Which Ending Should I Pick for GTA V? A Veteran’s Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The million-dollar question (or, more accurately, the multi-billion-dollar question, given GTA V’s earnings): which ending should you pick? The answer, my friend, isn’t as simple as saying “Ending C is the best!” It depends entirely on what you value in your Grand Theft Auto V experience. Do you prioritize loyalty? Do you revel in chaos? Or are you a pragmatic gamer seeking the best overall outcome? Let’s break it down, shall we?
Ending A (Something Sensible): This option involves killing Trevor Philips. In this scenario, Franklin follows Steve Haines and Dave Norton’s orders to eliminate Trevor, believing he’s become too unstable and a liability.
Ending B (The Time’s Come): This ending sees Franklin tasked with killing Michael De Santa. Again acting on behalf of Haines and Norton, Franklin is ordered to eliminate Michael, who they believe is past his prime and a threat.
Ending C (The Third Way): The path of the true player, the strategist, the one who says, “Screw your machinations, government stooges!” In Ending C, Franklin decides, with the help of Lamar Davis, to defy Haines and Norton and instead teams up with Michael and Trevor to take on all their enemies.
So, which do I recommend? Unequivocally, Ending C (The Third Way). Here’s why:
- Character Preservation: This is the most significant factor for many players. Ending C is the only ending where all three protagonists – Michael, Franklin, and Trevor – survive. These characters are the heart of the game, and sacrificing one feels like a betrayal of the narrative.
- Story Completion: Ending C feels like the true culmination of the game’s story. It’s a triumphant rejection of the manipulative forces that have been pulling the strings throughout the entire narrative. It allows the trio to finally unite against a common enemy and emerge victorious, proving their strength and loyalty to each other.
- Moral High Ground (Relatively Speaking): Let’s be honest, we’re talking about GTA here. But even within that context, Ending C allows the protagonists to take a stand against corruption and control, even if their methods are still…questionable.
- Gameplay Benefits: While this is less significant than the narrative reasons, completing Ending C unlocks special missions and interactions involving all three characters, expanding the post-game experience. You can continue to play as all three protagonists in the open world.
- Emotional Resonance: Simply put, Ending C is the most emotionally satisfying conclusion. Seeing Michael, Franklin, and Trevor stand together against overwhelming odds and come out on top is a genuinely rewarding experience, especially after the turbulent journey they’ve been through.
While Ending C is the most popular and arguably the “canon” ending, the other two have their merits. Ending A and B offer a darker, more cynical perspective on the game’s themes of loyalty and betrayal. They highlight the brutal realities of the criminal underworld and the sacrifices sometimes necessary for survival. But ultimately, they feel incomplete and unsatisfying compared to the resolution offered by Ending C. Think about it: you invested hours into these characters; why throw one away when there’s a better way?
Diving Deeper: The Implications of Each Choice
Let’s take a closer look at the ramifications of each ending:
Ending A: Trevor’s Demise – A Blaze of Unnecessary Glory
Choosing to kill Trevor is a cold, calculated move. It signifies a complete surrender to the corrupt forces pulling Franklin’s strings. Trevor, despite his unpredictable and often violent behavior, is a vital element of the game’s chaotic energy. His death feels like a severe blow to the game’s overall personality.
The consequences are pretty significant:
- Character Death: Obviously, Trevor is gone. You can no longer play as him in the post-game.
- Loss of Uniqueness: Trevor’s unique special ability (Rage) is lost.
- Narrative Impact: It leaves a bitter taste. Many players find it to be the most depressing and unsatisfying ending.
Ending B: Michael’s Betrayal – A Hollywood Ending Gone Wrong
Eliminating Michael feels like a betrayal of the game’s core themes of family and loyalty. Michael, with his Hollywood aspirations and his attempts to reconcile his past with his present, is a complex and compelling character. Killing him off feels like a rejection of his redemptive arc.
The fallout includes:
- Character Death: Michael is eliminated from the game.
- Loss of Special Ability: Michael’s special ability (Bullet Time) is gone.
- Narrative Disappointment: Similar to Ending A, this ending is often considered bleak and leaves players feeling unfulfilled.
