GTA 5 Missions – Complete GTA V Mission List
GTA 5 missions take players across Los Santos and Blaine County through
the interconnected stories of Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor
Philips. From small street jobs and vehicle repossessions to massive heists,
military operations, and the final choice between three different endings, Grand Theft
Auto V offers one of the largest and most varied story campaigns in the GTA series.
Grand Theft Auto V features a large collection of main story missions, optional
Strangers and Freaks missions, random events, heist preparation missions, and other
activities. The game also allows players to switch between its three protagonists,
creating different perspectives on the same criminal world.
This guide contains a detailed GTA 5 missions list, including the major
story missions, heists, character missions, optional activities, ending choices, and
information useful for players working toward 100% completion.
including information about the three possible endings.
GTA 5 Story Overview
Grand Theft Auto V takes place in Los Santos and Blaine County, a fictional
version of Southern California. The game follows three main protagonists whose lives become
connected through a series of criminal jobs and increasingly dangerous heists.
Michael De Santa is a retired bank robber living an expensive but unhappy
life with his family. His quiet retirement comes to an end when he crosses paths with
Franklin Clinton.
Franklin Clinton is a young street criminal trying to escape his life of
small-time crime. His relationship with Michael gives him an opportunity to become involved
in much bigger operations.
Trevor Philips is Michael’s former criminal partner. Trevor lives in
Blaine County and runs his own violent and unpredictable criminal operation. When he
discovers that Michael is still alive, their complicated history comes back to life.
Together, the three characters become involved with the FIB, corrupt government agents,
rival gangs, drug dealers, wealthy criminals, and some of the biggest heists in Los Santos.
Complete GTA 5 Missions List
GTA V’s mission structure is different from earlier games because many missions can become
available at the same time. Some missions are also specific to Michael, Franklin, or Trevor,
while other missions involve multiple protagonists.
Prologue Missions
1. Prologue
The game begins with Michael, Trevor, and Brad during a bank robbery in North Yankton.
The robbery goes wrong, leading to a dramatic shootout with the police and setting up the
events that take place years later.
Franklin and Lamar Missions
After the Prologue, GTA 5 jumps forward several years and introduces Franklin Clinton and
Lamar Davis. Franklin works for a car dealership and spends his time repossessing vehicles
for his employer.
2. Franklin and Lamar
Franklin and Lamar repossess several vehicles while racing through Los Santos. The mission
introduces Franklin, Lamar, the driving mechanics, and the game’s character-switching system.
3. Repossession
Franklin and Lamar attempt to recover a motorcycle from a gang member. The job quickly turns
into a shootout with the Vagos.
4. Complications
Franklin is sent to recover a vehicle from a wealthy man’s house. Instead of simply taking
the car, Franklin meets Michael and becomes involved in a much bigger situation.
5. Father/Son
Michael’s son Jimmy gets into trouble after a boat is stolen. Michael and Franklin work
together to recover the boat while chasing it through Los Santos.
6. Chop
Franklin and Lamar attempt to locate a gang member named D. The mission introduces Chop,
Lamar’s dog, who can help Franklin during certain activities.
7. Marriage Counseling
Michael discovers that his wife Amanda has been involved with another man. Michael and
Franklin confront him, leading to a chaotic chase and a destructive encounter.
8. Daddy’s Little Girl
Michael discovers that Jimmy has taken his sister Tracey to the beach. Michael follows them
and eventually ends up involved in a dangerous boat sequence.
9. Friend Request
Michael works with Lester Crest to sabotage Lifeinvader. The mission introduces Lester,
one of Michael’s most important contacts and a key figure in the game’s heist planning.
10. Casing the Jewel Store
Michael and Lester scout a jewelry store in preparation for their first major heist.
Players are introduced to the idea of choosing different approaches for certain GTA 5 heists.
The Jewel Store Job
The Jewel Store Job is the first major heist in GTA V. Michael and his crew
plan to rob a jewelry store in Los Santos.
