first gunman such as Packie McReary, Chef or another experienced gunman. Taliana Martinez is the strongest low-cut driver if she was rescued earlier; Eddie Toh is also reliable. Karim Denz can work if he has gained experience, but an inexperienced first driver can lose part of the take during the escape. Rickie Lukens is inexpensive and can complete the hacking section, although his slower traffic response gives you less margin for error. An inexperienced first gunman can leave gold behind during loading.

Obvious requires two gunmen and two drivers and does not use a hacker. The first driver pilots the helicopter carrying the gold; the second driver operates the train. Put Taliana Martinez or Eddie Toh in the helicopter role. If Karim Denz is inexperienced, place him in the train role rather than the helicopter role, because he can crash in the wind farm and lose half the take when assigned to the first driver slot. Daryl Johns, Norm Richards or Hugh Welsh are practical low-cut gunmen, particularly when assigning the more experienced one to the second gunman position.

Choose Obvious for the highest potential net payout and fewer crew-related expenses. Choose Subtle if you prefer a quieter bank entry and armored-car disguise, while accepting the $300,000 bribe, Gauntlet preparation costs and larger crew cuts. The approach cannot be changed after confirmation without reloading the pre-planning save.

• Subtle’s first gunman and first driver are dependable.
• Obvious’s best available driver is assigned to the helicopter.
• Crew order has been checked before confirming the plan.
• The approach choice is recorded in the pre-planning save.

Complete the Subtle preparations

Select Subtle to unlock Stingers and three separate Gauntlet setup missions. In Stingers, steal the police transporter carrying the spike strips from the South Los Santos police station and deliver it to Lester’s hiding place without destroying it. Avoid unnecessary gunfire and lose any police attention before making the delivery.

Lester then sends the three marked Gauntlet locations by email: Pillbox Hill, Rockford Hills and Mission Row. Retrieve each marked Bravado Gauntlet and take it to Los Santos Customs. Repair it if needed, select Gold Preparation, then Heist Prep for the required preparation modification. Deliver the modified car to the indicated lockup. A random street Gauntlet does not replace one of the three marked vehicles.

After all three marked Gauntlets are delivered, create another manual save. The finale uses four Gauntlets in total: the three cars prepared through the setup missions, plus a fourth Gauntlet supplied as part of the escape. The fourth car is not a missing setup objective and does not need to be found beforehand.

• Stingers is complete.
• The Pillbox Hill, Rockford Hills and Mission Row Gauntlets are complete.
• Each marked Gauntlet received Gold Preparation followed by Heist Prep.
• A second manual save exists after all selected preparations are complete.

Complete the Obvious preparations

Select Obvious to unlock Driller, Sidetracked and Getaway Vehicle. In Driller, steal the tunnel-boring Cutter from the East Los Santos depot and deliver it to the marked parking area near the Union Depository. The truck is slow, so use the rail tunnel if you need to lose the police. Deliver the Cutter without destroying it.

In Sidetracked, reach the railway switch house at Davis Quartz and divert the train into the siding. Use the Skylift to transport the freight engine and the required flatbed car to Trevor’s airfield. Both rail vehicles must be delivered; leaving one behind prevents the preparation from being completed.

For Getaway Vehicle, provide a four-door car, call Lester and choose the option to make the vehicle ready, then park it in the marked Arcadius underground parking location across from the depository. Leaving a car on an ordinary street near the bank is not sufficient.

When all three Obvious preparations are confirmed complete on the planning board, create a second manual save. Refill armor and ammunition before starting the finale.

• The Cutter was delivered for Driller.
• The freight engine and flatbed car were delivered for Sidetracked.
• The getaway vehicle was registered with Lester and parked in Arcadius.
• A second manual save exists after all Obvious preparations are complete.

Execute the Subtle finale

At the start, drive Michael to the tunnel entrance near the Union Depository and arrive before the mission’s morning deadline. Stop in the marker, place the Stinger when prompted and wait for both Gruppe Sechs Securicars. After the spikes stop the vans, cover the crew while they change the tires and secure the guards. Follow the lead armored car to the depository and remain with the group as it enters the vault.

Trevor and the gunmen move the gold. Stay with the crew and do not abandon either armored car. When Franklin takes control of the traffic system, the blue markers are your armored cars and the red markers are Merryweather units. Change lights only when needed to keep your vans moving or to hold Merryweather back. A slower hacker creates more delay, so watch the whole map rather than focusing on one intersection.

At the transfer point beneath the freeway near the Vanilla Unicorn, switch between Franklin, Michael and Trevor to repel Merryweather. Use cover, explosives and character abilities against clustered enemies and vehicles. Eliminate the snipers on the freeway ramp before assuming the area is secure.

The gold is loaded into four Gauntlets: the three modified Gauntlets prepared during setup and a fourth Gauntlet supplied for the escape. Protect the crew until all four cars are ready. During the police escape, follow the convoy and use Franklin’s special ability for sharp turns. Keep the cars moving and avoid crashing into the other Gauntlets. When the convoy reaches the Del Perro tunnel, drive up the right-hand truck ramp into the trailer. The escape cinematic follows; then continue to Michael’s house in the SUV for the completion scene.

• Both Securicars reach the Union Depository.
• The traffic-control sequence gets the armored cars to the transfer point.
• All four escape Gauntlets are loaded or preserved through the loading sequence.
• The convoy reaches the Del Perro tunnel.
• The closing scene at Michael’s house plays.

Execute the Obvious finale

Drive Michael to the Union Depository while the distraction begins, then switch to Franklin in the Cutter beneath the bank. Follow the prompts to line up the machine and bore through the wall. Park the Cutter out of the combat lane so its front section can provide cover. Enter the vault area, place explosives on both vault doors, retreat behind cover and detonate them.

Protect the gunman while the gold is moved. NOOSE enters from multiple directions, so prioritize enemies closest to the gold carrier and use the Cutter, metal bins and nearby structures as cover. Clear the initial tunnel waves before dealing with the additional vault and ceiling entries. Character special abilities are useful for controlled headshots and quick recovery when enemies push forward.

After the extraction switches to Trevor, keep the gold helicopter steady while Lester fires at the pursuing Merryweather Buzzards. Use smooth turns instead of sharp swings; Lester’s shots are easier when the helicopter remains stable. Protect the second helicopter and destroy the hostile aircraft before continuing toward the train.

Switch back to Michael and Franklin at the footbridge. Advance west toward the Arcadius parking garage, using cover and focusing on NOOSE officers and helicopters. Enter the registered getaway vehicle and lose the wanted level. A train tunnel can break line of sight, but do not abandon the marked getaway vehicle before the escape objective is complete.

Switch to Trevor when prompted and follow the other helicopter through the RON Alternates Wind Farm. After the hostile Buzzards are destroyed, approach the moving freight train and fly low enough for the gold-drop prompt to appear. Release the gold when prompted, then fly to McKenzie Field Hangar near Grapeseed and land in the marked area. The mission ends after the crew regroups and the score is secured.

