How to End Grand Theft Auto 5: A Comprehensive 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.
Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5) offers players a branching narrative with a dramatic climax, presenting three distinct choices that determine the fate of its protagonists, Michael De Santa, Trevor Philips, and Franklin Clinton. The game concludes after completing the final mission, but how you reach that conclusion depends on your decision during “The Third Way,” the final storyline mission. You must choose to kill Trevor, kill Michael, or pursue the Deathwish option, also known as “The Third Way” itself. Selecting either of the first two options leads to one of two alternate endings, while choosing the third unlocks the canonical ending. Let’s break down each ending and what follows.
Understanding the Final Choices
The penultimate mission, before you are given the option of choices, sets the stage for a conflict, where various agencies and old foes close in on the protagonists. Franklin is put in the unenviable position of choosing to eliminate either Trevor or Michael, orchestrated by Steve Haines and Devin Weston respectively. This puts the group dynamic, so critical to the game’s core, in jeopardy.
Option A: Killing Trevor
If Franklin follows Steve Haines’s instruction and chooses to kill Trevor, the mission “Something Sensible” is triggered. Franklin enlists Michael’s help, and together they corner Trevor. A chase ensues, culminating in Trevor’s fiery demise.
- Consequences: This ending results in Trevor’s permanent death. He becomes unavailable as a playable character for the remainder of the game. Furthermore, Michael and Franklin’s relationship suffers strain, although they remain in contact. You receive Trevor’s cut of any heist money, but you permanently lose access to his unique skills, assets, and associated missions.
Option B: Killing Michael
If Franklin follows Devin Weston’s directive and decides to kill Michael, the mission “The Time’s Come” begins. Franklin lures Michael to a meeting point, then attempts to eliminate him. After a struggle, Michael is pushed off a platform, resulting in his death.
- Consequences: This ending leads to Michael’s death. Similar to Trevor, he will be unavailable as a playable character. Franklin receives Michael’s share of the heist money goes to Michael’s family, and Michael and Franklin’s relationship ends forever. This outcome also significantly impacts the dynamic of the game world, removing Michael’s story elements.
Option C: Deathwish (The Third Way)
Choosing the Deathwish option (also known as “The Third Way“) initiates the final storyline mission, where Franklin, Michael, and Trevor unite to confront their enemies. This is considered the canon ending.
- Mission: The Third Way: The trio plans and executes an operation to eliminate all of their adversaries, including Steve Haines, Stretch, and Devin Weston.
- Consequences: All three protagonists survive and continue their lives, maintaining their friendship (albeit a slightly dysfunctional one). This ending preserves the core dynamic of the game and allows players to continue freely switching between the three characters after the storyline concludes. This ending also has the bonus of solidifying Trevor’s status in the canon, which has implications across other GTA media as well.
The Aftermath: What Happens After the Ending
Once you complete any of the endings, the main story concludes. However, GTA 5 offers plenty of post-game content to explore, specifically if you chose the Third Way!
- Free Roam: You can continue exploring the open world, completing side missions, participating in activities, and causing mayhem as any of the surviving characters.
- Strangers and Freaks Missions: Numerous side quests remain, providing additional storylines and rewards.
- Property Ownership: You can manage and expand your real estate empire, increasing your income and influence.
- Stock Market Manipulation: Continue playing the stock market to amass wealth.
- Online Mode (GTA Online): A separate multiplayer experience with its own progression system, missions, and activities. GTA Online is constantly updated with new content, ensuring endless replayability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about ending GTA 5, offering a deeper understanding of the choices and their repercussions.
1. What is the canon ending of GTA 5?
The canon ending of GTA 5 is Deathwish (Option C), also known as “The Third Way“. This ending ensures the survival of all three protagonists, aligning with the overall narrative and character development. Supporting this is evidence found in GTA Online as well as hints found in GTA 5, suggesting that Trevor is in fact still alive.
2. Can I undo killing Trevor or Michael?
No, once you make the choice and the ending sequence plays out, you cannot undo the decision within that save file. The only way to experience the alternate endings is to reload a previous save file created before making the final choice. This is why most players will have multiple save files before crucial moments like this.
3. Does killing Trevor give you more money?
If you choose to kill Trevor, Michael and Franklin split Trevor’s cut of the heist money. However, this is a short-term gain. You lose access to Trevor’s assets, unique missions, and special abilities, potentially limiting future money-making opportunities.
4. What happens if Franklin kills Michael?
If Franklin chooses to kill Michael, Michael dies, and Franklin gets nothing, as Michael’s share goes to his family. Additionally, Michael will be unavailable as a playable character, and many parts of the game will become unavailable.
5. Can Michael and Franklin hang out after Trevor’s death?
Michael and Franklin can still interact after Trevor’s death, but their relationship is strained. Choosing Ending C: Deathwish is the only way to continue hanging out with both characters without any negative implications.
6. How many missions does it take to beat GTA 5?
There are 69 main story missions in GTA 5, not including side missions and activities.
7. What is “The Third Way” in GTA 5?
“The Third Way” (also known as Deathwish) is the option where Franklin chooses to save both Michael and Trevor. It leads to the canon ending where all three protagonists team up to eliminate their common enemies.
8. Can you still play as Trevor after he dies?
No, you cannot play as Trevor if he dies. Once he is killed, he is permanently removed as a playable character in that save file.
9. How do you trigger the final mission choices?
The final mission choices are triggered after completing a series of missions that culminate in Franklin being pressured to eliminate either Trevor or Michael. The game prompts you to choose between Option A, Option B, or Option C (Deathwish).
10. Is there a secret ending in GTA 5?
While there aren’t additional “secret” story endings beyond the three main choices, the Deathwish ending is often considered the true or canon ending due to its narrative consistency and implications for the GTA universe.
11. How do you exit GTA 5 on PS4/PS5?
To exit GTA 5 on PS4/PS5, you must first save the game. You can do this through the character’s mobile phone. Once saved, hold down the PlayStation button (the central PS button on the controller) to open the quick menu. Select “Close Application” to exit the game.
12. How do you start a custom race in GTA 5?
To start a custom race in GTA 5, go to the online menu, select “Online,” then “Jobs,” “Play Job,” “Rockstar Created,” and finally “Races.” Here you can choose from a variety of Rockstar-created races or custom races designed by other players.
13. How can I get rich quickly in GTA 5 after the story ends?
After the story, you can get rich quickly by investing in the stock market, completing heists in GTA Online, and managing your properties efficiently. Exploiting opportunities like finding hidden packages and completing challenges also helps.
14. Are there any cheat codes that affect the ending?
No, cheat codes do not affect the ending of GTA 5. They only provide temporary advantages during gameplay, such as increased health, weapons, or vehicles.
15. Where can I learn more about the design and impact of games like GTA 5?
To delve deeper into the educational aspects of gaming and understand the societal impact of games like GTA 5, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. There you’ll find resources and research exploring the intersection of games and education. You can also connect with others interested in the research and educational purposes of video games.
Conclusion
The ending of GTA 5 is a defining moment, offering players impactful choices with lasting consequences. Understanding the implications of each decision allows you to tailor your experience and explore the world of Los Santos to its fullest potential. Whether you opt for a dramatic conclusion or a unified front, the world of GTA 5 will persist allowing you to immerse yourself in the lives of Franklin, Michael, and Trevor.