Ending C: The Third Way – United We Stand
Choosing Ending C is a commitment to the bond between the three protagonists. It’s a refusal to be manipulated and a decision to forge your own path. This ending is not only the most narratively satisfying but also allows you to continue experiencing the game with all three characters intact. It emphasizes the themes of loyalty, friendship, and defiance against corruption.
Here’s the upside:
- All Characters Survive: Michael, Franklin, and Trevor live to fight another day.
- Post-Game Content: Unlocks new missions and interactions involving all three characters.
- Triumphant Resolution: Provides the most emotionally rewarding and satisfying conclusion to the story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about GTA V Endings
Here are some common questions players have about the GTA V endings:
1. Can I replay the endings after choosing one?
Yes, after completing the game, you can replay any of the missions, including the ending missions, through the mission replay feature in the game menu.
2. Does choosing a different ending affect my save file?
No, your save file is not permanently affected. When you replay an ending mission, it creates a temporary “replay” scenario. Your main save file remains intact with the ending you initially chose.
3. Is there a “canon” ending to GTA V?
While Rockstar Games hasn’t explicitly stated which ending is canon, Ending C (The Third Way) is widely considered the most likely to be the canonical ending. This is due to its narrative completeness, character preservation, and overall popularity among players.
4. Are there any differences in the rewards for each ending?
The primary difference is the continued availability of the characters in the post-game. Ending C allows you to play as all three. There are also minor dialogue differences in subsequent missions, but no significant item or property rewards are exclusive to any particular ending.
5. Does choosing an ending affect the stock market?
No, choosing an ending does not directly affect the stock market. However, certain Lester assassination missions, which can significantly impact stock prices, are available regardless of the ending you choose.
6. What happens to the character’s properties after each ending?
The properties owned by each character remain the same regardless of which ending you choose. The fate of the character themselves does not impact their property ownership.
7. Can I switch between the characters even if one of them dies in the ending?
No. If you choose Ending A or Ending B, you will no longer be able to play as Trevor or Michael, respectively, in the post-game.
8. Does choosing a specific ending influence GTA Online?
No, the single-player storyline and its endings have no bearing on GTA Online. GTA Online operates as a separate entity with its own narrative and progression system.
9. Is it possible to save all three characters without playing the story missions?
No, you must progress through the story missions to reach the point where you can choose an ending. There is no way to bypass this process and directly save all three characters.
10. What are the moral implications of each ending?
- Ending A: Represents a cold, calculated decision driven by external forces, sacrificing loyalty for self-preservation.
- Ending B: Represents a similar betrayal, highlighting the corrupting influence of power and the willingness to sacrifice even close relationships for personal gain.
- Ending C: Represents defiance against corruption, loyalty to friends, and a willingness to fight for what you believe in, even in a morally ambiguous world.
11. How do the other characters react to the chosen ending?
The reactions vary significantly. In Endings A and B, the surviving characters express a mix of grief, regret, and rationalization. In Ending C, there is a sense of relief and triumph, with the characters reaffirming their bond.
12. Does the game hint at which ending is the “right” one?
The game doesn’t explicitly endorse any specific ending, but the narrative leans towards Ending C as the most satisfying and complete resolution. The other endings feel more like downer endings that punish the player for becoming attached to the characters.
13. Are there any Easter eggs or hidden content related to specific endings?
There are no known Easter eggs or hidden content that are exclusive to specific endings. The core gameplay and open-world activities remain largely unchanged regardless of your choice.
14. How long does it take to complete each ending mission?
The ending missions themselves are relatively short, typically taking around 30-45 minutes to complete, depending on your skill level and approach. However, the build-up to the ending, involving multiple preparatory missions, takes significantly longer.
15. Where can I learn more about game narrative and storytelling?
The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is a fantastic resource for learning more about game narrative, design, and the educational aspects of gaming. They offer valuable insights into the art and science of creating compelling and engaging game experiences.
In conclusion, while the choice is ultimately yours, I strongly advise picking Ending C. It preserves the characters you’ve grown to know and love, offers a more satisfying conclusion, and allows you to continue wreaking havoc in Los Santos with the whole crew intact. Now go forth and make your choice… wisely!