What Is the Most Popular Ending in GTA V?

The most popular ending in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) is overwhelmingly Option C: Deathwish. This ending sees all three protagonists, Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor Philips, team up to fight against their enemies and survive. While the game offers three distinct choices at the end, Deathwish resonates most with players due to its satisfying resolution and preservation of the core trio’s dynamic. This article will explore why Deathwish is the preferred ending and delve into frequently asked questions about the different endings and their implications.

Why Deathwish Reigns Supreme

Several factors contribute to Deathwish’s popularity:

• Character Attachment: Players spend countless hours bonding with Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. The prospect of killing off one of them is emotionally difficult for many. Deathwish avoids this painful choice, allowing players to continue enjoying all three characters in the game’s open world after the main story concludes.
• Satisfying Narrative Conclusion: From a storytelling perspective, Deathwish provides the most satisfying resolution. The three protagonists, despite their flaws and conflicts, unite against a common threat, proving their loyalty and camaraderie. This reinforces the game’s central theme of dysfunctional family and friendship.
• Gameplay Implications: Choosing either of the other endings (killing Michael or Trevor) permanently removes that character from the game. This means losing access to their unique abilities, safehouses, and associated missions. Deathwish ensures that all aspects of the gameplay remain available.
• Canon Status: While Rockstar Games has never explicitly declared a “canon” ending, evidence from GTA Online strongly suggests that Deathwish is the canonical conclusion. Trevor’s presence and references to events from GTA V in GTA Online support this theory.
• Moral Alignment: Killing off either Michael or Trevor feels morally wrong to many players. Both characters, despite their questionable actions, have redeeming qualities. Deathwish allows players to avoid making a difficult moral choice and instead opt for a more heroic outcome.

Exploring the Other Endings

While Deathwish is the most popular, it’s important to understand the implications of the other two choices:

Option A: Killing Trevor

• Franklin is tasked with killing Trevor.
• Michael assists Franklin in carrying out the assassination.
• Trevor’s assets and missions become unavailable.
• Michael and Franklin split Trevor’s share of the final heist money.
• This ending is generally considered the least satisfying, as it abruptly ends Trevor’s story arc.

Option B: Killing Michael

• Franklin is tasked with killing Michael.
• Franklin must decide whether to follow orders or defy his superiors.
• Michael’s assets and missions become unavailable.
• Michael’s share of the final heist money is given to his family.
• This ending is seen as a betrayal of the bond between Franklin and Michael and is often viewed as the “bad” ending.

The Importance of Choice

GTA V’s ending is powerful because it gives players a genuine choice. The consequences of each decision are significant, affecting not only the narrative but also the gameplay experience. This element of choice adds replay value and encourages players to consider the moral implications of their actions. The Games Learning Society explores the importance of choices in games and their impact on player engagement, reflecting the complexities of interactive narratives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the canon ending of GTA 5?

While Rockstar Games hasn’t explicitly stated a canon ending, most evidence points to Option C: Deathwish being the canonical ending. This is primarily supported by events and character references in GTA Online, particularly regarding Trevor Philips’ continued presence.

2. What happens if Franklin chooses Deathwish?

If Franklin chooses Deathwish (Option C), all three protagonists (Michael, Franklin, and Trevor) unite to fight against their enemies. They successfully eliminate their adversaries and survive, maintaining their relationships (albeit strained) and access to their individual assets and missions.

3. Can you play as Trevor after killing him?

No, if you choose to kill Trevor in Option A, you can no longer play as him in that save file. You would need to reload a previous save or start a new game to play as Trevor again.

4. Do you get extra money for killing Trevor?

Yes, if you kill Trevor, Franklin and Michael split his share of the final heist money. However, this financial gain comes at the cost of losing access to Trevor’s unique abilities and missions.

5. What happens if Franklin kills Michael?

If Franklin kills Michael in Option B, Michael’s share of the final heist money is given to his family, and you get nothing. Also you cannot play with Michael at all after his death.

6. Can you still hang out with Michael after killing Trevor?

Trevor will no longer hang out with Franklin or Michael if you kill him. Michael will do the same if you kill Trevor. The only way to continue hanging out with either one of them is to choose Ending C.

7. Can you revive Trevor back after killing him?

No, Trevor is permanently dead in that save file if you choose to kill him. The only way to “revive” him is to reload a save from before you made the decision or start a new game.

8. Which GTA V ending is best?

The “best” ending is subjective and depends on individual player preferences. However, Option C: Deathwish is widely considered the most satisfying and beneficial due to its preservation of all three characters and its alignment with the implied canon.

9. Is killing Trevor a good option?

Killing Trevor is generally not considered a “good” option by most players due to the emotional impact of losing a main character and the gameplay consequences of losing access to his content.

10. What happens if Franklin chooses to kill Trevor?

If Franklin chooses to kill Trevor, he and Michael will split Trevor’s share of the final heist money. However, Trevor will be permanently removed from the game, and you will lose access to his missions, safehouses, and unique abilities.

11. Which GTA 5 ending is the bad ending?

GTA 5’s Ending B is considered the “bad” ending. This ending forces Franklin to kill Michael, a character with whom he has developed a strong bond throughout the game. The emotional weight and the loss of Michael make it a less desirable outcome for many players.

12. Can Trevor save a car?

Yes, Trevor, like Michael and Franklin, can save cars in his garages. Each character has their own set of garages where they can store and save vehicles.

13. Does Michael treat Franklin like a son?

While their relationship is complex, Michael does develop a mentor-like bond with Franklin, treating him with respect and offering guidance. Their relationship evolves into a strong friendship, although it’s not necessarily paternal.

14. Does Trevor know Michael betrayed him?

Yes, Trevor eventually discovers that Michael betrayed him during the North Yankton heist, leading to the events that shaped their lives. This revelation is a major turning point in the game’s story.

15. Is The Big Score the last mission?

Yes, The Big Score is the final heist and the last major mission in GTA 5’s main storyline. After completing The Big Score, players are given the choice of which ending to pursue.

In summary, Deathwish is the most popular ending because it preserves all three characters, offers the most satisfying narrative conclusion, and avoids the moral dilemma of killing off a protagonist. While the other endings provide alternative outcomes, Deathwish remains the preferred choice for many GTA V players. To learn more about the impact of gaming on society and learning, visit Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.