GTA V’s story mode is built around 69 main missions spread across three protagonists: Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor Philips. Each mission introduces new mechanics, characters, or choices that affect the outcome of the game.

This walkthrough lists all main missions in order, explains the objectives, and provides tips and outcomes so you can complete the story smoothly while preparing for 100% completion.

Prologue

  1. Prologue

    • Play as Michael, Trevor, and Brad during a bank robbery in North Yankton.

    • Learn basic shooting, aiming, and switching.

    • Sets up the story for years later.

Franklin & Lamar (Early Game)

  1. Franklin and Lamar

    • Franklin and Lamar repo cars for Simeon.

    • Tutorial for driving mechanics.

  2. Repossession

    • Repo a motorbike from a gang.

    • Tip: Franklin’s special driving ability makes chase easier.

  3. Complications

    • Repo a car from Michael’s son.

    • Ends with Franklin officially meeting Michael.

Michael’s Missions (Family Life & Return)

  1. Father/Son

    • Rescue Jimmy after his yacht is stolen.

  2. Marriage Counseling

    • Chase Michael’s wife’s tennis coach.

    • Ends with Michael in trouble with a Mexican gangster.

  3. Friend Request

    • Michael hacks into Lifeinvader HQ with Lester’s help.

Trevor’s Introduction (Sandy Shores)

  1. Mr. Philips

    • Trevor’s violent introduction.

    • Take out rival bikers.

  2. Trevor Philips Industries

    • Establish Trevor’s drug operations.

  3. Crystal Maze

    • Confront Azteca gang.

Heists & Setups (Major Story Arcs)

Heists are big missions with choices. Each one has setup missions + a finale.

The Jewel Store Job (First Heist)

  1. Case the Jewel Store

    • Scope out the jewelry store.

  2. The Jewel Store Job

    • Choose “Loud” or “Smart” approach.

    • Crew selection affects payout.

Mr. Richards → Fame or Shame Arc

  1. Mr. Richards

    • Michael handles Solomon Richards’ studio problems.

  2. Fame or Shame

    • Michael & Trevor chase Lazlow with Michael’s daughter.

Blitz Play Heist

  1. Blitz Play (Setups + Finale)

    • Plan: Ram an armored van, grab cash.

    • Heavy firefight.

    • Tip: Equip armor + strong rifles before final stage.

Paleto Score Heist

  1. Military Hardware (Setup)

  2. Predator

  3. The Paleto Score

    • Robbing the small-town bank.

    • One of the biggest shootouts in the game.

Merryweather / Government Jobs Arc

  1. Three’s Company

    • Kidnap a target with all 3 characters.

  2. By the Book

    • Interrogation mission with Trevor (graphic).

  3. Monkey Business

    • Government heist with diving and stealth.

Trevor & Michael Conflict Arc

  1. Caida Libre

    • Shoot down a plane with a sniper rifle.

  2. Minor Turbulence

    • Trevor boards a cargo plane.

  3. Bury the Hatchet

    • Big North Yankton reveal (Michael vs Trevor).

Big Heists (Late Game)

The Bureau Raid

Two approaches: Rooftop (Loud) or Firefighter (Smart).

  • Setup Missions:

    • Fire Truck / Gas Grenades / Bugstars Gear

  • Final Mission: Infiltrate FIB HQ, steal evidence.

The Big Score (Final Heist)

Two approaches: Subtle or Obvious.

  • Setup Missions:

    • Get tunneling machine, getaway vehicles, gear

  • Final Mission: Steal gold from Union Depository.

Final Missions & Endings

The finale depends on Franklin’s choice:

  • Option A (Kill Trevor): Franklin betrays Trevor.

  • Option B (Kill Michael): Franklin betrays Michael.

  • Option C (Deathwish – Canon Ending): All three team up to take down their enemies.

✅ Tip: Choose Option C (Deathwish) if you want to keep all protagonists alive for free roam.

GTA V Main Missions Recap (All 69 in Order)

Here’s the condensed mission list for quick reference:

  1. Prologue

  2. Franklin and Lamar

  3. Repossession

  4. Complications

  5. Father/Son

  6. Marriage Counseling

  7. Friend Request

  8. Casing the Jewel Store

  9. The Jewel Store Job

  10. Mr. Philips

  11. Trevor Philips Industries

  12. Crystal Maze

  13. Fame or Shame

  14. Dead Man Walking

  15. Three’s Company

  16. By the Book

  17. Hood Safari

  18. Blitz Play (and setups)

  19. Mr. Richards

  20. Legal Trouble

  21. Meltdown

  22. Paleto Score (and setups)

  23. Predator

  24. Military Hardware

  25. Bury the Hatchet

  26. Minor Turbulence

  27. Caida Libre

  28. Monkey Business

  29. Fresh Meat

  30. Lamar Down

  31. Legal Trouble

  32. Derailed

  33. The Wrap Up

  34. Surveying the Score

  35. The Bureau Raid

  36. The Big Score

  37. The Finale (A, B, or C)

(plus filler missions & setups in between = 69 total).

Pro Tips for Missions

  • Always buy armor & snacks before a mission.

  • Use Franklin’s driving ability for tight chases.

  • Equip suppressed weapons for stealth setups.

  • Crew selection in heists heavily impacts money and outcomes.

  • Save Lester’s assassination missions for after the story to maximize stock profits.

Conclusion

By following this walkthrough, you’ll understand how to progress through all 69 main missions, make smart choices in heists, and secure the best possible ending in GTA V. Whether you want just the story or full 100% completion, this mission list is your roadmap to conquering Los Santos.