What To Do After The Big Score in GTA 5? A Complete Guide
So, you’ve pulled off the Big Score, the most ambitious heist in Grand Theft Auto V, and the dust is finally settling. You’ve seen the chaos, the betrayals, and the sheer insanity of Los Santos. But what now? The story might seem to be nearing its end, but the world of GTA 5 is far from over. After the Big Score, the game opens up in new and exciting ways, giving you the freedom to explore, earn, and dominate.
The immediate aftermath of the Big Score leads you to a pivotal moment where Devin Weston attempts to manipulate Franklin into assassinating Michael. However, before making that critical choice, it’s important to understand what options are available to you after this major story event. You’re not locked into a final mission yet. There is still one very important mission after the Big Score where you must decide the fate of one of the main characters. After that, it’s time to collect your cut of the Big Score. This payment isn’t immediate; it comes after the final mission. This article will help you to navigate the choices, maximize your gameplay, and truly conquer Los Santos, even after the credits roll.
Exploring the Post-Big Score Landscape
The most immediate next step is the final mission, which hinges on Franklin’s decision. It is the mission after the encounter with Devin Weston when the choices are given. The choices are to kill Trevor, kill Michael, or choose Deathwish to save them both and have them both as companions for the rest of the game. This choice determines which ending you experience. Importantly, none of these missions are missable unless you choose to kill one of your friends, which will result in them no longer being an available character after the story. The crucial aspect is that the money from the Big Score is only paid out after the completion of your chosen final mission.
The Final Mission Options
- Ending A: Kill Trevor: This path leads to Trevor’s demise. While Michael and Franklin share his cut of the heist, this ending leaves a void as Trevor can no longer be played. He also won’t be available as a companion.
- Ending B: Kill Michael: Choosing to eliminate Michael results in a similar outcome. His share goes to his family, and the player does not receive a cut. Plus, Michael is no longer available as a companion.
- Ending C: Deathwish (The Third Way): The best ending, also considered canon, allows all three protagonists to survive. This is known as the mission, “The Third Way”. This is often called the true ending, and it enables you to continue playing with all three characters, and all the perks, including your full cut of the money.
After the Finale: A World of Possibilities
Once the main story arc is complete, the sprawling map of Los Santos and Blaine County is still open for you to explore. Here’s what you can do:
- Complete Unfinished Missions: Some side missions, like Strangers and Freaks encounters, might have been left incomplete. Now is the time to wrap them up.
- Collectibles and Secrets: The world of GTA 5 is full of hidden collectibles, like spaceship parts, letter scraps, and nuclear waste barrels. Finding them all is a great way to pass the time and explore the vast landscape.
- Business Ventures: You can continue to run your businesses and generate passive income. This is a key part of getting your characters the most money for the end game.
- Random Events: The game still throws random encounters at you. Be ready to help, or be a menace. It’s your choice.
- Stock Market Manipulation: With Lester’s assassination missions completed, you can make massive amounts of money by manipulating the stock market. This is the best way to maximize your earnings in the end game.
- Explore: The map is still yours to explore. Discover new places, try new things, and just enjoy the freedom the game provides.
- Customize Your Characters: With so much money in the bank, buy anything you need to look good.
Maximizing Your Earnings and Gameplay
One of the biggest draws of GTA 5 is its economy. After the final mission, you can focus on maximizing your earnings:
- Invest Wisely: Use your knowledge of the stock market to buy low and sell high. The assassinations missions from Lester provide tips on which companies to invest in.
- Passive Income: Make sure to maintain all of your purchased businesses. They will slowly but surely bring in money over time.
- Heists: You may not be able to do any more story-related heists, but in the online mode there are still plenty to do.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Big Score the last mission in GTA 5?
No, The Big Score is the penultimate mission. There is one final mission after where Franklin must choose the final action for the story.
2. When do you get paid after the Big Score?
You receive your cut of the Big Score after you complete the final mission that results from your decision in the meeting with Devin Weston.
3. Can you continue to play after the story is complete?
Yes! You can continue to play with all of your characters and with all the money you’ve earned, once you are done with the story missions.
4. What happens if you kill Michael or Trevor?
If you kill Michael or Trevor, they will no longer be available as playable characters. Their assets will also be gone.
5. How do I get the most money in GTA 5?
Complete the Lester assassination missions while using his tips to manipulate the stock market. This is key to having each character get 2.1 Billion at the end of the game. Also, the choices you make about crew members in heists also affects the take.
6. What is the best ending in GTA 5?
The Deathwish (The Third Way) ending is considered the best and canonical ending because it allows all three characters to survive, ensuring all characters are available for use.
7. Can you rob banks outside of missions?
No, you cannot rob banks outside of missions. Bank robberies are only available in Story Mode during specific missions or in heists in GTA Online.
8. What is the best crew for the Big Score?
The best crew members for the Big Score are Gustavo Mota, Chef, or Packie McReary (1) and Daryl Johns (2) for gunners; Taliana Martinez (1) or Eddie Toh (1) and Karim Denz (2) for drivers; and Rickie Lukens for the hacker.
9. Can you still hang out with Michael or Trevor if you kill one of them?
No, if you kill one of them, the other will no longer hang out with you. The only way to continue to play with both of them is to choose Ending C.
10. Can you play as Trevor if you kill him?
No, when you kill Trevor, he is no longer a playable character.
11. Do you get Trevor’s money if you kill him?
If you kill Trevor, Michael and Franklin split his share of the final heist. If you kill Michael, his share is given to his family, and you get nothing.
12. Where do you put the getaway car for the Big Score?
You park the getaway vehicle at the Arcadia Center parking garage. Lester will provide you with the location after you modify the vehicle.
13. How do I get 1 million dollars in GTA 5 Story mode through cheat codes?
There are no cheat codes for money in GTA 5. The best way to get rich is to complete missions, utilize the stock market, and purchase businesses.
14. What is the highest payout heist in GTA 5?
The Diamond Casino Heist in GTA Online is the highest-paying heist, particularly when targeting cash. This heist requires two players and a purchase of an Arcade.
15. Why does Trevor forgive Michael?
Trevor forgives Michael for the betrayal related to Brad’s death because he needs Michael’s help for the Big Score. He figures it’s best to bury the hatchet, at least for that one big operation.
In conclusion, the world of Grand Theft Auto V extends far beyond the final mission. After completing the Big Score, the possibilities are endless. You can dominate the stock market, explore hidden locations, and enjoy the freedom to do whatever you want in Los Santos. So get out there, have fun, and continue the adventure!