11. Carbine Rifles
Michael and his crew acquire weapons needed for the heist.
12. Bugstars Equipment
The crew obtains equipment that can be used for the Smart approach to the jewelry store
robbery.
13. BZ Gas Equipment
Michael acquires the equipment required to knock out the jewelry store employees during
the Smart approach.
14. The Jewel Store Job
Michael and his crew execute the jewelry store robbery. Depending on the selected approach,
the mission can involve heavy combat or a more carefully planned escape.
Michael’s Story Missions
15. Mr. Philips
Trevor is introduced for the first time in the present-day storyline. After learning that
Michael may still be alive, Trevor becomes suspicious and begins investigating.
16. Nervous Ron
Trevor helps Ron deal with a group of enemies threatening their business. The mission
introduces Trevor’s relationship with Ron and his operations in Blaine County.
17. Trevor Philips Industries
Trevor protects his drug business from a rival gang while attempting to establish his
control over the area.
18. Crystal Maze
Trevor attacks a rival meth operation and destroys its equipment and supplies.
19. Friends Reunited
Trevor travels to Los Santos after discovering information about Michael. His return
changes the relationship between the three protagonists.
Franklin Missions
20. The Long Stretch
Franklin joins Lamar and Stretch for a drug-related meeting. The deal goes wrong and
turns into a major gunfight.
21. Hood Safari
Franklin, Lamar, and Trevor become involved in a drug deal in Grove Street. The operation
quickly becomes dangerous.
22. Hotel Assassination
Lester gives Franklin a contract to eliminate a target staying at a hotel. This is the
first of Franklin’s major assassination missions.
23. The Multi Target Assassination
Franklin receives another assassination contract involving multiple targets spread across
Los Santos.
24. The Vice Assassination
Franklin is assigned another target by Lester and must carefully plan how to complete the
assassination.
25. The Bus Assassination
Franklin uses a bus to locate and eliminate a target as part of Lester’s assassination
contracts.
26. The Construction Assassination
Franklin receives his final major assassination contract from Lester and must eliminate
a target at a construction site.
Trevor Missions
27. Trevor Philips Industries
Trevor defends his business against the Aztecas and attempts to maintain control of his
drug operation.
28. Crystal Maze
Trevor attacks a rival meth operation and destroys the competition’s supplies.
29. Friends Reunited
Trevor heads toward Los Santos after learning more about Michael’s situation.
30. Fame or Shame
Michael and Trevor discover that Tracey has entered the Fame or Shame television show.
The two men chase after her and attempt to stop her appearance.
31. Dead Man Walking
Michael investigates a morgue for the FIB. The mission quickly becomes a fight for survival.
32. Three’s Company
Michael, Franklin, and Trevor work together on an FIB operation. The mission demonstrates
the unique character-switching mechanics of GTA V.
33. By the Book
Michael and Trevor are forced to assist the FIB with an interrogation. The mission reveals
the increasingly complicated relationship between the protagonists and government agents.
The Merryweather Heist
Michael, Trevor, and their crew plan another major operation involving Merryweather
Security. Players can choose between different approaches to complete the heist.
34. Minisub
Trevor obtains a mini-submarine needed for the heist.
35. Cargobob
Trevor steals a Cargobob helicopter to transport the equipment required for the operation.
36. The Merryweather Heist
The crew attempts to steal a valuable military shipment protected by Merryweather.
The mission can be approached using different strategies.
FIB Missions
37. Hood Safari
Franklin, Lamar, and Trevor become involved in a drug operation that quickly turns into
a violent confrontation.
38. The Bureau Raid
Michael, Franklin, and their crew launch a major assault against the FIB building.
Players can approach the mission using different strategies.
39. Fire Truck
The crew obtains a fire truck required for one of the Bureau Raid approaches.
40. Getaway Vehicle
Franklin prepares a getaway vehicle for the upcoming operation.