• The Cutter opens the vault and the gunman survives the loading section.
• Michael and Franklin reach the Arcadius parking garage.
• The registered getaway vehicle is used to lose the police.
• Trevor keeps the gold helicopter stable while Lester attacks the Buzzards.
• The gold lands on the train.
• The helicopter reaches McKenzie Field Hangar.

Recover from failure and verify the final-act handoff

Use Retry when the current checkpoint is suitable for a combat or driving mistake. Reload the pre-finale save if a poor crew assignment caused a preventable loss, a Gauntlet was destroyed, the Obvious getaway vehicle was mishandled or a helicopter driver crashed. Reload the pre-planning save if you want to select the other approach.

After the closing scene returns you to free roam, create a separate post-heist manual save. Confirm that The Big Score is recorded as complete in mission progress and that the next major story markers are available. The final choice follows this heist, but the ending mission itself is not part of The Big Score.

Preserve the pre-planning and pre-finale saves if you intend to replay the alternate approach or choose another ending. Do not overwrite the pre-choice save before selecting Something Sensible, The Time’s Come or The Third Way.

• The Big Score is recorded as complete.
• The closing scene has finished and free roam has resumed.
• A separate post-heist save exists.
• The pre-planning and pre-finale saves remain intact.
• The save is ready for Franklin’s final-ending choice.

1. Confirm the late-story prerequisites

Before preparing the Union Depository robbery, verify that the following late-story missions are complete: The Bureau Raid, The Wrap Up, Reuniting the Family, Legal Trouble, Lamar Down, Meltdown and Planning The Big Score. These missions cover the final FIB, Michael-family, movie-studio, Lamar and heist-planning threads that lead into the campaign's last major operation.

Some earlier missions can appear in a different order depending on the approach choices and mission availability in your save. Use the completed mission record, map markers and character switching to identify unfinished main-story content. If one of the named missions is absent, switch between Franklin, Michael and Trevor and follow the remaining main-story marker.

Do not substitute Strangers & Freaks, hobbies, properties, collectibles or random events for a missing prerequisite. Those activities can contribute to other goals, including 100% completion, but they do not replace the required late-story progression. Planning The Big Score is the planning mission at the Vanilla Unicorn where the crew selects the Union Depository approach and assigns the heist roles.

• The Bureau Raid is complete.
• The Wrap Up is complete.
• Reuniting the Family is complete.
• Legal Trouble is complete.
• Lamar Down is complete.
• Meltdown is complete.
• Planning The Big Score is complete.

2. Select the Big Score approach and review the crew

At the planning board, choose Subtle or Obvious. Subtle relies on disguises, traffic control and a Gauntlet-based escape. Obvious uses a drill to access the vault, a train for the gold-transfer stage and a more direct armed escape. Either approach leads to the same final choice after the heist.

Review the available gunman, driver and hacker assignments before confirming the plan. Crew skill affects how reliably a specialist performs, while the crew cut affects the final payout. A low-cost specialist can be used, but inexperienced crew members create more risk during demanding escape stages. For a first completion, favor dependable roles over maximizing the final percentage.

Once the approach is confirmed, follow the preparation markers displayed for that approach. The setup lists are not interchangeable. Do not wait for Stingers or Gauntlet markers after choosing Obvious, and do not search for Driller or Sidetracked after choosing Subtle.

• The approach has been selected deliberately.
• Crew roles and cuts have been reviewed.
• The displayed setup markers match the selected approach.

3. Complete the Subtle preparations correctly

The Subtle approach requires Stingers and three separate modified-Gauntlet setup missions. Stingers obtains the police vehicle fitted with spike strips. The three Gauntlet missions each send you to a specified Los Santos location to obtain one Bravado Gauntlet, modify it at Los Santos Customs and deliver it to the marked storage location.

Treat the three Gauntlet missions as three independent objectives. A Gauntlet delivered for one marker does not satisfy either of the other two. Use the locations and descriptions supplied by the game; a randomly stolen Gauntlet is not a substitute when the setup identifies a particular vehicle.

The distinction matters during the finale: the player prepares three modified Gauntlets, but the Subtle finale uses four Gauntlets in total when the gold is loaded for the escape. The fourth Gauntlet is supplied by the mission as part of the escape operation. Therefore, do not search for a fourth player-delivered Gauntlet or describe the preparation as four separate vehicle setups.

After each delivery, check the setup status or planning board. If one Gauntlet remains unmarked, return to its active marker and complete that specific delivery before starting The Big Score.

• Stingers is complete.
• The first modified-Gauntlet setup is complete.
• The second modified-Gauntlet setup is complete.
• The third modified-Gauntlet setup is complete.
• All Subtle setup markers are finished.
• The distinction between three prepared Gauntlets and four finale Gauntlets is understood.

4. Complete the Obvious preparations

The Obvious approach requires Driller, Sidetracked and Getaway Vehicle. Driller secures the industrial equipment needed to reach the Union Depository vault. Sidetracked obtains the train used during the gold-transfer portion of the plan. Getaway Vehicle requires a suitable four-door vehicle to be parked in the specified underground location near the Arcadius Business Center.

For Getaway Vehicle, follow the active objective and park inside the designated location. Leaving a vehicle on a nearby street or close to the garage does not necessarily register the setup. Wait for the game to confirm that the vehicle has been accepted before leaving the area.

The Obvious preparation list is fixed: Driller, Sidetracked and Getaway Vehicle. Do not complete Stingers or the Gauntlet missions after selecting this approach. Verify that all three setup tiles are marked complete before entering the heist marker.

• Driller is complete.
• Sidetracked is complete.
• Getaway Vehicle is complete and confirmed by the game.
• All Obvious setup markers are finished.

5. Protect your saves and prepare for the heist

Create a manual save in a dedicated slot after every required setup for the chosen approach is complete and before activating The Big Score. Use the phone's quick-save option or a safehouse bed, then confirm that the save reflects the completed preparation list. Keep an earlier save if you may want to change the approach or crew selection.

Replenish ammunition for the weapons you normally use and equip body armor before starting. Assault rifles, sniper weapons and explosives are useful during the Obvious firefights and law-enforcement response, although the mission also supplies important equipment. Low Story Mode cash does not prevent the heist or the ending choice, so do not treat expensive purchases as prerequisites.

Clear any wanted level and finish unrelated free-roam activity before entering the heist marker. Once the mission begins, follow the supplied vehicles and current objective. A personal vehicle parked elsewhere cannot replace the vehicles and route required by the selected approach.

• A pre-heist manual save exists in its own slot.
• Ammunition is replenished.
• Body armor is equipped.
• No wanted level or unrelated mission is active.

