Can Franklin Survive Deathwish in GTA 5? A Deep Dive into the Canonical Ending
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Yes, Franklin absolutely survives the Deathwish ending (also known as Option C or “The Third Way”) in Grand Theft Auto 5. In fact, not only does he survive, but this ending is now widely considered to be the canon ending for the game. This means that in the official Grand Theft Auto universe, the events that transpire during the Deathwish ending are what truly happened to Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Choosing this path is crucial for maintaining the trio’s survival and continuing their story beyond the main narrative.
The Deathwish option sees Franklin refuse to kill either Michael or Trevor, instead choosing to team up with them to take down all of their enemies. This leads to a massive, chaotic battle against various factions who wish the trio harm. Ultimately, this choice results in the complete survival of all three protagonists and allows players to continue interacting with them in the game’s open world.
The Significance of Deathwish
Why The Deathwish Ending is Considered Canon
The term ‘canon’ in gaming refers to the officially acknowledged storyline within a game universe. Initially, the ending of GTA 5 was left open to interpretation, with players able to choose between three options, each leading to drastically different results. However, Rockstar Games, the developer, has essentially confirmed that Deathwish is the true ending through subsequent content, particularly within GTA Online’s Contract update.
In that update, the events clearly take place after the Deathwish ending, with all three characters alive and well, interacting with new characters and situations. This makes the Deathwish ending the primary and, for all intents and purposes, the definitive ending for the main storyline of GTA 5.
What Happens in the Deathwish Ending?
In this ending, instead of succumbing to the pressure from either Steve Haines (who wants Trevor dead) or Devin Weston (who seeks revenge on Michael), Franklin chooses a different path. He calls upon Michael and Trevor, informing them of the various threats they face and proposes they band together to eliminate their enemies.
The ensuing battle is a massive free-for-all, forcing the trio to fight waves of enemies, including the FIB, Merryweather Security, the Triads, and even Weston himself. During this chaotic and intense fight, the group systematically eliminates their main antagonists: Trevor kills Steve Haines, Michael eliminates Stretch, and Franklin takes down Wei Cheng. By successfully eliminating these threats, the trio secures their survival and ensures that they are no longer hunted by these powerful forces.
The Aftermath of Choosing Deathwish
After surviving this massive showdown, players can continue roaming Los Santos, engaging in various side activities with all three protagonists, as they are no longer at each other’s throats. This is unlike the other two endings, which leave you without the ability to interact with certain characters after a heartbreaking death. Choosing Deathwish not only preserves the integrity of the story but also provides the most rewarding gameplay experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Franklin have to kill Michael or Trevor in the other endings?
In Endings A and B, Franklin is pressured by various powerful figures to eliminate either Michael or Trevor. Steve Haines of the FIB wants Trevor dead due to his unpredictable nature, deeming him a liability. Meanwhile, Devin Weston, seeks revenge against Michael and enlists Franklin to carry out the hit. These choices force Franklin into an impossible situation where he is tasked with killing one of his friends.
2. Can you get Trevor back after killing him?
No, if you choose to kill Trevor in Ending A, he is gone permanently. You will not be able to play as him or interact with him in the game.
3. Can Franklin hang out with Michael after killing Trevor?
No. If you kill Trevor, both Michael and Trevor will no longer want to associate with Franklin. They essentially cease to be your in-game friends. The only way to maintain these relationships is by selecting Option C (Deathwish).
4. What is the best choice at the end of GTA 5?
The best choice, if you are looking for a complete, satisfying, and canonical ending, is Deathwish. This option ensures the survival of all three protagonists, allows you to continue playing with them, and is now considered the true ending of GTA 5.
5. Does Franklin get more money if he kills Trevor?
Yes. If Franklin kills Trevor, Franklin and Michael will split Trevor’s share of the final heist. Conversely, if Michael is killed, his share goes to his family, and Franklin gets nothing.
6. What happens to Trevor’s cut if he dies?
If Trevor is killed, his share of the final heist money is split between Franklin and Michael.
7. How much money does Franklin get for killing Michael?
Franklin gets no money if he kills Michael. His share is given to his family.
8. Why can’t you hang out with Michael after killing Trevor?
The game’s narrative dictates that Michael no longer wants to associate with Franklin if Trevor dies as it would be seen as a betrayal. Choosing to betray one of the main trio has a negative effect on character relationships.
9. Does GTA V have a sad ending?
The initial two endings (A and B) are considered sad because they involve the death of a main protagonist. Deathwish, however, leads to a more positive and satisfying outcome for the trio.
10. Who canonically dies in GTA?
In the canon ending (Deathwish), nobody dies from the main trio. This is the established storyline within the Grand Theft Auto universe.
11. Who betrayed Franklin in GTA 5?
There is no clear betrayal of Franklin in the Deathwish ending. While Michael’s actions might be questioned at times, the main characters ultimately work together to eliminate their common enemies. In other endings, however, the player is forced to choose to betray either Michael or Trevor.
12. Can Franklin hang out with Jimmy after Michael’s death?
Yes, Jimmy can still hang out with Franklin. He does not know that Franklin was involved in Trevor’s death so their relationship remains intact.
13. How many kills does Franklin have in GTA 5?
Franklin has the most kills amongst the main three characters with an estimated 295 kills.
14. Why does Trevor forgive Michael?
Trevor initially detests Michael for covering up Brad’s death. However, his need for Michael’s help for the final heist and the shared experience forces him to move past it. It is a reluctant understanding rather than total forgiveness.
15. Can you still play as Michael if you kill him?
No. If you kill Michael or Trevor in their respective ending scenarios, you can no longer play as them. However, by selecting Deathwish you can still swap between the characters even after completing the story. You can even kill them after the Deathwish ending and continue playing the game with the characters alive and available from the character wheel.
Conclusion
The answer is a resounding YES, Franklin survives the Deathwish ending, making it the most rewarding and the now considered canon storyline of GTA 5. This option offers players the chance to experience the full dynamic of the three main characters while avoiding the tragic outcomes of the other endings. If you want to witness the true ending and keep all three characters alive, Deathwish is the only path to take. This means Franklin not only survives but thrives as part of the trio, living to see another day in the chaotic world of Los Santos.