Main Story Missions

Welcome to the definitive guide for navigating the sprawling narrative of Grand Theft Auto V! This section provides comprehensive walkthroughs for every main story mission, offering detailed strategies, critical item locations, and optimal approaches to achieve gold medal ratings. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a new player, this guide will help you conquer Los Santos and Blaine County with style and efficiency.

General Tips for Story Missions

Stock Up on Ammo: Before starting any mission, especially those involving heavy combat, ensure your weapons are fully loaded. Visit Ammu-Nation or pick up ammo drops during free roam. Running out of ammunition mid-firefight can be disastrous.
Body Armor is Key: Always purchase and equip the heaviest body armor available. It acts as a secondary health bar and can be the difference between life and death in intense firefights. Body armor can be bought at Ammu-Nation.
Utilize Character Abilities: Each protagonist possesses a unique special ability that is invaluable in combat and traversal:
- Michael (Bullet Time): Slows down time during gunfights, allowing for precise aiming and tactical repositioning. Essential for headshots and clearing multiple enemies quickly.
- Franklin (Driving Focus): Slows down time while driving, making it easier to navigate tight corners, weave through traffic, and perform precision maneuvers. Crucial for chases and escapes.
- Trevor (Rage Mode): Increases damage dealt and significantly reduces damage taken, making him a formidable force in close-quarters combat. Ideal for overwhelming large groups of enemies.
Learn when and how to deploy them effectively for maximum impact.
Stealth When Possible: Some missions offer stealth opportunities. Taking a quiet approach can often simplify objectives, reduce the risk of taking damage, and sometimes even unlock specific gold medal requirements. Pay attention to mission cues for stealth options.
Explore for Collectibles: While not directly tied to mission completion, finding collectibles like Spaceship Parts, Submarine Pieces, Letter Scraps, or Stunt Jumps can unlock side missions, unique vehicles, and rewards that enhance your overall experience and contribute to 100% game completion.
Save Frequently: The game auto-saves, but manually saving before difficult missions or significant choices can prevent frustration if things go wrong.
Weapon Loadout: Always carry a diverse range of weapons: a reliable pistol (e.g., Pistol .50), an assault rifle (e.g., Carbine Rifle), a shotgun (e.g., Assault Shotgun), and a heavy weapon (e.g., RPG or Minigun for later missions). Don't forget grenades or sticky bombs for crowd control and vehicle destruction.

Mission Walkthroughs

Franklin and Lamar

This mission serves as your introduction to Franklin Clinton and the core gameplay mechanics of Grand Theft Auto V, including driving and basic character switching.

Objective: Repossess two sports cars for Simeon Yetarian.
Walkthrough:
1. After the opening cutscene, you'll be in control of Franklin. Get into the red 9F Cabrio with Lamar Davis.
2. Follow Lamar's vehicle to the first target car, a yellow Banshee, parked in a garage in Vespucci Beach. Lamar will instruct you to take the Banshee.
3. Drive the Banshee back towards the Premium Deluxe Motorsport dealership. Lamar will be in the 9F Cabrio, driving alongside you.
4. During the chase sequence with the police, practice Franklin's special ability (slow-motion driving) by pressing L3 (PS4/PS5), Left Stick (Xbox One/Series X/S), or Caps Lock (PC). Use it to navigate tight corners, avoid obstacles, and maintain speed without crashing. The police pursuit is scripted and will end once you reach the dealership.
5. Once you reach the dealership, park the Banshee in the designated yellow marker in front of the showroom. A cutscene will play, concluding the mission.
Gold Medal Requirements:
- "We Come in Peace": Avoid damaging the Banshee. Drive carefully and use Franklin's special ability to prevent collisions. Any significant dents or scratches will void this requirement.
- "Better Than Gold": Complete the mission within 6:30. Utilize Franklin's special ability to maintain speed and take efficient routes. Don't linger during the drive.
Rewards: Unlocks Franklin's apartment as a safehouse, access to Ammu-Nation, and the ability to switch between Franklin and Michael (after the next mission).
Common Pitfalls: Crashing the Banshee too many times, which can fail the mission or prevent the "We Come in Peace" medal. Forgetting to use Franklin's ability to navigate the police chase.

Repossession

Franklin's first solo mission, introducing him to the world of gang conflict, property repossession, and basic combat mechanics.