6. Complete The Big Score and save afterward

The Big Score changes substantially between Subtle and Obvious, so follow the active objective markers rather than applying instructions from the other route. Switch between Michael, Franklin and Trevor when prompted. During combat, use cover, stay near the assigned crew and prioritize enemies threatening the gold, the escape vehicles or the current objective.

In the Subtle finale, protect the gold transfer and the Gauntlet escape. Three Gauntlets were prepared by the player, while a fourth is supplied as part of the mission, making four Gauntlets involved in the completed escape. In the Obvious finale, protect the drilling and transport stages, then follow the marked route after the vault assault.

Do not leave the objective area to chase pedestrians, steal unrelated vehicles or pursue optional targets. Mission failure can result from a protagonist dying, required equipment or vehicles being lost, or an escape objective being abandoned. If a late failure occurs and you want to change crew or approach decisions, reload the protected pre-heist save rather than relying only on a checkpoint retry.

After the completion scene ends and the game returns to free roam, create a second manual save in a different slot. Keep both the pre-heist and post-heist saves until the ending choice and its consequences are settled.

• The Big Score completion sequence has ended.
• The game has returned to free roam.
• A separate post-heist save exists.
• The three-player-prepared and four-finale-Gauntlet distinction is preserved for the Subtle route.

7. Create the final-choice save

After The Big Score, Franklin receives the final decision. The available missions are Something Sensible, The Time's Come and The Third Way. Something Sensible kills Trevor. The Time's Come kills Michael. The Third Way, commonly called Deathwish, preserves Franklin, Michael and Trevor while the group deals with the remaining antagonists.

When the choice marker appears, stop before entering it or confirming an option. Create another manual save in a clearly separate slot, such as Before Ending. Preserve the pre-heist and post-heist saves instead of overwriting them. This gives you a practical way to choose one ending while retaining a return point for another.

Choosing Something Sensible removes Trevor from normal post-story play. Choosing The Time's Come removes Michael. The Third Way keeps both available for post-story activities and is the safest choice for a single completion save intended for cleanup. If you want access to character-specific missions, hobbies, properties or free-roam events, finish them before choosing A or B, or retain the pre-choice save permanently.

• Franklin's final-choice marker is active.
• A manual save exists immediately before selecting an ending.
• The pre-heist and post-heist saves remain intact.
• The consequences of each ending are understood.

8. Recover when the finale is not ready

If the final choice does not appear, return to the prerequisite list and verify The Bureau Raid, The Wrap Up, Reuniting the Family, Legal Trouble, Lamar Down, Meltdown and Planning The Big Score. Then check that every preparation for the selected approach is marked complete.

For Subtle, the complete preparation list is Stingers plus three separately completed modified-Gauntlet missions. The finale's fourth Gauntlet is supplied by the mission, so an apparently missing fourth setup car is not a progression problem. For Obvious, the required preparations are Driller, Sidetracked and Getaway Vehicle.

The ending is controlled by campaign progress, not by high cash reserves, weapon purchases, a particular personal vehicle or completion of optional side content. If a marker seems absent, switch characters, inspect the map and allow outstanding main-story notifications or calls to appear. Reload an earlier campaign save if the setup state is unclear.

Optional Strangers & Freaks missions, hobbies, properties, collectibles and most random events can continue after the story. However, an ending that removes Michael or Trevor can also remove access to activities tied to that protagonist. Do not overwrite the pre-choice save until you have decided which post-story world state you want.

• All seven named late-story prerequisites are complete.
• The selected approach's full setup list is complete.
• For Subtle, three Gauntlet setup missions are complete and the fourth finale Gauntlet is understood to be mission-supplied.
• For Obvious, Driller, Sidetracked and Getaway Vehicle are complete.
• Michael, Franklin and Trevor are available before the choice.
• The pre-choice save remains available.

1. Finish The Big Score and create a recovery save

Complete The Big Score first. After the heist and its immediate aftermath, return control to Franklin and wait for Devin Weston’s visit at Franklin’s house. The conversation leads to the three final choices: A: Kill Trevor, B: Kill Michael, or C: Deathwish.

Before selecting A, open the pause menu and create a manual save in a separate slot. Keep an earlier campaign save if possible, and do not overwrite the pre-choice file after the mission begins. Choosing A permanently removes Trevor from that completed story state. A separate save is the safest way to preserve Trevor’s remaining activities or return later to choose another ending.

• The Big Score is complete.
• Devin Weston’s final-choice scene has appeared.
• A separate manual save exists before choosing A.
• Any Trevor-only content you still want has been completed or deliberately abandoned.

2. Choose A: Kill Trevor and drive to El Burro Heights

Use Franklin’s phone during the final-choice scene and select A: Kill Trevor. The mission Something Sensible begins with Franklin contacting Trevor and arranging a meeting somewhere quiet. Follow the T marker to the empty lots in El Burro Heights.

Use any serviceable vehicle and follow the yellow route. There is no special car, weapon, or equipment requirement for this opening section. Avoid unnecessary crashes so you arrive without losing time or damaging the vehicle during the approach. The meeting scene starts when Franklin reaches the marked location.

• A: Kill Trevor has been selected.
• The mission title Something Sensible is active.
• Franklin reaches the meeting point in El Burro Heights.

3. Let Trevor escape and begin the chase

During the confrontation, Franklin draws his weapon and explains why he is turning on Trevor. Trevor gets into his Bodhi and drives away. Enter Franklin’s vehicle and follow the route shown on the radar.

Trevor cannot be killed or stopped during this first chase by normal drive-by shooting, tire damage, or destroying his truck. Do not waste ammunition trying to end the mission early. Stay close enough to keep the chase active, but prioritize safe turns and road control over reckless ramming. Use Franklin’s driving ability if traffic or a sharp turn causes problems, and follow the yellow route rather than taking an unfamiliar shortcut.

• Trevor has escaped in the Bodhi.
• Franklin is following the active chase route.
• The mission has not been failed by losing Trevor or straying too far from the pursuit.

4. Follow the pursuit toward the Murrieta Oil Field

The chase continues across Los Santos and toward the oil-field area. Franklin contacts Michael during the pursuit and asks for help. Continue following Trevor until the scripted arrival at the oil field; Michael does not become a separately playable character during this mission.

Keep your vehicle pointed toward the next route marker and avoid explosive weapons. The chase is designed to advance through its scripted stages, so aggressive attempts to force Trevor off the road are unnecessary. If you fail by losing the target or wrecking Franklin’s vehicle, accept the retry prompt and repeat the pursuit at a steadier pace.

• Franklin has contacted Michael during the chase.
• The pursuit reaches the Murrieta Oil Field area.
• Michael arrives to help stop Trevor.

5. Complete the tanker confrontation

At the oil field, Michael rams Trevor’s truck into a fuel tanker. The collision ruptures the tanker and covers Trevor and the wreckage with gasoline. Once the cutscene and positioning give Franklin control, aim at the gasoline on the ground and fire to ignite it.

