Which GTA 5 Ending Should You Choose? A Deep Dive into the Finale
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If you’re standing at the precipice of the Grand Theft Auto V storyline, staring down Franklin’s fateful choice, the question isn’t just “what happens?”, but “what should I do?” The definitive answer, after years of debate and the evolution of the GTA universe, is clear: choose Option C: Deathwish. This ending isn’t just the most narratively satisfying; it’s the canon ending, ensuring the survival of all three protagonists – Michael, Franklin, and Trevor – and allowing you to continue playing as them in the post-game world. But the reasons why “Deathwish” is the optimal choice go far beyond simply keeping everyone alive.
Why Deathwish is the Only Real Choice
Deathwish, or “The Third Way”, offers a complex and exciting mission where Franklin, Michael, and Trevor unite against their enemies. This not only provides a more challenging and rewarding gameplay experience but also avoids the devastating consequences of killing off one of the main characters. Choosing either Option A or Option B results in the permanent death of either Michael or Trevor, respectively. This means you lose a playable character, access to their unique abilities, and any associated missions and storylines tied to them. From a pure gameplay perspective, limiting your options in this way is simply detrimental.
More importantly, however, is the effect on the overarching narrative. Grand Theft Auto V is a story about three flawed but ultimately compelling characters. While they clash and betray each other throughout the game, the core of the narrative is about their unlikely bond. Killing off one of them feels inherently wrong, violating the spirit of the game’s themes of friendship, loyalty, and redemption.
Furthermore, the online component, GTA Online, provides strong evidence that Deathwish is indeed the canon ending. Trevor Philips is frequently referenced and appears in GTA Online missions, solidifying his continued existence beyond the events of the main story. This integration wouldn’t be possible if he were dead, thus strengthening the argument for Deathwish as the definitive conclusion. This connection is a powerful example of how game developers can create rich interactive experiences, as discussed by researchers at the Games Learning Society (check them out at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/).
The Consequences of the Other Endings
Let’s examine the repercussions of choosing either Option A or Option B:
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Option A: Killing Trevor: This choice results in a bleak and unsatisfying mission where Franklin, under the influence of Steve Haines and Dave Norton, is forced to assassinate Trevor. Not only is this a betrayal of Trevor’s character and his complex relationship with Franklin and Michael, but it also removes him from the game entirely. You can no longer play as Trevor, access his missions, or enjoy his unique psychotic charm.
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Option B: Killing Michael: This option sees Franklin forced to kill Michael at the behest of Devin Weston. While perhaps slightly less emotionally jarring than killing Trevor due to Michael’s perceived flaws, this ending still feels wrong. Michael’s relationship with Franklin is arguably the most complex and meaningful in the game, and his death feels like a tragic waste of potential. Like killing Trevor, choosing this path removes Michael from the game permanently.
Beyond Gameplay: Narrative Impact and Character Development
The Deathwish ending allows for a more nuanced exploration of the characters’ flaws and strengths. By choosing this path, you see Michael, Franklin, and Trevor confront their demons and work together to overcome their enemies. This offers a much richer and more satisfying narrative arc than either of the alternative endings.
The game also rewards players who choose Option C with a sense of closure. The Deathwish mission allows the trio to tie up loose ends and eliminate the threats that have been looming over them throughout the game. This provides a sense of finality and allows the player to move on from the story with a feeling of accomplishment.
The Financial Incentive: Making the Most Money
While not the primary reason to choose Deathwish, it’s worth noting that this ending also allows you to maximize your financial gains. While killing either Trevor or Michael results in their share of the final heist being distributed, the Deathwish ending ensures that all three characters remain alive and retain their wealth. This gives you more resources to play with in the post-game world, allowing you to purchase properties, customize vehicles, and generally enjoy the fruits of your labor. While there is no “best” option, in the way one guarantees a higher financial result.
In Conclusion: Embrace the Third Way
Choosing the Deathwish ending in Grand Theft Auto V is the only logical choice. It provides the most satisfying narrative, preserves all three playable characters, aligns with the canon established in GTA Online, and allows you to maximize your financial gains. Don’t let the pressure of the other options sway you. Embrace the “Third Way” and experience the true ending to Grand Theft Auto V.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Deathwish really the canon ending?
Yes. The evidence strongly suggests that Deathwish (Option C) is the canon ending to Grand Theft Auto V. The consistent presence of Trevor Philips in GTA Online is the most compelling piece of evidence, as his existence wouldn’t be possible if the player had chosen to kill him off in the main game.
2. What happens if I kill Trevor?
If you choose to kill Trevor (Option A), he dies permanently. You will no longer be able to play as him, access his missions, or interact with him in any way. Michael and Franklin will split his share of the final heist money.
3. What happens if I kill Michael?
If you choose to kill Michael (Option B), he also dies permanently. You will no longer be able to play as him or access content related to him. His share of the final heist money is given to his family.
4. Can I still hang out with Michael or Trevor if I choose Deathwish?
Yes! One of the key benefits of choosing Deathwish is that you can continue to hang out with Michael and Trevor in the post-game world. You can participate in activities together, go on missions, and generally enjoy their company.
5. Does killing Trevor or Michael give you more money?
No. While killing either Trevor or Michael results in a distribution of their assets, the Deathwish ending allows all three characters to retain their wealth, ultimately providing you with more overall resources to play with.
6. What happens to Trevor’s properties if he dies?
If Trevor dies, his properties and assets are lost. You will no longer be able to access them.
7. Can I replay the ending to choose a different option?
Yes, but only if you have saved the game before making the final decision. If you have overwritten your save file, you will need to start a new game to experience the other endings.
8. Is there a “best” time to save before the final decision?
It’s recommended to save the game as soon as Franklin receives the mission “Something Sensible” or “The Time’s Come.” This will allow you to easily replay the final sequence and explore all three endings.
9. Does the chosen ending affect gameplay in GTA Online?
No, the chosen ending in Grand Theft Auto V does not directly affect gameplay in GTA Online. However, the canon status of Deathwish is supported by events and character appearances within GTA Online.
10. What are the benefits of choosing Deathwish besides keeping everyone alive?
Besides keeping all three characters alive and ensuring access to their unique abilities and missions, Deathwish offers a more satisfying narrative resolution and allows you to experience a more challenging and rewarding final mission.
11. Are there any hidden consequences to choosing Option A or Option B?
Beyond the obvious consequences of losing a playable character, choosing Option A or Option B can also affect the availability of certain side missions and activities in the post-game world.
12. Is it possible to get 100% completion if I kill Trevor or Michael?
No, it’s impossible to achieve 100% completion in Grand Theft Auto V if you kill either Trevor or Michael. This is because certain missions and activities are tied to specific characters and cannot be completed if they are dead.
13. Which is the “bad” ending?
Many players consider Option B, where Franklin kills Michael, to be the “bad” ending, as it can feel like a betrayal of the close bond formed between the two characters throughout the game.
14. Does Trevor ever find out that Michael betrayed him in the past?
Yes, Trevor does eventually discover the truth about Michael’s past betrayal. This revelation plays a significant role in their relationship and adds depth to the overall narrative.
15. Does the chosen ending impact the storyline in future GTA titles?
While it’s impossible to predict the future of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, the canon status of Deathwish suggests that it will likely be the foundation for any future storylines that involve the characters from Grand Theft Auto V.