Paleto Score
41. Military Hardware
Trevor and Michael steal military equipment needed for their next major operation.
42. Predator
Michael, Franklin, and Trevor search for members of the O’Neil brothers’ organization.
43. The Paleto Score
Michael, Trevor, and their crew rob the Paleto Bay bank. The heavily armed escape becomes
one of the most destructive heist sequences in GTA V.
O’Neil Brothers Missions
44. Derailed
Trevor and Michael attempt to steal a valuable shipment from a moving train.
45. Monkey Business
Michael, Trevor, and Franklin work with the FIB on a dangerous operation involving
a biological weapon.
46. Hang Ten
Trevor returns to his nightclub and discovers that his relationship with the business
has changed. The mission pushes the story toward the final stages.
Devin Weston Missions
47. Surveying the Score
Michael and Trevor begin planning their biggest robbery yet by surveying the Union
Depository.
48. Bury the Hatchet
Trevor travels to North Yankton after becoming convinced that Michael has hidden the truth
about their past.
49. Pack Man
Franklin and Lamar transport vehicles for Devin Weston while dealing with unexpected
complications.
50. Fresh Meat
Franklin discovers that Michael has been kidnapped. He tracks down Michael and attempts
to rescue him.
51. The Ballad of Rocco
Michael confronts Rocco and deals with problems surrounding Solomon Richards’ movie studio.
52. Legal Trouble
Michael attempts to recover stolen movie footage while dealing with Devin Weston’s
people.
53. Cleaning Out the Bureau
Michael and his crew prepare another operation against the FIB.
The Big Score
The Big Score is the largest heist in GTA V. Michael, Franklin, Trevor,
and their crew target the Union Depository and attempt to steal a massive amount of gold.
54. Stingers
The crew acquires equipment needed for one of the approaches to the Union Depository heist.
55. Gauntlet
Franklin and the crew acquire modified getaway vehicles for the operation.
56. Driller
The crew obtains specialized drilling equipment for the heist.
57. Sidetracked
Michael and Trevor obtain a heavy vehicle needed for the heist plan.
58. Getaway Vehicle
The crew prepares a suitable escape vehicle for the final robbery.
59. The Big Score
Michael, Franklin, Trevor, and their crew execute the Union Depository robbery.
Depending on the chosen approach, the mission can involve drilling, armored vehicles,
helicopters, and a massive police pursuit.
GTA 5 Final Missions
After The Big Score, Franklin receives instructions from Devin Weston and Steve Haines.
Franklin must decide how to deal with Michael and Trevor.
GTA V gives players three possible endings.
Ending A – Something Sensible
Something Sensible
Franklin chooses to eliminate Trevor. The mission involves a confrontation between
Franklin and Trevor that ultimately ends Trevor’s story.
After this ending, Michael survives and Franklin continues his life in Los Santos,
but Trevor is no longer available as a playable character.
Ending B – The Time’s Come
The Time’s Come
Franklin chooses to eliminate Michael. The mission leads to a final confrontation between
Franklin and his mentor.
Choosing this ending permanently removes Michael from the playable character lineup.
Ending C – The Third Way
The Third Way
Franklin refuses to kill either Michael or Trevor. Instead, the three protagonists decide
to work together and eliminate their major enemies.
This ending brings Michael, Franklin, and Trevor together for one final operation against
the people who have been manipulating them throughout the story.
after completing the story, choose The Third Way.
GTA 5 Strangers and Freaks Missions
GTA V also includes numerous optional Strangers and Freaks missions.
These missions introduce unusual characters and side stories throughout Los Santos and
Blaine County.
