GTA 5 Assassination Missions: Stock Market Manipulation
Grand Theft Auto V is renowned for its open-world mayhem, gripping story, and endless opportunities for mischief—but when it comes to making money in story mode, nothing beats Lester’s assassination missions. With the right strategy, you can turn Franklin, Michael, and Trevor into billionaires by manipulating the in-game stock market. Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide to understanding and maximizing your profits from every assassination mission in GTA 5.
How Assassination Missions Affect the Stock Market
Lester’s assassination missions are unique story events where Franklin takes out key business figures. Each target’s death directly impacts the value of specific companies in the game’s two stock markets: BAWSAQ and LCN. By investing in the right companies before or after these missions, players can earn massive returns. The trick is knowing which stocks to buy and when to cash out for maximum profit.[1][2][4]
General Strategy: Invest, Wait, and Sell
Before starting any assassination mission, make sure you have completed the main heists to maximize your available cash. Then:
- Invest all three characters’ money in the recommended stock before or after the mission, as advised for each case.
- Complete the assassination mission.
- Wait for the stock price to peak—often by sleeping in-game to advance time—then sell for a large profit.[2][3]
- Look for opportunities to invest in rival companies after the market reacts.
Mission-by-Mission Stock Investment Guide
The Hotel Assassination
Before the mission: Invest in Betta Pharmaceuticals (BAWSAQ).
After the mission: Sell Betta shares when they reach about a 50% return. Then, buy Bilkinton Research (LCN) at its lowest and sell at around an 80% return.[1][2]
The Multi Target Assassination
Before the mission: Invest in Debonaire (LCN).
After the mission: Sell Debonaire shares at approximately 80% profit. Next, buy Redwood Cigarettes (LCN) at its lowest and sell once it rebounds, usually for a 300%+ return.[1][2][4]
The Vice Assassination
Before the mission: No need to invest.
After the mission: Invest in Fruit (BAWSAQ), sell at a 25%+ return. Next, buy Facade (BAWSAQ) after it drops, and sell when it rebounds for about a 30% gain.[3]
The Bus Assassination
Before the mission: Invest in Vapid (BAWSAQ).
After the mission: Sell Vapid shares at around 100% profit. This one is simple but effective.[4]
The Construction Assassination
Before the mission: Invest in GoldCoast (GCD - LCN).
After the mission: Sell GoldCoast shares with all three characters once the value rises to about 90%. This is where you’ll likely hit the legendary $2 billion mark per character.[4]
Tips for Maximum Profit
- Save Often: Always create a manual save before starting each assassination mission. If you miss a stock’s peak, reload and try again.[3]
- Advance Time: Use the character’s bed to sleep and fast-forward in-game time, allowing the stock market to update.
- Invest as All Three Characters: Don’t forget Trevor and Michael! Switch to each one and invest their money before the mission starts.[1]
- Wait for the Rebound: After selling initial stocks, look for opportunities to buy rival companies at their lowest and sell as they recover.[3]
Why Timing Matters
The LCN and BAWSAQ markets peak at different rates. LCN stocks usually hit their maximum within 24 in-game hours after the assassination, while BAWSAQ peaks immediately or shortly after mission completion. Monitor your portfolio closely and don’t be afraid to reload a save if you miss the optimal window.[2]
Video Guide: How to Make Billions in GTA 5 Using the Stock Market
This recent video breaks down the assassination missions and offers a visual guide to maximizing your in-game wealth. Check the comments and likes for community tips and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you repeat assassination missions to make more money?
No, each Lester assassination mission can only be completed once. Make sure you invest wisely the first time.[2]
Do I need to finish all heists before starting?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to finish the main story and heists to maximize available cash for investment.[4]
What if I miss the stock peak?
Reload your pre-mission save and try again. Advancing time with sleep cycles helps.