GTA 5 First Mission Walkthrough: Welcome to Los Santos
Grand Theft Auto V sweeps players into the heart of Los Santos with a cinematic opening and a thrilling first mission. Whether you're new to GTA 5 or returning for another adventure, understanding how to progress through "Welcome to Los Santos" will set the stage for the game's sprawling story and open-world chaos. This guide will walk you through every key moment, introduce you to the main characters, and provide helpful tips to get you started on the right foot.
Introducing GTA 5 and the First Mission
GTA 5 begins with intensity. The prologue sets the tone, but the real story kicks off with Welcome to Los Santos. This mission marks your introduction to Franklin Clinton, one of the game's three main protagonists. You'll learn the basics of driving, navigation, and the criminal underworld that defines Los Santos. The mission is also tied to a secret achievement or trophy, so it's unmissable for story progression and completionists alike.[3]
Prologue Recap: Setting the Stage
Before you hit the streets of Los Santos, GTA 5 opens with a flashback heist in North Yankton. You'll control Michael Townley and Trevor Philips as they rob a bank. This action-packed sequence introduces you to the game's cover system, basic gunplay, and character-switching mechanic. Once the prologue concludes, the story fast-forwards to the sun-soaked city of Los Santos, where the main game begins.
Welcome to Los Santos: Mission Objectives
As the title card fades in, you meet Franklin Clinton and his friend Lamar Davis, working as repo men for a luxury car dealership. Their boss, Simeon Yetarian, sends them out to repossess two high-end vehicles. Your objective is to help Franklin steal a white sports car, teaching you the fundamentals of driving and pursuit.
- Drive to the House: Follow Lamar to the marked location on the map. This is your first chance to get a feel for Los Santos' sprawling neighborhoods and the game's responsive driving controls.
- Steal the Car: Once you arrive, sneak onto the property, find the car, and drive it away. The game introduces stealth mechanics and basic climbing here.
- Race Back to the Dealership: A friendly (but intense) race with Lamar back to Simeon's dealership gives you a sense of the game's speed, handling, and the importance of avoiding police attention.
- Return the Car: After the race, park the car at the dealership. This completes your first mission and unlocks new storylines and activities.
Tips for Completing 'Welcome to Los Santos'
- Don’t Worry About Perfection: The first mission is designed as a tutorial. It’s okay to make mistakes—the game will gently guide you back on track.
- Practice Driving: Get comfortable with braking, accelerating, and steering. Los Santos has many winding roads, and mastering driving early will help in future missions.
- Watch for Police: Pay attention to your wanted level, especially during the race. If you attract police attention, lose them before returning to the dealership.
- Explore the Map: After the mission, take a few moments to explore. You’ll quickly see just how much Los Santos has to offer.
Character Introductions: Meet Franklin and Lamar
Franklin Clinton is ambitious, street-smart, and looking for a way out of his troubled neighborhood. Lamar, his fast-talking friend, often pulls Franklin into trouble but offers comic relief and loyalty. Their dynamic drives much of GTA 5’s early story and immediately gives you a sense of the game’s sharp writing and memorable personalities.
What Happens Next?
Completing “Welcome to Los Santos” opens up more of the game’s world and story. You’ll be able to take on new missions, explore side activities, and eventually meet the other two protagonists, Michael and Trevor. Each character has unique abilities and storylines, all converging throughout the game.
Watch a Complete Walkthrough
For those who prefer a visual guide, check out this recent and highly-rated YouTube walkthrough of the “Welcome to Los Santos” mission. It includes commentary, gameplay tips, and a look at Los Santos in stunning detail:
Why 'Welcome to Los Santos' Is So Memorable
Rockstar Games designed the first mission to immerse you in the atmosphere of Los Santos and set the tone for the rest of the game. From high-speed chases to witty banter between characters, it captures everything that makes GTA 5 special—freedom, chaos, humor, and a sprawling, living world.
Final Thoughts
“Welcome to Los Santos” is more than just a tutorial—it’s your introduction to the layered, unpredictable world of GTA 5. Take your time, enjoy the ride, and get ready for countless hours of adventure, mayhem, and storytelling.