Franklin – Strangers and Freaks
- Tonya Wiggins – Tow Truck missions
- Hao – Street Racing
- Barry – Grass Roots
- Dom Beasley – Extreme sports activities
- Omega – Spaceship Parts
- Dreyfuss – A Starlet in Vinewood
- Peter Dreyfuss – Optional encounter
Michael – Strangers and Freaks
- Barry – Grass Roots
- Mary-Ann Quinn – Exercise activities
- Abigail Mathers – Death at Sea
- Josh Bernstein – Real Estate missions
- Peter Dreyfuss – A Starlet in Vinewood
- Fanatic missions and random encounters
Trevor – Strangers and Freaks
- Maude Eccles – Bail Bond missions
- Cletus Ewing – Hunting and photography activities
- Nigel and Mrs. Thornhill – Celebrity Souvenirs
- Ron Jakowski – Arms trafficking missions
- Mary-Ann Quinn – Exercise activities
- Rampage missions
GTA 5 Heists
Heists are one of the most important parts of GTA V’s story. Unlike many traditional
missions, heists require planning, preparation, crew selection, and a final execution.
The Jewel Store Job
Michael and Lester organize a robbery of a jewelry store. Players can choose between
Smart and Loud approaches.
The Merryweather Heist
Michael, Trevor, and Franklin attempt to steal a valuable military shipment protected
by Merryweather.
The Paleto Score
The crew attacks a bank in Paleto Bay and escapes using heavy weapons and military-style
equipment.
The Bureau Raid
The protagonists launch a major operation against the FIB.
The Big Score
The final major heist targets the Union Depository and offers one of the biggest payouts
in the single-player campaign.
GTA 5 Assassination Missions
Lester gives Franklin several assassination missions. The Hotel Assassination
is required to progress through the story, while several of Lester’s other assassination
missions can be completed later.
Players interested in maximizing their money can also pay attention to the stock market
around Lester’s assassination missions because certain targets and companies can affect
stock prices.
GTA 5 Random Events
Los Santos and Blaine County contain numerous random events that can occur while exploring
the open world.
These encounters can involve criminals, vehicle thefts, stranded people, armored trucks,
hitchhikers, police situations, and other unexpected events.
GTA 5 100% Completion
Completing the main storyline is only part of achieving 100% completion in GTA V.
Players must also complete various optional missions, activities, collectibles, and other
challenges.
GTA 5 100% Completion Checklist
- Complete the required main story missions
- Complete required Strangers and Freaks missions
- Complete selected Random Events
- Complete Shooting Range challenges
- Complete Flight School challenges
- Complete Street Races
- Complete Off-Road Races
- Complete Sea Races
- Complete Tennis
- Complete Golf
- Complete Darts
- Complete required parachuting activities
- Complete required shooting activities
- Complete required vehicle activities
- Collect Spaceship Parts
- Collect Letter Scraps
- Complete required Stunt Jumps
- Complete required Under the Bridge challenges
- Complete required Knife Flight challenges
GTA 5 Main Characters
Michael De Santa
Michael is a former bank robber who has entered witness protection and built a wealthy
life in Los Santos. Despite having money, Michael is unhappy with his family and misses
the excitement of his criminal past.
Franklin Clinton
Franklin starts the game as a small-time criminal working with Lamar. Meeting Michael
gives Franklin an opportunity to move into the world of major heists and organized crime.
Trevor Philips
Trevor is Michael’s former criminal partner and one of the most unpredictable characters
in GTA V. He operates a drug and arms business in Blaine County.
Lester Crest
Lester is a highly intelligent planner who helps Michael, Franklin, and Trevor organize
several of their biggest criminal operations.
Lamar Davis
Lamar is Franklin’s longtime friend. His reckless decisions frequently pull Franklin into
dangerous situations.
How Many Missions Are in GTA 5?
GTA V contains a large number of story missions, preparation missions, optional missions,
Strangers and Freaks activities, and random events.
The exact number can vary depending on whether a guide counts alternate heist preparations,
optional missions, and branching endings separately.
The main storyline includes the major heists and character missions, while the optional
content significantly expands the amount of gameplay available in Los Santos.
How Many Endings Does GTA 5 Have?
GTA V has three different endings.