The required action is not to launch a rocket or grenade at the tanker. Shoot the gasoline as directed by the scene. Trevor dies in the resulting fire, and the mission’s only gold-medal requirement, “Judas!”, is satisfied by killing him. If Franklin hesitates, Michael can take the shot instead, but firing promptly keeps the sequence under your control and avoids confusion about the objective.

• Trevor’s truck has crashed into the fuel tanker.
• Gasoline is covering the wreckage.
• Franklin ignites the gasoline and Trevor is killed.
• The “Judas!” gold-medal requirement is complete if you are pursuing mission medals.

6. Allow the ending sequence and save the completed state

Remain in the mission until the departure scene and credits sequence finish. Do not quit immediately after the tanker explosion. The game completes the ending presentation, then returns you to Story Mode after the post-ending material.

Once control returns, create a new manual save in a different slot. Keep the pre-choice save untouched if you intend to compare Ending B or Deathwish. The PS5 version does not change this ending route; the Enhanced edition’s graphics modes affect presentation and responsiveness, not the mission’s objectives or outcome.

• Something Sensible is marked complete.
• The ending and credits sequence has finished.
• A new post-ending manual save exists.
• The pre-choice save remains available if alternate endings are planned.

7. Confirm the consequences and continue with remaining content

Trevor is no longer available for character switching on this completed save. Trevor-specific missions, activities, and most properties tied specifically to him can no longer be accessed. Franklin and Michael remain available for free roam and for their remaining content. The Vanilla Unicorn remains usable as a business location for the surviving characters, but Trevor’s personal safehouse function is no longer relevant after his removal.

Review the map, mission prompts, hobbies, collectibles, and 100% checklist with Franklin and Michael. Do not treat missing Trevor markers as a bug or as unfinished tasks that can still be restored. If you want the broadest post-game checklist with all three protagonists, reload the pre-choice save and select C: Deathwish instead. You can also use the mission replay menu to revisit completed finale missions, but replaying a mission is not a substitute for preserving the pre-choice save when you want a different persistent world state.

• Trevor is absent from the character-switching wheel.
• Franklin and Michael remain playable.
• The final mission is complete in the mission list.
• Remaining optional and 100% tasks are being tracked with the surviving characters.
• The pre-choice save is preserved for alternate endings or Trevor content.

1. Preserve the final choice before selecting Ending B

Do not select the kill-Michael option until you have created a manual save in a separate slot. The choice determines which final mission becomes available, and completing The Time's Come permanently removes Michael from that save. Retain the earlier save if you want to play The Third Way, choose Something Sensible instead, or finish Michael's optional activities before committing to this ending.

Before beginning, give Franklin full health and armor and carry a dependable rifle. A controllable vehicle is more useful than a slow armored vehicle because the mission includes an off-road pursuit over dirt roads and railway tracks. These are preparations rather than requirements; the mission can be started without buying special equipment.

• Create a manual save before making Franklin's final choice.
• Keep the pre-choice save in a separate slot.
• Use a controllable vehicle and bring a rifle and armor if available.

2. Select the kill-Michael option and reach the meeting point

After The Big Score, Franklin receives the final visit from Devin Weston at Franklin's Vinewood Hills home. Choose the option to kill Michael. This starts The Time's Come. Do not confuse it with Something Sensible, which is the separate ending that kills Trevor, or The Third Way, which attempts to save both protagonists.

Franklin phones Michael and arranges a meeting. Follow the yellow route to the marked location near the satellite dishes off Route 68, in the Ron Alternates Wind Farm area of eastern Blaine County. Enter the marker to trigger the nighttime meeting scene. Franklin remains the active character throughout the mission; there is no ordinary switch to Michael or Trevor.

• Confirm that the selected option is to kill Michael.
• Drive to the marked satellite-dish meeting area near Ron Alternates Wind Farm.
• Remain with Franklin; no protagonist switch is required.

3. Chase Michael to Palmer-Taylor Power Station

When Michael realizes Franklin intends to kill him, he gets into his car and escapes. Get into Franklin's vehicle immediately and begin the pursuit. The chase is scripted to continue until Michael reaches the power station, so do not try to end it by ramming him or forcing his vehicle to stop early.

Follow Michael along the dirt roads and railway tracks. Use Franklin's special driving ability for sharp turns, sudden corrections and sections where the route runs close to an embankment. Keep enough distance to avoid colliding with Michael or losing control, but stay close enough for the chase objective to remain active. Traffic and rough ground are more dangerous than Michael's vehicle itself.

The chase ends near Palmer-Taylor Power Station. When Michael abandons the vehicle and runs into the industrial complex, stop treating this as a driving objective. Exit Franklin's car and follow the red marker on foot.

• Keep Michael in sight without trying to stop him prematurely.
• Use Franklin's driving ability on sharp turns and unstable off-road sections.
• Reach Palmer-Taylor Power Station and continue on foot.

4. Follow the scaffolding route and manage Michael's gunfire

Follow the red radar marker through the power-station grounds and take the stairs leading to the catwalks. Continue climbing rather than searching the lower industrial area. The route leads upward through the refinery structure toward the highest chimney.

During the upper pursuit, Michael fires at Franklin while retreating. Use the railings, tanks and structural supports as cover. Advance after his shots stop, then pause behind the next piece of cover before crossing another exposed section. You do not need to defeat Michael with gunfire; shooting is mainly useful for making him resume his retreat and preventing him from remaining in a protected position.

If Franklin is injured, stay behind cover long enough for health regeneration before crossing the next open platform. Keep the red marker visible and prioritize the stairs and ladders that lead upward. At the tallest structure, locate the ladder and climb it to trigger the final confrontation.

• Take the stairs and catwalks toward the top of the structure.
• Use cover against Michael's shots instead of crossing exposed platforms continuously.
• Reach and climb the ladder at the upper chimney.

5. Complete the final confrontation

At the top of the chimney, a cutscene and struggle place Michael over the edge. The game then allows Franklin either to release him immediately or to attempt to pull him up. Both choices end with Michael falling to his death. If Franklin tries to rescue him, Michael head-butts him and falls; selecting the other response makes him fall without that attempt.

Complete the prompted interaction and allow the scene to finish. There is no successful rescue outcome and no alternate route that keeps Michael alive after The Time's Come. The mission concludes after the fall and its closing scenes, then the game begins the post-ending state.

• Complete the prompted interaction at the chimney.
• Do not reload expecting one response to save Michael.
• Wait until the closing scene and mission-complete transition finish.

6. Save the post-ending state and account for the consequences

Once free roam resumes, create a manual save in a new slot. Michael is no longer selectable, and his properties, personal activities and Michael-specific mission content are unavailable in this save. This is why the pre-choice save should be preserved separately if you still need Michael for optional content or want to compare endings.

Franklin and Trevor remain playable. Trevor severs his relationship with Franklin after learning that Franklin killed Michael, and Jimmy also refuses contact because of Michael's death. Lamar remains available for hangouts after dusk. These changes distinguish Ending B from Ending A and The Third Way.

