Complete GTA 5 Story Missions Guide (All Main Missions)

Grand Theft Auto V's story mode is packed with thrilling missions, cinematic heists, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a newcomer or revisiting Los Santos, this complete guide covers all main story missions, tips to maximize your progress, and essential strategies to make your playthrough legendary.

How Many Main Missions Are in GTA 5?

GTA 5 features 69 main story missions in a standard playthrough, but depending on your choices, you can access up to 74 missions. These missions cover everything from the explosive prologue to one of the game’s three possible endings. Completing all main missions is required for 100% completion and to fully experience the intertwined stories of Michael, Franklin, and Trevor.[1][2]

List of All GTA 5 Main Story Missions (In Order)

Below is the complete chronological order of all main missions in GTA 5’s story:

  • Prologue
  • Franklin and Lamar
  • Repossession
  • Complications
  • Chop
  • Father/Son
  • The Long Stretch
  • Marriage Counseling
  • Daddy’s Little Girl
  • Friend Request
  • Casing the Jewel Store
  • Carbine Rifles (Optional)
  • BZ Gas Grenades (Optional)
  • Jewel Store Job
  • Mr. Philips
  • Trevor Philips Industries
  • Nervous Ron
  • Crystal Maze
  • Friends Reunited
  • Fame or Shame
  • Dead Man Walking
  • Hotel Assassination
  • Three’s Company
  • By the Book
  • Scouting the Port
  • Minisub
  • Cargo Bob
  • Monkey Business
  • Hang Ten
  • Surveying the Score
  • Blitz Play
  • Mr. Richards
  • I Fought the Law...
  • Eye in the Sky
  • Caida Libre
  • Deep Inside
  • Minor Turbulence
  • Paleto Score Setup
  • Military Hardware
  • The Paleto Score
  • Derailed
  • Predator
  • Military Hardware
  • The Paleto Score
  • Derailed
  • Monkey Business
  • Hang Ten
  • Surveying the Score
  • Blitz Play
  • Bury the Hatchet
  • Pack Man
  • Fresh Meat
  • The Ballad of Rocco
  • Cleaning Out the Bureau
  • Architect’s Plans
  • Bureau Raid
  • The Wrap Up
  • Lamar Down
  • Meltdown
  • The Big Score
  • The Third Way / Something Sensible / The Time’s Come (Ending A, B, or C)

The order of some missions may vary slightly depending on your choices, especially for heists and certain setups.[1]

Understanding Branching Missions and Endings

GTA 5 is unique in that you can switch between the three protagonists, and many missions are available to multiple characters. Several missions, especially heists, have alternate approaches that impact gameplay and story outcomes. The final mission branches into three possible endings based on Franklin’s decision, each providing a different conclusion to the story.[1]

Tips for Completing All Story Missions

  • Replay Missions: You can replay any mission from the Pause Menu’s “Game” tab to improve your score or earn missed Gold Medal objectives.[1]
  • Gold Medals: Each mission has specific challenges (speed, accuracy, damage, etc.). You can complete these objectives across multiple playthroughs; all don’t need to be achieved in one go.
  • Heists: Choose your crew and approach wisely. Your choices affect both the mission difficulty and your final payout. For maximum profit, consult guides before attempting major heists.
  • Assassination Missions: Leave the four optional Lester’s Assassinations until after the main story to maximize your earnings from stock investments.[1]
  • Switch Characters: Some missions are only available to certain characters at certain times. Watch your map for mission icons.

Heists: The Heart of GTA 5’s Story

Heist missions are the centerpiece of GTA 5’s narrative, offering elaborate multi-part jobs with branching approaches and crucial choices. Each heist typically involves:

  • Setup Missions: Gather vehicles, weapons, and crew.
  • Choice of Approach: “Loud” or “Smart,” affecting stealth, action, and rewards.
  • Execution: The main heist event with dynamic events and outcomes.

The major heists include:

  • Jewel Store Job
  • Merryweather Heist
  • Paleto Score
  • Bureau Raid
  • The Big Score

Successfully planning and executing these heists is key to both the story and your in-game finances.

What to Do After the Main Story?

Once you’ve finished the main story, GTA 5 has much more to offer:

  • Strangers & Freaks: Complete side missions for bonus storylines and extra cash.
  • Hobbies & Pastimes: Enjoy activities like tennis, golf, races, and flight school.
  • Collectibles: Hunt down hidden packages, spaceship parts, and more for 100% completion.
  • Replay Heists: Try alternate approaches for different outcomes and profits.

Completing 100% of the game requires not only all main missions, but also select side missions and activities.[3]

Watch: GTA 5 Full Story Walkthrough (All Missions in Order)

This recent, highly-rated walkthrough covers every main mission in GTA 5, perfect if you want to watch the story unfold or need help with specific missions.[4]

Sources

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