- Ending A – Something Sensible: Franklin kills Trevor.
- Ending B – The Time’s Come: Franklin kills Michael.
- Ending C – The Third Way: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor survive.
Which GTA 5 Ending Is Best?
For most players, The Third Way is the most useful ending because
Michael, Franklin, and Trevor all remain alive and playable afterward.
The other two endings permanently remove one of the protagonists from the game.
If you want to continue exploring Los Santos with all three characters after finishing
the story, The Third Way is the best option.
Can You Replay GTA 5 Missions?
Yes. GTA V includes a mission replay feature that allows players to replay completed
story missions.
Mission replay is useful for improving your medal score, trying different approaches,
completing objectives, or simply experiencing some of the game’s most memorable missions
again.
What Is the Best GTA 5 Mission?
There is no single answer because it depends on the player’s preference, but several
missions are especially memorable.
- The Jewel Store Job – First major heist.
- The Merryweather Heist – Large military operation.
- The Paleto Score – Massive bank robbery.
- The Bureau Raid – Major FIB operation.
- The Big Score – Final major heist.
- The Third Way – Three protagonists work together for the finale.
What Is the Hardest GTA 5 Mission?
Mission difficulty depends on the player’s skills and the approach selected. Some missions
can become particularly challenging because of heavy enemy resistance, vehicle chases,
timed objectives, or difficult shooting sequences.
Missions such as The Paleto Score, The Bureau Raid,
The Big Score, and the final missions can be challenging for players
attempting to earn the highest mission medals.
GTA 5 Missions FAQs
How many missions are in GTA 5?
GTA V has a large number of main story missions, heist preparations, optional missions,
Strangers and Freaks activities, and random events. The exact count depends on whether
optional and branching missions are counted separately.
Who are the main characters in GTA 5?
The three main protagonists are Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and
Trevor Philips.
Where does GTA 5 take place?
GTA V takes place primarily in Los Santos and Blaine County,
Rockstar’s fictional version of Southern California.
What is the first mission in GTA 5?
The first mission is Prologue, which takes place during a bank
robbery in North Yankton.
What is the final mission in GTA 5?
GTA V has three possible final missions: Something Sensible,
The Time’s Come, and The Third Way.
Does GTA 5 have multiple endings?
Yes. Franklin eventually chooses between three options, resulting in three different
endings.
Which GTA 5 ending should I choose?
The Third Way is generally the best choice if you want Michael,
Franklin, and Trevor to remain alive and playable after completing the story.
Can you play GTA 5 after completing the story?
Yes. After completing the story, players can continue exploring Los Santos, complete
remaining activities, collect items, replay missions, and work toward 100% completion.
Can you replay GTA 5 missions?
Yes. Completed missions can be replayed from the game’s replay system.
Are GTA 5 Strangers and Freaks missions required?
Some Strangers and Freaks content counts toward 100% completion, while other optional
activities are not required for the full completion percentage.
What is the biggest heist in GTA 5?
The Big Score is the final major heist and targets the Union Depository.
It is one of the largest criminal operations in the game’s story.
Final Thoughts on GTA 5 Missions
The GTA 5 missions offer one of the most ambitious stories in the Grand
Theft Auto series. Instead of following a single protagonist, the game allows players to
experience Los Santos through three very different characters.
Michael brings years of experience as a professional criminal, Franklin represents a young
criminal trying to build a better future, and Trevor brings an unpredictable and chaotic
personality to the story.
Their different personalities create some of GTA V’s most memorable missions, from the
first Jewel Store robbery to the Paleto Score and the massive Union Depository operation.
The three different endings also give players control over how the story concludes.
Choosing The Third Way allows all three protagonists to survive and remain
available after the main story.
Whether you’re playing GTA V for the first time or returning to Los Santos, this
complete GTA 5 missions guide can help you follow the story, understand
the major heists, explore optional missions, and work toward 100% completion.
Looking for more GTA content? Explore our other GTA guides for
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