The Cold, Hard Truth: Exploring the Benefits (and Drawbacks) of Killing Trevor in GTA 5
The question of whether to kill Trevor in Grand Theft Auto 5 is a divisive one, debated amongst players since the game’s release. While morally questionable, choosing to eliminate the chaotic, unpredictable Trevor Philips does offer certain in-game advantages, primarily revolving around financial gain. This article will delve into the tangible benefits of choosing the “Kill Trevor” ending, along with a comprehensive look at the trade-offs and frequently asked questions surrounding this pivotal decision.
What Are the Benefits of Killing Trevor?
The core benefit of killing Trevor in GTA 5 is purely financial. Selecting this option at the game’s climax results in Trevor’s cut of the final heist being split between Michael and Franklin. This means a significant boost to their individual bank accounts, providing more money to spend on cars, properties, and other indulgences the game has to offer.
It’s a stark, transactional benefit – eliminating one of the main protagonists for a hefty sum. However, this comes at a steep price. Beyond the monetary advantage, the choice to kill Trevor has little to recommend it. This path comes with long-lasting consequences that significantly impact the gameplay experience and often makes it a less rewarding path than the alternative “Deathwish” option.
The Financial Implications: A Detailed Look
The exact amount of money gained by killing Trevor varies slightly depending on the heist choices made leading up to the finale. However, the financial gain is undeniably substantial. While the exact numerical figure can’t be definitively stated due to these variables, players can expect to see a significant increase in both Michael and Franklin’s bank accounts.
It’s a cold calculation, but for players prioritizing maximum cash accumulation, the “Kill Trevor” ending appears appealing on the surface. It’s a decision driven purely by greed, a reflection of the often ruthless nature of the world of Grand Theft Auto. This significant influx of cash can certainly alleviate any financial constraints in the game, allowing the player to live more luxuriously.
The Cost of Greed: Understanding the Drawbacks
While the financial benefit is undeniable, the drawbacks to killing Trevor are numerous and impactful. The most significant consequence is the permanent loss of Trevor as a playable character. This means:
- No access to Trevor’s unique abilities: Trevor’s special skill, his rage mode, was incredibly useful in a variety of situations.
- Loss of Trevor’s unique missions and side events: Players will miss out on all the unique random encounters and side missions exclusively available to Trevor.
- Inability to use Trevor’s garage and assets: All properties, vehicles and other assets specific to Trevor are permanently lost.
- The impossibility of a 100% completion: The game cannot be 100% completed on any file where you have chosen to kill Trevor. The “Deathwish” ending is required to achieve a perfect completion rating.
- The fracturing of relationships: Michael will distrust Franklin after this betrayal, preventing the friendly interactions that they share when Trevor remains alive.
These consequences paint a picture of a choice with a single, isolated benefit weighed against multiple negative ramifications. The loss of gameplay flexibility, content, and the satisfying bond between the three main characters outweighs the temporary cash infusion.
Comparing the Choices: Killing Trevor vs. Deathwish
When faced with the three choices at the end of the game – kill Trevor, kill Michael, or choose the “Deathwish” option – “Kill Trevor” often ranks as the least rewarding. The “Deathwish” ending, the canon ending for GTA 5, not only ensures that all three protagonists survive but also provides a good amount of money, although less than killing Trevor.
The “Deathwish” ending unlocks the “The Third Way” mission, an action packed finale and allows for all three protagonists to still exist after the main story’s conclusion. Choosing the “Deathwish” ending allows the player to retain the ability to swap between all three main characters. The ability to continue enjoying all aspects of the gameplay including the unique abilities of each character.
A Deeper Look: Character Relationships and Morality
The choice to kill Trevor also has ramifications for the game’s narrative and moral implications. While Trevor isn’t a morally upstanding character, his death, orchestrated by Franklin, damages the dynamic of the trio. This specific ending fractures the relationships that have been built over the course of the game. Franklin goes against Trevor’s trust, betraying one of his only friends in the process.
The “Deathwish” ending not only allows for a significantly more satisfying end to the story but also allows the player to not feel the weight of their actions in terms of a specific character’s death.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide even more clarity on the implications of killing Trevor:
1. Can I play as Trevor after killing him?
No. If you choose to kill Trevor, he is permanently removed as a playable character. You will not be able to switch to him at any point in that game save file.
2. Does killing Trevor affect side missions?
Yes. You will lose access to all of Trevor’s unique side missions, random encounters, and any of the Strangers and Freaks missions specific to him.
3. Does the game end after killing Trevor?
While the main story is finished once Trevor dies, the game continues, allowing the player to finish any remaining side quests, missions, and free-roam activities. However, there will be no further story-driven missions.
4. How much money do you get for killing Trevor?
While the exact amount varies, you will receive a substantial increase in money split between Michael and Franklin’s accounts from Trevor’s cut of the final heist.
5. Can you get 100% completion if you kill Trevor?
No. You will not be able to achieve a 100% completion in a save file where you have chosen to kill Trevor. The “Deathwish” ending is necessary for 100% completion.
6. Will Michael hang out with Franklin after killing Trevor?
No. Michael will not hang out with Franklin after the betrayal. Their relationship will be severely damaged.
7. Is killing Trevor a “bad ending” in GTA 5?
While the narrative framing isn’t explicitly “good” or “bad,” the “Kill Trevor” ending is generally considered less rewarding due to the significant gameplay losses and damaged relationships it brings.
8. Does the money gained from killing Trevor outweigh the loss of his character?
For most players, the financial benefit does not outweigh the significant loss of content, gameplay flexibility, and character relationships.
9. Can I replay the ending if I choose to kill Trevor?
Yes. You can replay any mission from the pause menu, allowing you to experience the other endings if you desire.
10. Which ending is the canon ending in GTA 5?
The “Deathwish” ending is considered the canon ending for GTA 5, as it is consistent with characters’ appearances and mentions in GTA Online.
11. What happens to Trevor’s assets after he is killed?
All of Trevor’s assets, including his properties, vehicles, and safehouses, are permanently lost.
12. Why does Franklin get asked to kill Trevor?
Haines and Weston separately ask Franklin to eliminate Trevor, considering him a liability and wanting him dead for various reasons.
13. Does killing Michael provide any benefits?
Killing Michael offers no personal financial benefit. His share of the final heist is given to his family and the player gets nothing.
14. Is there anything unique to do after the story ends?
Yes. Even after the main story ends, you can still pursue side missions, complete Strangers and Freaks missions, explore the map, and enjoy the open-world gameplay.
15. Is the Deathwish ending worth it?
Absolutely. The Deathwish ending is the most fulfilling ending, ensuring all three protagonists survive, offering the most content, and is considered the canonical outcome of the story. It is the best option for most players.
Conclusion
While killing Trevor in GTA 5 provides a one-time financial gain, the long-term costs are significant. You lose a playable character, his unique content, and the satisfaction of a complete and positive ending. The “Deathwish” ending, by contrast, preserves the core relationships and provides the best path for experiencing the most of what the game has to offer. Ultimately, the decision rests on your preferences, but for a full and fulfilling playthrough of Grand Theft Auto 5, the “Kill Trevor” ending is not the recommended path.