The latest major-heist money is handled according to the completed heist's payout rules. Do not assume that Michael's share becomes available to Franklin or Trevor; Michael's portion is directed to his family. The ending also unlocks the story-complete state and the To Live or Die in Los Santos trophy or achievement on the relevant platform account.

Keep both saves if you want a complete record: use the new post-ending save for the remaining activities available to Franklin and Trevor, and the earlier pre-choice save for Michael's content or alternate endings. Check the story mission record or replay list to verify that The Time's Come is marked complete.

• Create a new manual save after the ending finishes.
• Verify that Michael is no longer available on the character wheel.
• Confirm that The Time's Come is recorded as complete.
• Retain the pre-choice save for alternate endings and Michael-specific activities.

1. Prepare the save and select option C

Complete The Big Score and the finale introduction in which Franklin meets Devin Weston. When Franklin receives the three final choices, select C: Deathwish. Make a manual save in a separate slot before choosing if you want to preserve the decision point for alternate endings. Choosing C starts The Third Way and keeps Franklin, Michael and Trevor available after the campaign.

Before beginning, check each protagonist’s weapon inventory. Give Franklin, Michael and Trevor body armor and enough rifle or machine-gun ammunition for the opening battle. A scoped rifle is useful for Trevor’s Steve Haines objective, and Franklin should have sticky bombs available for Wei Cheng’s vehicle. These preparations are recommendations rather than separate mission requirements, but the foundry sequence is the most sustained fight in the mission.

• The Big Score and the finale introduction are complete.
• A manual save exists before selecting the ending.
• Option C: Deathwish is selected.
• Armor, ammunition, a scoped weapon and sticky bombs are available.

2. Meet Lester, collect Lamar and reach the foundry

As Franklin, go to Lester’s house in El Burro Heights and complete the planning scene. When the objective changes, drive to Lamar’s house and collect him. Follow the active waypoint to the Grand Banks Steel Foundry in Murrieta Heights. Enter the foundry and move to the marked meeting position with Michael and Trevor.

Do not fire before the mission places the group in position. The ambush begins after the conversation and objective prompt. Franklin and Michael have elevated firing positions while Trevor starts near the foundry entrance, so the team can cover several angles. During the opening exchange, use solid cover and watch both the upper walkways and the lower floor. FIB and Merryweather enemies can approach from multiple levels.

• Lester’s planning scene is complete.
• Lamar is collected from his house.
• The foundry is reached and entered.
• The ambush begins after the team is in position.

3. Survive the foundry battle and rescue Lamar

During the first wave, clear enemies closest to the protagonists before advancing. A scoped weapon helps against enemies on balconies and catwalks. Switch between Franklin, Michael and Trevor when one character has a better angle or is under pressure. Trevor’s special ability is useful against groups at close range, Michael’s ability helps with accurate shots, and Franklin’s ability is valuable when enemies line up during movement or vehicle sections.

When Lamar calls for help outside, switch to Franklin and clear the attackers around his position before moving to him. Use walls, vehicles and foundry structures as cover, but avoid remaining beside vehicles under sustained gunfire. Once Lamar is safe, follow the next character-switch prompt. If Trevor loses contact, switch to Michael, clear the lower-level enemies and move toward Trevor’s marked position.

After the fight moves outside, enemies can occupy vehicles, elevated positions and open ground. Destroy hostile vehicles when there is a safe shot, and watch for the helicopter. Clear the remaining FIB and Merryweather forces, then move to the marked cargo-bay rendezvous point. The mission will not proceed to the target operations until the attackers are cleared and the protagonists regroup.

• Lamar is reached and protected.
• Trevor is located after contact is lost.
• The exterior attackers and hostile helicopter are dealt with.
• The team regroups at the cargo bay.

4. Eliminate Stretch, Steve Haines and Wei Cheng

The group then separates into three target operations. Michael is assigned Stretch, Trevor is assigned Steve Haines, and Franklin is assigned Wei Cheng. The game provides the active target markers and character-switch prompts. Complete the sections in the available order, but once you begin one, follow its marker and finish the objective before wandering away. The safest approach is to switch when prompted and use the character whose target is currently active.

For Michael’s section, drive to the Ballas gathering near the BJ Smith Recreation Center in Strawberry. Exit and fight through the surrounding gang members while keeping Stretch’s position in view. When Stretch runs, pursue him and finish the encounter. For the optional Stretched Out gold-medal requirement, weaken Stretch with a firearm if necessary, then finish him with a melee attack. Clear enough of the surrounding Ballas to avoid being overwhelmed before closing in.

For Trevor’s section, drive to the Del Perro Pier area and take a position with a clear view of the Ferris wheel. Steve Haines is inside one of the cabins. Use the sniper rifle and take the shot when the objective identifies Haines. Leave the area immediately afterward and lose the police by following the route, using side streets, or breaking line of sight near the beach and surrounding buildings.

For Franklin’s section, approach the Pacific Bluffs area and follow the route toward Wei Cheng’s marked vehicle. Throw a sticky bomb onto the target vehicle and detonate it when the objective allows. Continue along the waypoint after the explosion. If Triad vehicles pursue Franklin, keep moving and disable the pursuers only when they block the route or create an immediate threat.

• Stretch is eliminated by Michael.
• Steve Haines is eliminated by Trevor.
• Wei Cheng is eliminated by Franklin.
• The police pursuit is escaped before continuing.

5. Capture Devin Weston at the mansion

After the three target operations, control shifts to Trevor. Drive to Devin Weston’s mansion in Tongva Hills and approach the estate through the marked entrance. The guards can be handled quietly with a suppressed weapon, but detection does not automatically fail the mission. If the alarm is raised, use the walls, landscaping and buildings as cover while advancing toward the marked objective.

Continue through the estate until Trevor reaches Devin’s hiding place. Follow the objective to capture Devin rather than killing him during the approach. After the scene, Devin is placed in the trunk of a Declasse Tornado. Treat this vehicle as mission-critical: do not abandon it, destroy it or leave it immobilized. If the car is badly damaged, avoid unnecessary collisions and keep moving toward the active waypoint.

• Trevor reaches Devin’s mansion.
• Devin is captured alive.
• Devin is secured in the Declasse Tornado.
• The vehicle remains usable for the final drive.

6. Reach Chiliad Mountain State Wilderness and complete The Third Way

Drive Devin’s Tornado by following the active waypoint to the marked cliff or overlook in Chiliad Mountain State Wilderness. This is the required final destination; do not substitute the Sonar Collections Dock area or another scenic overlook. Stay on the mission route, avoid unnecessary collisions and do not abandon the Tornado. Devin can move inside the trunk during the drive, but the objective is to transport him to the marked wilderness overlook.

