Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) is more than just a groundbreaking open-world game — it’s also a massive achievement-hunting challenge. With over 60 achievements/trophies across story mode and GTA Online, players can spend dozens of hours mastering every objective. Whether you’re aiming for 100% completion or just looking to grab the hardest trophies, this walkthrough will guide you step by step.

🎯 Understanding the Achievement/Trophy Structure

  • Story Mode Trophies – Linked to completing main missions, side missions, heists, and specific in-game challenges.

  • Online Mode Trophies – Focus on GTA Online progression: reaching ranks, winning races, completing heists, etc.

  • Miscellaneous Trophies – Cover collectibles (spaceships, submarine pieces), stunt jumps, and random tasks.

  • Difficulty – Moderate to Hard. Story achievements are straightforward, but online ones require dedication.

📌 Story Mode Achievements – Step-by-Step

Here’s how to unlock the main trophies while progressing through the campaign:

  1. Prologue & Main Missions – Simply completing story missions will unlock several trophies. You’ll earn achievements tied to Michael, Franklin, and Trevor as their arcs progress.

  2. Heists – Different heists unlock achievements based on completion and crew choices. To save time, aim for best outcomes with skilled crew members.

  3. Three Endings –

    • Option A (Kill Trevor)

    • Option B (Kill Michael)

    • Option C (Deathwish – all survive)
      → To unlock all endings, make manual save files before the final mission. Replay them to unlock every ending achievement without restarting the game.

🌎 100% Completion & Side Objectives

To earn the “Career Criminal” (100% Completion Trophy) you must:

  • Complete all Strangers and Freaks side missions.

  • Collect all 50 Spaceship Parts and 50 Letter Scraps.

  • Complete all 50 Stunt Jumps.

  • Complete triathlons, shooting ranges, flight school, and races.

  • Invest in properties and complete their side missions.

💡 Tip: Use Franklin for collectibles since his special ability helps with driving and exploration.

🎮 Online Achievements – The Toughest Part

Many players find GTA Online trophies harder due to grind and competition. Key online achievements include:

  • Rank Up – Reach level 100 for “Above the Law.”

  • Heist Achievements – Completing each heist, especially the Criminal Mastermind challenge (complete all heists on hard without dying).

  • Race Wins – Win races across different modes.

  • Crew Play – Join a crew and complete missions together.

💡 Tip: Use friends or reliable crews to complete heists — random lobbies can make this extremely frustrating.

🏆 Hardest Trophies to Unlock

  • “Solid Gold, Baby!” – Earn 70 gold medals on story missions. Requires precision driving, shooting, and speed.

  • “Career Criminal” – Full 100% completion, which includes every side mission and collectible.

  • “Masterminds” (Online) – The most challenging due to its no-death requirement across all heists.

⚡ Pro Tips for Trophy Hunters

  1. Make multiple saves before heists and endings.

  2. Use guides or maps for collectibles to avoid wasting time.

  3. Work on Online trophies early — GTA Online continues to evolve, but lobbies can get tougher over time.

  4. Prioritize Special Abilities – Franklin’s driving skill, Trevor’s rage mode, and Michael’s slow-mo shooting are invaluable.

  5. Use Crew Skills wisely in heists — bad choices can cost achievements.

📊 Estimated Time for Platinum/100%

  • Story Mode Only – ~40-50 hours.

  • 100% Completion – ~70-80 hours.

  • Full Platinum (with Online) – 150+ hours depending on grind and online crew efficiency.

✅ Final Verdict: Unlocking every achievement in GTA V is a true test of patience, skill, and dedication. The story achievements are fun and flow naturally, while the online grind and 100% completion trophies separate casual players from hardcore fans. If you plan strategically — using saves, guides, and a solid online crew — you’ll eventually earn that shiny Platinum.