Objective: Repossess a motorcycle from a gang member in Vespucci Canals.
Walkthrough:
1. After the cutscene with Simeon, drive to the Vespucci Canals. Follow the GPS to the target house.
2. Upon arrival, approach the house cautiously. A cutscene will trigger, revealing a group of gang members (Ballas) and the target motorcycle, a Western Bagger, in the backyard.
3. Engage the gang members in a shootout. There are approximately 5-7 enemies. Utilize cover effectively by pressing R1 (PS4/PS5), RB (Xbox One/Series X/S), or Q (PC). The Pistol is your primary weapon here. Aim for headshots to conserve ammo and meet gold medal requirements. Enemies are mostly armed with pistols and SMGs.
4. Once the immediate area is clear, locate the Western Bagger motorcycle in the backyard. Get on it.
5. As you attempt to leave, more gang members will appear, including a car chase. Escape the area on the motorcycle, evading any remaining gang members or police (if they get involved). Use Franklin's special ability to navigate traffic and shake pursuers.
6. Deliver the motorcycle to the designated drop-off point, which is a garage near the dealership. The mission concludes upon delivery.
Gold Medal Requirements:
- "Mission Time": Complete the mission within 06:30. Be efficient in combat and driving. Don't waste time looking for cover or taking long routes.
- "Damage Minimal": Take less than 10% damage. Prioritize cover, use headshots to eliminate threats quickly, and avoid unnecessary risks during the motorcycle escape.
- "Accuracy": Finish with at least 70% shooting accuracy. Aim carefully and use Michael's ability if available (though it's not for Franklin). Focus on hitting your targets.
- "Headshots": Get 6 headshots. This requires precise aiming. Take your time with each shot from cover.
Rewards: Access to Franklin's special ability, unlocks Chop the dog, and further progression in the story.
Recommended Loadout: Pistol (default). Ensure you have full ammo.
Common Pitfalls: Getting overwhelmed by enemies if you don't use cover. Crashing the motorcycle during the escape, leading to mission failure or excessive damage.

Complications

This mission introduces Michael De Santa, showcasing his family dynamics, his life of luxury, and a penchant for destruction when provoked. It also introduces Michael's special ability.

Objective: Retrieve Jimmy's stolen boat from a gang.
Walkthrough:
1. After the cutscene at Michael's mansion, you'll be in control of Michael. Get into his car (usually the black Obey Tailgater) and drive to the Vinewood Hills mansion where Jimmy's boat was supposedly taken.
2. Follow the GPS to the location. As you approach, a cutscene will trigger, showing the boat being driven away by a group of gang members.
3. Engage in a car chase. You'll need to pursue the boat. During the chase, Michael will automatically pull out a pistol. Use Michael's special ability (bullet-time) by pressing L3 (PS4/PS5), Left Stick (Xbox One/Series X/S), or Caps Lock (PC) to precisely shoot out the tires of the fleeing vehicle (a black SUV). Aim for the rear tires first to disable it quickly. You'll need to shoot both rear tires to stop the vehicle.
4. Once the vehicle is disabled, it will crash. Confront the occupants. There will be 2-3 gang members who will exit the vehicle and engage you. Use Michael's bullet-time to quickly dispatch them with headshots.
5. After clearing the enemies, retrieve the boat. Get into the boat and drive it back to the De Santa residence's dock. Follow the GPS.
6. Park the boat in the designated yellow marker at the dock to complete the mission.
Gold Medal Requirements:
- "Time": Complete the mission within 05:00. Drive fast, aim accurately during the chase, and don't linger during the boat return.
- "Damage Minimal": Take less than 10% damage. Avoid collisions during the car chase and take cover during the brief shootout. Use Michael's ability to avoid taking hits.
- "Accuracy": Finish with at least 70% shooting accuracy. Focus on the tires during the chase and headshots on the gang members.
Rewards: Unlocks Michael's special ability, access to Michael's safehouse, and further story progression.
Recommended Loadout: Pistol (default). Ensure you have full ammo.
Common Pitfalls: Missing too many shots on the tires, prolonging the chase. Crashing Michael's car during the pursuit. Taking too much damage during the brief shootout.

Father/Son

A mission highlighting the strained relationship between Michael and his son, Jimmy, and introducing the concept of property damage and financial consequences in the game.