When Trevor reaches the destination, wait for Michael and Franklin to arrive. The game will position the three protagonists at the cliff and provide the final interaction. Follow the on-screen prompt to push Devin’s Tornado over the cliff. Do not drive away before the prompt is completed, and do not attempt to create a different route or disposal method.

After the final scene and credits transition, verify that The Third Way is recorded as complete and that all three protagonists remain available for character switching. Create a new manual save in a post-story slot. Keep the pre-choice save if you want to replay Ending A or Ending B, and use the new post-story save for Strangers & Freaks, collectibles, hobbies, properties and other 100% completion work.

• The active waypoint to the marked overlook in Chiliad Mountain State Wilderness is followed.
• Michael and Franklin arrive at the wilderness overlook.
• Devin’s Tornado is pushed over the cliff.
• The Third Way is recorded as complete.
• Franklin, Michael and Trevor remain playable.
• A separate post-story save is created.

1. Preserve the completed campaign save

Load the save created after Kill Trevor, Kill Michael, or Deathwish, then make another manual save in a separate slot. Keep the pre-final-choice save intact if you may replay the other endings. The post-story save is the safest place to perform collectible hunts, stunt attempts and activities that require all three protagonists.

Open Pause Menu, Stats, 100% Checklist. Treat the five displayed categories as the completion authority: Story Missions, Strangers & Freaks, Hobbies & Pastimes, Random Events and Miscellaneous. Do not use the total number of map icons or the full list of optional activities as a substitute for this checklist.

• Create a dedicated post-story manual save.
• Keep the pre-ending save in a separate slot.
• Record the incomplete entries shown under Stats more than 100% Checklist.

2. Complete the 20 counted Franklin Strangers & Freaks missions

Complete these exact counted entries as Franklin: Tonya’s Pulling Favors, Pulling Another Favor, Pulling Favors Again, Still Pulling Favors and Pulling One Last Favor; Hao’s Shift Work; Beverly’s Paparazzo - The Sex Tape, Paparazzo - The Partnership, Paparazzo - The Meltdown and Paparazzo - Reality Check; Dom’s Risk Assessment, Liquidity Risk, Targeted Risk and Uncalculated Risk; Barry’s Grass Roots - Franklin and Grass Roots - The Smoke-In; Mary-Ann’s Exercising Demons - Franklin; Omega’s Far Out and The Final Frontier; and Peter Dreyfuss’s A Starlet in Vinewood.

Some missions in these chains are unlock requirements rather than counted entries. Beverly’s introductory Paparazzo must be completed before the later Beverly jobs, but it is not one of the 20. Paparazzo - The Highness is also a setup mission and does not count. Barry’s Grass Roots - The Pickup and Grass Roots - The Drag must be completed to unlock Grass Roots - The Smoke-In, but they do not add separate entries to the 20. Far Out must be completed before The Final Frontier; collect all 50 Spaceship Parts, return to Omega, and finish the resulting mission. Collect all 50 Letter Scraps before starting A Starlet in Vinewood. Complete Dom’s chain as Franklin and finish the required parachuting progress so Uncalculated Risk becomes available.

• Complete all five Tonya towing missions.
• Complete Shift Work.
• Complete Beverly’s Sex Tape, Partnership, Meltdown and Reality Check.
• Complete Dom’s four missions.
• Complete Grass Roots - Franklin and Grass Roots - The Smoke-In, including the prerequisite Barry missions.
• Complete Exercising Demons - Franklin.
• Complete Far Out, then The Final Frontier.
• Complete A Starlet in Vinewood after collecting all 50 Letter Scraps.

3. Finish the 42 required Hobbies & Pastimes entries

Earn at least Bronze in all 12 Flight School lessons and all 18 Shooting Range challenges. Then win the five Hao Street Races, six Off-Road Races, four Sea Races and three Triathlons. Complete the required sports and leisure entries: win one Tennis game, win one Darts game, finish a nine-hole Golf round at even par or under, complete all Base Jumps and Heli Jumps, and receive one private dance at the Strip Club.

Shift Work unlocks Hao’s Street Races. Off-Road and Sea Races become available through story progression and related activities, so return to the map after completing their prerequisites. Bronze is sufficient for Flight School and the Shooting Range; Gold medals are not needed for the 100% meter. Use Franklin’s special ability during difficult driving sections, and quick-save before parachuting, race attempts and other activities that can fail.

• Earn Bronze or better in all 12 Flight School lessons.
• Earn Bronze or better in all 18 Shooting Range challenges.
• Win five Street, six Off-Road, four Sea and three Triathlon races.
• Complete Tennis, Darts, Golf, all Base Jumps, all Heli Jumps and one private dance.

4. Complete any 14 qualifying Random Events

Complete any 14 qualifying Random Events while travelling as any protagonist. Temporary blue and red markers identify encounters that can be helped, interrupted or stopped. Remain in the event area until the objective resolves, then confirm that the Random Events total increased in the checklist.

Choose straightforward events encountered along routes to other tasks. If an event disappears or fails, continue free-roaming and select another; you do not need every Random Event for 100%. Random Events are separate from Strangers & Freaks, story missions and property activities.

• Complete any 14 qualifying Random Events.
• Stay until each selected event finishes.
• Confirm the counter increased under 100% Checklist.

5. Complete the 16 Miscellaneous requirements

The required Miscellaneous entries are: purchase five qualifying income-generating properties; buy one vehicle through an in-game vehicle website; walk and play fetch with Chop; complete one Booty Call; receive one Prostitute Service; hold up one store; visit a cinema alone; complete friend activities at a cinema, bar, Strip Club and darts venue; collect all 50 Spaceship Parts; collect all 50 Letter Scraps; complete 25 Stunt Jumps; complete 25 Under the Bridge flights; and complete eight Knife Flights.

Vehicle storage locations do not satisfy the five-property requirement, and the Vanilla Unicorn is not one of the five qualifying purchases. Use a helicopter for Under the Bridge attempts and a suitable fixed-wing aircraft for Knife Flights. Quick-save before difficult jumps and flights, then verify the checklist after each successful entry. The two complete collectible sets count both as Miscellaneous tasks and as prerequisites for The Final Frontier and A Starlet in Vinewood.

• Buy five qualifying properties and one website vehicle.
• Complete Chop, Booty Call, Prostitute Service, store robbery, cinema and four friend activities.
• Collect all 50 Spaceship Parts and all 50 Letter Scraps.
• Complete 25 Stunt Jumps, 25 Under the Bridge flights and eight Knife Flights.

6. Keep optional content separate

Michael’s and Trevor’s Strangers & Freaks missions, remaining Random Events, all 50 Stunt Jumps, all 50 Under the Bridge flights, all 15 Knife Flights, Epsilon, Rampages, Yoga, Bail Bonds, Arms Trafficking, submarine pieces, nuclear waste, Gold Medals and additional property purchases are not all required for the in-game 100% total. They can still matter for trophies, achievements, personal completion or extra story content.

