What is the Hardest Mission in GTA Story Mode?
The question of which mission reigns supreme in terms of difficulty within the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series has been a long-standing debate among players. While personal experiences and playstyles influence perceptions, a consensus points towards “The Big Score” from GTA V as the most challenging mission in any GTA story mode. This conclusion isn’t based solely on the intensity of the combat or complexity of the objectives, but rather on the combination of these factors along with the high stakes of being the game’s finale.
The Big Score: A Culmination of Chaos
“The Big Score” is the final heist in GTA V, and it lives up to its name. It involves a massive gold heist requiring significant planning and execution. The mission presents players with two approaches: the subtle and the obvious. While both require careful execution, it’s the “obvious” approach that’s widely regarded as the more difficult option. This path throws players into a chaotic firefight with numerous law enforcement agencies, forcing them to employ both their shooting skills and driving prowess to the absolute limit.
What Makes It So Difficult?
The mission’s difficulty stems from several factors:
- Scale and Scope: “The Big Score” is the largest and most ambitious heist in the entire game. The operation involves multiple characters and vehicles, requiring players to coordinate their actions amidst intense pressure.
- Relentless Enemy Forces: The sheer number of enemy units involved, including heavily armed police, FBI agents, and NOOSE teams, is overwhelming. They attack from all directions, making it hard to find cover or manage resources.
- Skill Ceiling: Both the gunplay and driving segments are extremely challenging. Players need to execute perfect aim while constantly moving, and then seamlessly transition to high-speed chases through congested city streets while evading law enforcement.
- No Room for Error: The mission demands precision. One mistake, a wrong turn, or a moment of hesitation can quickly lead to failure, forcing a restart from the previous checkpoint, which can be considerably far away.
- Resource Intensive: The mission requires a significant amount of ammunition, health, and armor. Players who haven’t adequately stocked up beforehand will likely struggle significantly.
Why Not Other Missions?
While numerous other missions across the GTA series are notorious for their difficulty, such as “Bury the Hatchet” in GTA V or various missions in GTA: San Andreas, they typically fall short of the complete challenge “The Big Score” presents. “Bury the Hatchet,” for instance, is difficult due to a lack of firepower, while many San Andreas missions are tough due to their unforgiving nature or awkward controls. However, “The Big Score” brings together challenging combat, intense driving, strategic planning, and the weight of being the ultimate finale in a single, formidable package.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the most difficult GTA missions, along with other related topics:
1. What is the second hardest mission in GTA V?
While “The Big Score” often takes the top spot, many players consider “Bury the Hatchet” the second most challenging mission in GTA V’s story mode due to Michael’s limited firepower and overwhelming enemy forces.
2. Which GTA game has the hardest missions overall?
Many veteran players argue that GTA: San Andreas presents the most consistently challenging missions across the entire series, notorious for their difficulty and often unforgiving nature.
3. What is the easiest heist in GTA Online?
The Fleeca Job is typically regarded as the easiest entry-level heist in GTA Online, introducing players to the core heist mechanics without overwhelming them.
4. Is “The Third Way” ending harder than the other endings in GTA V?
No, **"The Third Way"** ending, while considered the canonical conclusion, is not harder than choosing to kill either Michael or Trevor. The difficulty of these missions is more comparable, focusing on action sequences rather than a high difficulty hurdle.
5. Which GTA character is considered the most brutal?
**Trevor Philips** from GTA V is widely considered the most brutal and unpredictable character in the GTA series due to his violent tendencies and disregard for life.
6. Which GTA protagonist sleeps the least?
**Michael De Santa** in GTA V sleeps the least, waking up after only six hours in-game, often in a fitful manner, highlighting his troubled mental state.
7. What is the longest GTA game?
GTA: San Andreas is the longest game in the series, featuring a vast map and a substantial amount of missions and side activities.
8. How long is one hour in GTA V real-time?
One in-game hour in GTA V is equivalent to 2 minutes of real-world time. A full day in-game lasts 48 minutes in real-time.
9. What GTA game is considered the most realistic?
GTA VI, though not released yet, is being developed with a focus on realism, including dynamic character movements and a responsive environment that reacts to weather and physical injuries.
10. What GTA game has the best story?
Many players regard **GTA IV** as having the best story in the series, with a deeply engaging and emotionally resonant narrative centered around Niko Bellic.
11. Are there any secret missions in GTA 5 story mode?
Yes, GTA V has many hidden and optional missions, such as “Parenting 101” and “Cut You In,” which are not part of the main storyline but offer unique and fun experiences.
12. What is the hardest achievement/trophy to get in GTA?
The “Masterminds” trophy in GTA Online is arguably the hardest to achieve, requiring players to complete all acts of the Doomsday Heist in order, on the hardest difficulty, without dying.
13. Which GTA game should I play first?
For the most straightforward chronological order, players should start with GTA: Vice City, then progress to GTA: San Andreas, and finally finish with GTA 3.
14. Who is the smartest character in GTA V?
While intelligence is debated, many consider **Michael De Santa** from GTA V to be one of the smartest characters, showing high strategic aptitude and quick problem-solving skills.
15. Who is the weakest protagonist in GTA V?
A common sentiment among fans is that **Franklin Clinton** is the weakest of the three protagonists, often lacking the depth and complexity of Michael or the chaotic nature of Trevor.
Conclusion
While different missions present various challenges, “The Big Score” stands out as the most difficult mission in GTA story mode due to its culmination of various factors. The massive scale, the sheer number of enemies, the reliance on both driving and shooting skills, and the high stakes of being the game’s finale make it a true test of player ability. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the series, “The Big Score” provides a challenging and unforgettable experience.