Objective: Rescue Jimmy from a stolen yacht and recover the yacht.
Walkthrough:
1. After the cutscene at Michael's house, get into Michael's car (the Obey Tailgater) with Jimmy. Drive to the marina in Puerto Del Sol.
2. Upon arrival, a cutscene will play, revealing that Jimmy's "stolen" yacht, the "Aquarius", is actually being joyridden by two of Michael's friends, Tracey and Amanda, along with a tennis coach.
3. The yacht will begin to move out to sea. You'll need to pursue it. Get into the nearby speed boat (a white jet ski or similar small boat) and chase the Aquarius.
4. During the boat chase, you'll need to get close enough to board the yacht. Follow the on-screen prompts to jump onto the Aquarius.
5. Once aboard the yacht, you'll find Jimmy tied up. There will be 2-3 enemies (the tennis coach and his associates) on deck. Clear the deck of hostiles. Use Michael's special ability (bullet-time) for precise targeting and headshots. They are armed with pistols.
6. After clearing the deck, untie Jimmy. A cutscene will play where Michael confronts the tennis coach.
7. More enemies will appear as you try to escape. You'll need to deal with 2-3 additional hostiles who board the yacht. Again, use cover and Michael's ability.
8. Once the yacht is secure, Michael will automatically take control. Drive the Aquarius back to the marina, following the GPS.
9. Park the yacht in the designated yellow marker at the dock. A final cutscene will play, concluding the mission with Michael having to pay for the yacht's repairs.
Gold Medal Requirements:
- "Quick Catch": Rescue Jimmy within 10 seconds of boarding the yacht. This requires you to quickly eliminate the initial enemies on deck and untie Jimmy without delay. Practice your aiming for quick headshots.
- "No Damage": Take no damage during the mission. This is challenging. Utilize cover effectively during shootouts, use Michael's bullet-time to avoid incoming fire, and be careful not to crash the speed boat during the chase.
- "Accuracy": Finish with at least 80% shooting accuracy. Aim for headshots and ensure every shot counts.
Rewards: Unlocks the ability to switch between Michael and Franklin at will, and further story progression.
Recommended Loadout: Pistol (default). Ensure full ammo.
Common Pitfalls: Taking too long to clear enemies on the yacht, missing the "Quick Catch" requirement. Getting shot during the boarding sequence or subsequent firefights, failing "No Damage."

Chop

This mission introduces Franklin's loyal Rottweiler, Chop, and highlights the more comedic and lighthearted aspects of the game, while also serving as a tutorial for interacting with pets.

Objective: Help Lamar track down and kidnap D.
Walkthrough:
1. After the cutscene at Franklin's house, get into Lamar's van (the Vapid Speedo) with Chop in the back. Drive to the designated location in Strawberry, where D is supposed to be.
2. Upon arrival, D will flee. Lamar will instruct you to use Chop to track him. Get out of the van and follow Chop.
3. Chop will lead you through various alleys and backyards. Occasionally, he will get distracted by other dogs, female dogs, or trash. You'll need to use the "throw ball" mechanic (select the ball from your weapon wheel, aim, and throw) to redirect Chop's attention. If he gets too distracted, he might wander off, and you'll have to call him back.
4. Eventually, Chop will corner D in a train car. A brief struggle will ensue, and D will be tied up.
5. Carry D back to Lamar's van. Get into the van with Lamar and D.
6. Drive to the designated drop-off point, which is a garage in Rancho. During the drive, Lamar will have a conversation with D.
7. Park the van in the yellow marker to complete the mission.
Gold Medal Requirements:
- "Homie Keep Up": Stay close to Lamar during the chase. This means keeping your van close to his during the initial drive and staying near him when you're on foot.
- "Accuracy": Hit D with a taser shot. During the chase, after D is cornered, Lamar will give you a taser. Aim and fire it at D. This is a quick shot, so be ready.
- "Better Than Gold": Complete the mission within 10:30. Be efficient in driving and tracking D with Chop. Don't let Chop get too distracted.
Rewards: Chop becomes available as a companion for Franklin (can be taken for walks, played with, etc.), unlocks the iFruit app for training Chop.
Recommended Loadout: None specific, as combat is minimal.
Common Pitfalls: Losing track of Chop, which wastes time. Missing the taser shot on D. Crashing the van during the drive.

Father/Son (Part 2)

This mission is often confused with the yacht mission, but it's a separate, later mission where Michael and Jimmy try to bond over a bike ride, leading to unexpected chaos.

Objective: Michael attempts to bond with Jimmy by going on a bike ride, which quickly goes awry.
Walkthrough:
1. After the cutscene at Michael's house, get on the BMX bike with Jimmy. Follow Jimmy on the bike through the neighborhood. This is a low-speed section, focusing on casual conversation.
2. Suddenly, a car driven by a rival gang member will crash into Jimmy, and he'll be kidnapped. Michael will automatically switch to his car (the Obey Tailgater).
3. Engage in a car chase to rescue Jimmy. The kidnappers are in a black SUV. You'll need to get close enough to shoot out their tires or damage their vehicle until it stops. Use Michael's special ability (bullet-time) to make precise shots on the tires.
4. Once the SUV is disabled, it will crash. Confront the kidnappers. There will be 2-3 armed gang members. Use Michael's bullet-time to quickly eliminate them with headshots.
5. After clearing the enemies, untie Jimmy from the back of the SUV.
6. Get back into Michael's car with Jimmy and drive him back home to the De Santa residence.
7. Park the car in the yellow marker to complete the mission.
Gold Medal Requirements:
- "Time": Complete the mission within 07:00. Drive efficiently during the chase and quickly dispatch enemies.
- "Damage Minimal": Take less than 10% damage. Avoid collisions during the chase and use cover effectively during the shootout.
- "Accuracy": Finish with at least 70% shooting accuracy. Focus on tire shots and headshots.
Rewards: Further story progression, Michael's relationship with Jimmy slightly improves (or at least doesn't get worse).
Recommended Loadout: Pistol (default). Ensure full ammo.
Common Pitfalls: Missing too many shots on the kidnappers' tires, prolonging the chase. Taking too much damage during the shootout.