On the PS5 Enhanced release, optional activities such as Stock Car Races, the Wildlife Photography Challenge, the Murder Mystery, Peyote Plants and Monkey Mosaics should be treated as separate cleanup goals. Finish the checklist first if you want an unambiguous campaign milestone.

• Use the five 100% Checklist categories as the completion authority.
• Track trophy-specific and Enhanced-version activities separately.
• Keep a clean 100% save before attempting optional challenges.

7. Confirm 100% and unlock the final reward

When all required categories are complete, Stats more than 100% Checklist should display 100%. The Career Criminal trophy or achievement should then register. The Last One becomes available to Franklin after reaching 100%; it is a reward for completing the checklist, not one of the 20 counted Strangers & Freaks missions.

If the percentage remains below 100%, inspect each category rather than repeating random activities. The most common causes are an uncounted Beverly or Barry setup being mistaken for a counted mission, missing one collectible follow-up, incomplete parachuting, an unregistered Golf result, or an incorrect number of Shooting Range, stunt-flight or Random Event entries.

• Stats more than 100% Checklist displays 100%.
• All five categories show no incomplete required entries.
• Career Criminal has unlocked or is ready to synchronize.
• The Last One is available to Franklin.
• Preserve the completed save and the pre-ending save.

1. Read the failure reason before choosing a recovery option

When a story mission fails, read the displayed reason before selecting Retry or leaving the mission. Typical causes include the active protagonist being killed or arrested, an important character being lost, a required vehicle being destroyed, a target escaping, leaving the permitted mission area, attracting attention during a stealth objective, or allowing a timed task to expire.

The failure reason tells you whether the problem was tactical or preparatory. If you died while attacking a group but still have suitable weapons and the objective is understood, an immediate checkpoint retry is usually efficient. If the failure resulted from the wrong vehicle, insufficient ammunition, a poor route, or a plan you no longer want to use, preserve the earlier save instead of repeating the same attempt.

• Read the exact failure reason before selecting an option.
• Decide whether the current mission checkpoint still gives you a workable position, route, vehicle, and equipment state.
• Use a manual save rather than a checkpoint if the problem requires changing the mission plan.

2. Retry from the immediate Mission Failed screen

After many GTA V story-mission failures, the Mission Failed screen provides a retry option that restores the latest checkpoint recorded during that mission. Select Retry while that screen is still active if you want to bypass sections already completed. Depending on the mission, the restart may place you at a driving transition, after an infiltration step, at the beginning of a combat phase, or at another authored checkpoint.

A retry is a tactical reset, not a full preparation reset. Follow the new objective marker, take cover as soon as combat resumes, and avoid unnecessary collisions during driving sections. If the checkpoint returns you to a difficult position, change your first actions instead of immediately repeating the failed sequence: move to cover, switch to a weapon suited to the range, eliminate the most dangerous enemy first, or follow the marked route without stopping for optional targets.

GTA V can also offer a skip option after the same portion has been failed repeatedly. Treat this as a last-resort convenience rather than a normal method for learning the mission. Skipping a failed portion can affect mission-performance objectives, including some gold-medal conditions, so replay the mission later if you are pursuing full medal completion.

• Choose Retry from the failure screen when the latest checkpoint is useful.
• Read the objective again after the restart because the mission may resume at a different stage.
• Use Skip only when you accept losing the opportunity to perform that section normally on the current attempt.

3. Leave a bad checkpoint and restart cleanly

Do not choose Retry automatically. If the checkpoint repeatedly places you beside enemies, at the start of an unwanted route, or immediately before the condition that keeps causing failure, leave the mission from the failure screen. Declining the checkpoint retry ends that attempt; it does not create a permanent checkpoint that can be loaded later as a normal Story Mode save.

After leaving, return to the mission marker and begin again when you are ready. Before restarting, purchase armor and ammunition, select a weapon appropriate to the next engagement, and bring a suitable vehicle when the mission allows vehicle choice. For timed objectives, plan the marked route and avoid detours. For stealth objectives, do not create a wanted level or start unnecessary fights before reaching the required area.

A mission that fails because a required vehicle was destroyed, an ally was abandoned, or a target escaped normally needs a cleaner execution from an earlier stage. Repeating the final checkpoint without changing the opening actions often reproduces the same failure.

• Leave the mission when the checkpoint preserves a bad position or flawed plan.
• Prepare equipment and transport before returning to the mission marker.
• Change the action that caused the failure instead of repeating the same opening.

4. Create protected manual saves before major decisions

Make a manual Story Mode save before each major heist, before selecting a heist approach or crew, before an assassination mission you are postponing for stock-market planning, and immediately before Franklin receives the final-ending choice. In free roam, use the in-game phone's Quick Save function or save at a safehouse when available. Select a different slot instead of overwriting the only copy of the earlier state.

A practical routine uses three layers: a rotating everyday save, a pre-mission save, and a protected decision-point save. Keep the pre-heist or pre-ending slot unchanged until the new outcome has been confirmed. After a successful heist or major mission, create a post-mission save in another slot so you have both the completed state and the earlier recovery point.

Autosave is useful for routine progress, but it should not be the only protection for a branching decision. An autosave may not preserve the exact crew, approach, location, or free-roam state you intended to revisit.

• Create a pre-heist save before choosing the approach or crew.
• Create a post-heist save after the payout and mission completion are confirmed.
• Create a protected final-choice save before Franklin commits to an ending.
• Keep the protected slot separate from the everyday rotating slot.

5. Recover from a late heist failure

If a heist fails near its conclusion, first decide whether the selected approach, crew, escape route, and equipment remain acceptable. If they do, use the immediate checkpoint retry and continue. If the failure shows that the approach is unsuitable or that you need a different crew member, weapon plan, or escape strategy, leave the mission and load the manual save made before planning.

Loading the pre-heist save is the dependable way to reopen the planning decision and select a different approach or crew. A checkpoint retry normally continues the current attempt; it is not a replacement for the planning screen. After changing the plan, make a new pre-heist save in another slot while preserving the original save until the revised heist is complete.

Do not overwrite the protected slot after an early success in the setup chain. Keep it until the final heist payout has been awarded and the game has returned you to the campaign state.

• Retry when the crew and approach are still acceptable.
• Load before heist planning when the crew or approach must change.
• Preserve the original pre-heist save until the revised attempt succeeds.
• Make a post-heist save after the final payout, not merely after an early setup.

6. Confirm progress after a successful recovery

After completing a mission, wait for the Mission Passed result and return to free roam before creating the next manual save. Check that the expected money, weapons, protagonist availability, and next story activity are present. If a mission marker does not appear, switch between all three protagonists, move around the map, and allow some in-game time to pass; certain missions depend on a specific character, a phone call, or a time delay.

Rockstar's support guidance also recommends using Quick Save to a new slot and then loading that new save when Story Mode progression appears stuck. If the problem persists, use an earlier save rather than repeatedly forcing the same missing marker.

