Can You Play as Trevor in GTA 5? The Definitive Guide
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The short answer is yes, you can play as Trevor Philips in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5). But, as with everything in the chaotic world of GTA, it’s not quite that simple. Trevor becomes available as a playable character a few hours into the game, after the first heist. Once unlocked, you can switch between him, Michael, and Franklin. However, there are caveats. Let’s dive into the details of playing as Trevor and what impacts your access to this fan-favorite psychopath.
Unlocking Trevor: From Zero to Mayhem
The Moment of Transformation
You don’t start GTA 5 as Trevor. You begin with Michael and then quickly gain access to Franklin. Trevor becomes playable approximately 5 hours into the main storyline, specifically after completing the initial heist mission. Following this milestone, the game will guide you through a mission that introduces you to Trevor’s unhinged world in Sandy Shores. Prepare yourself. It’s quite the contrast.
Early Access and Initial Gameplay
Immediately after the triggering mission, you’ll likely be locked into playing as Trevor for a brief period. This is designed to familiarize you with his unique skills, preferred weapons (anything that explodes, typically), and, most importantly, his volatile personality. During this time, you’ll be immersed in his storylines and activities specific to his character.
Switching Between Characters
Once the game allows, you can switch between Michael, Franklin, and Trevor by using the character switch wheel. This feature becomes a core part of the gameplay loop, letting you tackle missions from different perspectives and explore the vast open world with diverse skill sets. Each character has their own missions and storylines, and you’ll need to switch between them to progress through the main plot.
The Grim Reaper’s Influence: The Endings and Trevor’s Fate
The Fatal Choice
The biggest impact on Trevor’s playability comes at the end of the game. The final mission presents players with three choices: Kill Trevor, Kill Michael, or Deathwish. The decision you make here drastically affects the game world and your ability to play as certain characters.
Consequences of Mortality
- Killing Trevor: If you choose to eliminate Trevor, he is permanently removed from the game. You will no longer be able to switch to him, complete his side missions, or experience his unique character interactions. This also affects relationships between the other characters.
- Killing Michael: Similar to killing Trevor, choosing to kill Michael makes him unplayable for the remainder of that playthrough.
- Deathwish: Selecting the “Deathwish” ending ensures that all three characters survive, preserving their playability. This ending is considered by many to be the “canon” ending, as it allows you to continue experiencing the game with all three protagonists intact.
Choosing Wisely: The Key to Long-Term Playability
If you wish to continue playing as Trevor after completing the main storyline, the “Deathwish” ending is your only option. This path ensures that you can continue exploring Los Santos and Blaine County with all three characters available. Choosing to kill either Trevor or Michael will permanently lock you out of playing as that character in that save file.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Trevor in GTA 5
1. How do you unlock Trevor in GTA 5?
Trevor is unlocked automatically as you progress through the main story, roughly 5 hours into the game, after the initial heist.
2. Can you play as Trevor after you kill him?
No, if you choose the ending where Trevor is killed, you cannot play as him again in that save file. You would need to start a new game or reload a previous save.
3. Can you switch to Trevor after killing Michael?
No, if you choose the ending where Michael is killed, you cannot switch to him anymore. The game will only allow switching between the remaining two playable characters.
4. Is killing Trevor the end of GTA 5?
Killing Trevor is an ending of GTA 5, but not the end. The game offers three distinct endings based on your final choice, each with different consequences for the characters.
5. Can I bring Trevor back to life?
Not unless you reload a previous save before making the choice on who to eliminate. Once Trevor is gone in a specific save, he’s gone for good.
6. What happens if I pick Deathwish in GTA 5?
If you select the “Deathwish” ending, all three characters survive, ensuring that you can continue playing as Trevor, Michael, and Franklin.
7. Is it worth killing Trevor or Michael?
From a gameplay perspective, it’s generally not worth killing Trevor or Michael, especially if you enjoy playing as all three characters. The “Deathwish” ending allows you to experience the full range of content with everyone intact.
8. Does killing Michael or Trevor give you more money?
Killing Trevor will give his cut of the final heist to Michael and Franklin. If you kill Michael, his share goes to his family and you get nothing.
9. Can you get 100% after killing Trevor?
No, because specific character-related missions become unavailable, killing Trevor will prevent you from reaching 100% completion in that save file.
10. Can you save cars as Trevor?
Yes, each character has their own garages where they can store and save vehicles. Trevor, with his multiple safehouses, has access to multiple garages.
11. What is the good ending of GTA 5?
The “Deathwish” ending, where all three protagonists survive by uniting against their enemies, is widely considered the best or “true” ending.
12. Can you complete GTA 5 without killing Trevor?
Yes, you can and arguably should. Choosing the Deathwish ending allows you to complete the game while keeping all characters alive.
13. Does Trevor have a secret mission?
Yes! Trevor has several unique side missions, including one involving a cannibalistic cult in Blain County.
14. How old is Trevor in GTA 5?
Trevor Philips is 49 years old in Grand Theft Auto V.
15. What to do after Trevor dies?
If Trevor dies in your game, there is no way to reverse this action unless you load an earlier save. His assets will be gone, as will the side missions he’s featured as the protagonist in.
Understanding the Broader Implications
Beyond the immediate gameplay, the choices you make in GTA 5, especially regarding character fates, touch on themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of one’s actions. The game subtly encourages players to consider the moral implications of their choices, even within the context of a notoriously amoral world. Understanding these themes enriches the gaming experience, allowing players to engage with the narrative on a deeper level.
The study of how games engage players and teach principles is well-documented. You can learn more at the Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, which offers insights into the educational power of video games.
Conclusion: Play as Trevor – Choose Wisely
Ultimately, whether or not you can play as Trevor in GTA 5 hinges on your choices during the final mission. If you value the chaotic energy and unique gameplay that Trevor brings to the table, be sure to opt for the “Deathwish” ending. Keep everyone alive and continue to explore the world of Los Santos with all three of its unforgettable protagonists. The decision is yours, but choose wisely, as it will determine your ability to experience the full scope of what GTA 5 has to offer.