GTA 5's story mode follows three protagonists—Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor Phillips—as they navigate the criminal underworld of Los Santos. This comprehensive walkthrough will guide you through all main story missions, helping you understand the narrative, complete objectives efficiently, and unlock all content. For guidance on the final mission choice, see our story endings guide.

Introduction and Prologue

The game begins with a prologue set in North Yankton, introducing the three main characters and establishing the foundation of their relationships. This opening sequence serves as both a tutorial and narrative introduction, teaching basic controls while setting up the story's central conflict.

After the prologue, the story jumps forward to present-day Los Santos, where you'll be introduced to each protagonist individually. Michael is living in witness protection, Franklin is working as a repo man, and Trevor is running a criminal operation in the desert. Each character's introduction mission teaches their unique abilities and playstyle.

The early missions focus on establishing each character's situation and motivations. Take time to explore each character's world and understand their circumstances. These missions are relatively straightforward and serve as extended tutorials for the game's mechanics.

Michael's Story Arc

Michael's story revolves around his attempts to maintain his cover while dealing with family issues and past criminal connections. His missions often involve balancing his family life with criminal activities, creating tension and conflict throughout his storyline.

Key missions in Michael's arc include dealing with his therapist, handling family problems, and reconnecting with his criminal past. These missions explore themes of identity, family, and the consequences of past actions. Michael's character development is central to the game's narrative.

Michael's missions often involve more strategic planning and less chaotic action compared to Trevor's missions. They focus on maintaining appearances while engaging in criminal activities, reflecting his character's attempt to balance two lives.

Franklin's Story Arc

Franklin's story follows his rise from a small-time criminal to a major player in Los Santos. His missions involve building relationships, proving himself, and making decisions that affect his future. Franklin serves as the audience's entry point into the world, as he's new to many of the game's criminal elements.

Franklin's missions often involve vehicle-based activities, reflecting his background and skills. He starts as a repo man and gradually becomes involved in more serious criminal activities. His relationship with Michael is central to the story, as Michael becomes a mentor figure.

Franklin's character represents ambition and the desire to escape his circumstances. His missions explore themes of opportunity, loyalty, and the cost of success. His story arc shows the progression from small-time criminal to major player in Los Santos's criminal underworld.

Trevor's Story Arc

Trevor's story is the most chaotic and unpredictable, reflecting his unstable personality. His missions involve extreme violence, drug operations, and unpredictable behavior. Trevor's character provides much of the game's dark humor and most intense action sequences.

Trevor's missions often involve less planning and more improvisation, reflecting his impulsive nature. They're typically more action-oriented and chaotic than other characters' missions. His story explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of extreme behavior.

Trevor's relationship with Michael is central to the story, as their past connection drives much of the narrative conflict. His missions reveal information about the characters' shared history and set up the story's climax.

Heist Missions

Heist missions are major set pieces that bring all three characters together. These missions require planning, preparation, and execution, offering multiple approaches and outcomes. Heists are among the game's most complex and rewarding missions, providing significant payouts and advancing the story.

Each heist offers different approaches, from subtle and stealthy to loud and aggressive. Your choices affect mission difficulty, potential rewards, and story outcomes. Consider your approach carefully, as different methods offer different challenges and rewards.

Heist preparation missions are essential for success. Complete all preparation missions to ensure you have the necessary equipment and information. Skipping preparation can make heists significantly more difficult or impossible to complete successfully.

The Final Choice

The story culminates in a choice between three endings, each with different outcomes and consequences. Option A involves killing Trevor, Option B involves killing Michael, and Option C (Deathwish) involves working together to eliminate all threats. This choice significantly affects the story's conclusion and available content.

Each ending has different narrative implications and affects which characters remain available after the story. Consider the consequences of each choice carefully, as it affects your post-story experience. You can replay missions to experience different endings, but your initial choice determines your save file's state.

The Deathwish ending is considered canonical and allows all three characters to survive. This ending provides the most complete experience and sets up potential future content. However, all endings are valid choices that reflect different narrative possibilities.

Side Missions and Activities

While progressing through the main story, you'll encounter numerous side missions and activities. These include Strangers and Freaks missions, which provide character development and additional content. Completing side missions can provide money, vehicles, and unlock additional content.

Random events occur throughout the world, offering opportunities for additional activities and rewards. These events are optional but can provide money, vehicles, and other benefits. Pay attention to your surroundings, as random events can occur at any time.

Side activities like races, challenges, and mini-games provide variety and additional rewards. While not essential to the main story, they enhance the overall experience and provide opportunities to earn money and improve skills.

Tips for Story Progression

Save frequently, especially before important missions or choices. The game features auto-save, but manual saves provide additional security. Save at safehouses after completing missions to ensure your progress is preserved.

Complete missions in order when possible, as the story builds on previous events. However, you can switch between characters and complete their missions in different orders. The story adapts to your progression, but following the suggested order provides the best narrative experience.

Take time to explore between missions. The world of Los Santos is rich with detail, and exploration can reveal hidden content, collectibles, and opportunities. Don't rush through the story—take time to experience everything the game offers.

Conclusion

GTA 5's story mode offers a rich, engaging narrative with three distinct protagonists and multiple story paths. Following this walkthrough will help you understand the story, complete missions efficiently, and experience all the content the game offers.

Take your time with the story, explore the world, and make choices that reflect your preferences. The game offers multiple ways to experience the narrative, so don't feel constrained to a single approach. With patience and exploration, you'll experience one of gaming's most memorable stories.