For alternate endings, finish one ending and save the resulting post-story state in a new slot. Then reload the protected pre-choice save to attempt another ending. If you migrated a Story Mode save from PS4 to PS5, remember that the PS5 and PS4 versions maintain separate subsequent progress after migration; progress made later on one platform does not automatically synchronize to the other.

• Verify the Mission Passed result before moving on.
• Confirm the newest save loads into the expected protagonist, location, money, weapons, and story state.
• Keep the pre-ending save available if alternate endings remain to be played.
• If a marker is missing, try the correct protagonist, time passage, Quick Save to a new slot, and an earlier save.

Preserve the completed ending in a new save slot

When the final mission ends, wait until control returns and the game has completed its save process. Open the Story Mode save command and create a manual save in a new slot rather than overwriting the file made immediately before Franklin’s final decision. Record which ending the file contains: Something Sensible is Kill Trevor, The Time’s Come is Kill Michael, and The Third Way is Deathwish.

Keep the pre-choice file untouched. Reloading that file is the quickest way to view the other endings. Select another option, complete the resulting mission, and save that outcome in another slot. Deathwish is the most useful cleanup state because Michael, Franklin and Trevor remain available, but retain separate ending saves if you want to preserve each world state.

• A final mission has been completed.
• A new manual save exists after the ending.
• The pre-choice save remains in a separate protected slot.
• The selected ending is recorded.

Check the native PS5 trophy list

Use the PS5 Game Hub or the trophy list for the native PS5 release. Diamond Hard is awarded for completing The Jewel Store Job, The Big One! is awarded for completing The Big Score, and To Live or Die in Los Santos is awarded after completing any one of the three final missions. You do not need three complete campaigns to earn the final story trophy.

Career Criminal and Solid Gold, Baby! are separate goals. Career Criminal requires 100% Game Completion. Solid Gold, Baby! requires 70 Gold Medals from missions and Strangers & Freaks activities. Gold objectives can be earned through mission replays, so they do not all need to be completed during the original campaign run.

• Diamond Hard is visible after The Jewel Store Job.
• The Big One! is visible after The Big Score.
• To Live or Die in Los Santos is visible after the chosen finale.
• Career Criminal and Solid Gold, Baby! are tracked separately.

Review the exact 100% checklist categories

Open Pause → Stats more than 100% Checklist and use the category totals instead of assuming that every available activity is required. The story category requires all 69 story missions, including Lester’s five assassination contracts. The four optional-for-story contracts are The Multi Target Assassination, The Vice Assassination, The Bus Assassination and The Construction Assassination. If you postponed them for stock-market planning, complete them from the post-story save after making the investments you want.

The Strangers & Freaks category requires these exact 20 Franklin entries: Tonya’s Pulling Favors, Pulling Another Favor, Pulling Favors Again, Still Pulling Favors and Pulling One Last Favor; Hao’s Shift Work; Beverly’s Paparazzo - The Sex Tape, Paparazzo - The Partnership, Paparazzo - The Meltdown and Paparazzo - Reality Check; Dom’s Risk Assessment, Liquidity Risk, Targeted Risk and Uncalculated Risk; Barry’s Grass Roots - Franklin and Grass Roots - The Smoke-In; Mary-Ann’s Exercising Demons - Franklin; Omega’s Far Out and The Final Frontier; and Peter Dreyfuss’s A Starlet in Vinewood. Paparazzo, Paparazzo - The Highness, Grass Roots - The Pickup and Grass Roots - The Drag are not part of this counted set, although some are needed to unlock later entries.

• All 69 required story missions are complete.
• All five Lester assassination contracts are included.
• The exact 20 counted Franklin Strangers & Freaks entries are complete.
• The 100% Checklist has been reviewed on the post-ending save.

Finish activities, random events and miscellaneous objectives

Complete the specified 42 Hobbies & Pastimes entries: 18 Ammu-Nation shooting challenges, five street races, six off-road races, four sea races, one tennis match, one nine-hole golf round at even par or better, one darts win, three triathlons, all 12 Flight School lessons at Bronze or better and all 13 parachute jumps. Activities can unlock through story progress or other side content, so check the in-game list again if an icon is missing.

Complete any 14 qualifying Random Events; clearing every event is unnecessary for 100%. The 16 miscellaneous objectives require all 50 Spaceship Parts, all 50 Letter Scraps, 25 Under the Bridge flights, eight Knife Flights, 25 Stunt Jumps, five income-generating properties, one website vehicle purchase, walking and playing fetch with Chop, a booty call, a prostitute service, one store robbery, a cinema visit and four friend activities: a bar, cinema, strip club and darts outing.

Track the two 50-item collections as you work. Spaceship Parts lead to Omega’s counted entries, while Letter Scraps unlock A Starlet in Vinewood. Other collectibles and side missions remain optional unless you are pursuing additional trophies or personal completion goals.

• The required 42 Hobbies & Pastimes entries are complete.
• Any 14 qualifying Random Events are complete.
• All 50 Spaceship Parts and 50 Letter Scraps are collected.
• The 16 miscellaneous objectives are complete or documented.
• Optional content is separated from Career Criminal requirements.

Replay alternate endings without losing the cleanup file

Load the protected save made before Franklin receives the final decision. Choose an alternate option, finish that final mission and save the result in a different slot. Return to the same protected file for the third ending. Never overwrite the pre-choice file, because it is the fastest replay point for all three finales.

After viewing the endings, reload the post-ending save you want to use for cleanup. Deathwish preserves access to all three protagonists and is therefore the safest general-purpose 100% file. If you use Kill Trevor or Kill Michael instead, character-specific contacts and activities may no longer be available in that save.

• The pre-choice file is still intact.
• Each completed ending has its own save slot if desired.
• The cleanup save retains the protagonists needed for remaining activities.
• No critical final-choice save has been overwritten.

Review GTA Online migration before switching versions

Story Mode completion and GTA Online progression are separate. Rockstar’s current support guidance allows players with PlayStation 4 progress to migrate Story Mode and Online progress to PlayStation 5, subject to the account and profile conditions shown by Rockstar. Sign in to the intended PlayStation Network and Rockstar Games accounts, start the migration flow from GTA Online, and inspect the character and destination shown before confirming.

Migration is not a merge. Rockstar states that migrated progress remains on the previous generation, while progress made separately on PS4 and PS5 does not synchronize afterward. Purchased GTA$ transfer between PlayStation consoles within the same platform family, while earned GTA$ follow different transfer rules. Check the current support articles immediately before accepting the transfer, especially if the profile may be suspended, banned or otherwise ineligible.

• The correct PlayStation Network and Rockstar Games accounts are signed in.
• The intended character and destination are shown on the confirmation screen.
• Current migration eligibility and GTA$ rules have been checked.
• You understand that post-migration PS4 and PS5 progress will not merge.
• Migration has been completed or deliberately postponed.