The Long Stretch

This mission brings Franklin and Lamar back together for a drug deal that goes south, leading to a major shootout and introducing the concept of police notoriety levels.

Objective: Participate in a drug deal that quickly turns into a police ambush.
Walkthrough:
1. After the cutscene, get into Lamar's van (the Vapid Speedo) with Franklin and Lamar. Drive to the designated warehouse location in Davis.
2. Upon arrival, enter the warehouse. A cutscene will play, revealing the deal is a setup, and the police (LSPD) are ambushing you.
3. You'll be immediately thrust into a heavy firefight. There are numerous police officers (approximately 10-15) in the warehouse. Utilize cover extensively. Use Franklin's special ability to line up headshots and quickly eliminate threats. Your primary weapons will be the Pistol and any SMG you might have acquired.
4. Work your way through the warehouse, clearing out the police. Pay attention to your mini-map for enemy locations.
5. Once the warehouse is mostly clear, you'll need to escape. Follow Lamar out of the warehouse.
6. Outside, more police will be present, and you'll have a 3-star wanted level. Get into a nearby vehicle (Lamar's van or another parked car) with Lamar.
7. Evade the police. Use Franklin's special ability to navigate traffic and perform quick maneuvers. Drive into alleys, off-road, or through tunnels to lose the wanted level. Once the stars disappear, the mission is complete.
Gold Medal Requirements:
- "Time": Complete the mission within 10:00. Be aggressive in combat and efficient in evading the police.
- "Accuracy": Finish with at least 60% shooting accuracy. Aim for headshots to conserve ammo and clear enemies quickly.
- "Headshots": Get 10 headshots. This requires precise aiming during the intense shootout.
- "Unmarked": Complete the mission with minimal damage to your vehicle during the escape. Drive carefully and use Franklin's ability.
Rewards: Further story progression, unlocks more contact missions for Franklin.
Recommended Loadout: Pistol, SMG (Micro SMG or SMG). Ensure full ammo and body armor.
Common Pitfalls: Getting overwhelmed by police in the warehouse if you don't use cover effectively. Failing to lose the wanted level quickly enough.

Marriage Counseling

This mission introduces Michael's volatile temper and his tendency to solve problems with extreme violence, leading to a major conflict with a powerful figure.

Objective: Michael confronts the tennis coach who was having an affair with Amanda, leading to the destruction of a house that belongs to someone else.
Walkthrough:
1. After the cutscene at Michael's house, get into Michael's car (the Obey Tailgater) with Franklin. Drive to the tennis coach's house in Rockford Hills.
2. Upon arrival, a cutscene will play where Michael confronts the coach. The coach attempts to flee.
3. Chase the coach in his car (a white sports car). You'll need to damage his car enough to stop him. Use Michael's special ability (bullet-time) to shoot out his tires or repeatedly ram his vehicle.
4. Once the coach's car is disabled, he will crash into a large house. Michael, in a fit of rage, will attach a tow cable to the house's support pillars and pull it down, destroying a significant portion of the building.
5. A cutscene will play, revealing that the destroyed house belongs to Martin Madrazo, a powerful Mexican cartel leader. Madrazo's men will arrive.
6. Engage Madrazo's men in a shootout. There will be approximately 5-7 armed gang members. Utilize cover. Use Michael's bullet-time for headshots. They are armed with pistols and SMGs.
7. After clearing the immediate area, you'll need to escape. Get into Michael's car with Franklin and evade Madrazo's men and any police that may have been called (you'll likely have a 2-star wanted level).
8. Once the wanted level is lost, the mission is complete.
Gold Medal Requirements:
- "Time": Complete the mission within 05:30. Be quick in the chase, efficient in the shootout, and swift in evading.
- "Damage Minimal": Take less than 10% damage. Avoid collisions during the chase and use cover effectively during the shootout.
- "Accuracy": Finish with at least 70% shooting accuracy. Focus on tire shots and headshots.
Rewards: Introduces Martin Madrazo as a key antagonist, sets up future missions involving him, and further story progression.
Recommended Loadout: Pistol, SMG. Ensure full ammo and body armor.
Common Pitfalls: Taking too long to destroy the coach's car. Getting overwhelmed by Madrazo's men if you don't use cover.

This detailed approach will continue for every main story mission, providing you with the tools to conquer Los Santos and Blaine County. Good luck, and have fun!