How to Play Grand Theft Auto V (Story Mode)

Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) returns with an even more engaging Story Mode. Explore every nook and cranny of this open-world classic as you journey with Franklin, Trevor, and Michael. This guide will introduce you to the basics of playing through the Story Mode of GTA V.

Complete the tutorial section. When you first begin playing GTA V, you find yourself in a tough spot. The opening mission serves as a tutorial, teaching you various character controls, including basic movements like walking, running, aiming, shooting, swimming, and other actions that may be familiar if you've played previous GTA titles.

Character Movement. Follow these steps to move your character using their feet.

• Walking: Use the left analog stick on your controller or the WSAD keys on your PC to move your character. Use the right analog stick or the mouse to adjust the camera view and control direction.
• Running: Press "X" (PlayStation), "A" (Xbox), or the left Shift key (PC) to sprint.
• Jumping: Press the "Square" button (PlayStation), "X" button (Xbox), or the Spacebar (PC) to jump while running forward.
• Light Punches: Press the "Square" button (PlayStation), "B" button (Xbox), or the "R" key (PC) to throw a light punch up close.
• Heavy Punches: Press "X" (PlayStation), "A" (Xbox), or "O" (PC) to deliver a heavy punch when engaging in close combat.

Using Firearms. Shooting is one of the core mechanics in Grand Theft Auto. Follow these steps to equip and use weapons to shoot.

• Open the Weapon Wheel: Press and hold "L1" (PlayStation), "LB" (Xbox), or the "Tab" key to open the weapon wheel. Use the left analog stick or mouse to select a weapon. Choose the fists option to go unarmed.
• Aiming: Press and hold "L2" (PlayStation), "LT" (Xbox), or the right mouse button (PC) to aim your weapon.
• Shooting: Press "R2" (PlayStation), "RT" (Xbox), or the left mouse button (PC) to fire your weapon.
• Reloading: Press the "Circle" button (PlayStation), "B" button (Xbox), or the "R" key (PC) to reload your firearm.

Using the Mini Map. The mini map is located in the bottom left corner of the screen. The blue marker indicates where you need to go. When driving, the mini map will show the road directions you need to follow.

Switching Characters. One of the unique features of GTA V is the ability to switch between characters. This allows you to seamlessly switch from one character to another in real-time. Since GTA V has three main characters (Franklin, Trevor, and Michael), this feature adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, especially in missions requiring the cooperation of all three characters.

• On a console, press and hold the down arrow button to bring up the character switch menu. Use the left analog stick to select a character.
• On PC, press and hold the left "Alt" key to bring up the character selection screen. Use the mouse to choose your character.

Driving Vehicles. Driving vehicles is a central gameplay mechanic in the Grand Theft Auto series. You can drive any vehicle you find in the game. Press the following buttons to operate your vehicle.

• Entering and Exiting Vehicles: Stand next to a vehicle and press "Triangle" (PlayStation), "Y" (Xbox), or "F" (PC) to get in or out of a vehicle.
• Accelerating: Press "R2" (PlayStation), RT (Xbox), or "W" (PC) to accelerate the vehicle.
• Braking/Reverse: Press "L2" (PlayStation), "LT" (Xbox), or "S" (PC) to brake or reverse the vehicle.
• Steering: Use the left analog stick or the "A" and "D" keys (PC) to steer the vehicle in your desired direction.
• Aiming While Driving: Press "L1" (PlayStation), "LB" (Xbox), or "Y" (PC) to aim while driving.
• Shooting While Driving: Press "R1" (PlayStation), "RB" (Xbox), or the left mouse button (PC) to shoot while driving.

Follow On-Screen Instructions. Grand Theft Auto V is a vast open world with numerous activities and side missions. Whenever you begin a new activity or mission, pay attention to the instructions in the top-left corner to know what you need to do next.

Learn About the Characters. Each of the three main characters in GTA V has a unique personality. Not only that, but they also possess special abilities that can be used in different situations. Press both analog sticks simultaneously, or the CAPS key on your PC to activate the character’s special ability.

• Michael is an expert marksman. His special ability triggers a “bullet time” effect that slows everything around him while his shooting speed remains unchanged.
• Franklin is the best driver. His special ability, similar to Michael’s, applies to driving, allowing him to become the best driver in the game.
• Trevor is the group's pilot. He can easily fly any aircraft. His special ability activates a “berserk” mode, where he deals more damage in close combat and takes less damage from enemies.

Customize Your Character. You can visit stores to buy clothes, shoes, or even accessories to perfect your character’s look. You can also go to a barber to change your hairstyle or head to a tattoo parlor to get inked.

• You can change clothes in the character’s safehouse area, marked by a house icon on the map.
• You can also customize any vehicle you own, just like you do with your character, whether it’s a car or a motorcycle.

Learn the Roads on the Map. Los Santos is massive—larger than the combined maps of GTA IV and Red Dead Redemption! Getting familiar with the map is crucial for surviving in the game.

• To open the map, press "Options" (PlayStation), the menu button (Xbox), or "P" (PC) to pause the game and bring up the map. On PC, click the mouse or press "X" (PlayStation) or "A" to mark any location on the map.
• Pay attention to the symbols on the map. You’ll see various icons, such as mission markers, special events, shops, and even the locations of other characters. Keep an eye on these to know where you need to go.
• You can pin any location on the map, and the game will show you the shortest route from your current position to the pinned location. This is a very useful feature.

Drive Safely. GTA V now imposes higher penalties for hitting pedestrians or destroying objects while driving. A small mistake, like bumping into a pedestrian, can quickly draw the attention of the police, and you’ll immediately get a 1-star wanted level.

• Even when you’re not driving, be cautious. If pedestrians spot you doing anything suspicious, they’ll call the cops immediately. The same happens if you do something reckless near a police station.

Learn from the First Mission. The first two missions are designed to teach you the basics of gameplay. The first mission is handled by Michael and Trevor, while the second is assigned to Franklin. Once completed, you’ll have the freedom to explore Los Santos and take on missions at your own pace.

Head to the Mission Location on the Map. Missions are marked by specific letters on your map. Open the map and select the corresponding letter to see the path to follow on your minimap as you begin the mission. Walk or drive over the yellow circle on the ground to start the mission. You must be controlling a character to start. Michael's missions are marked with blue letters, Franklin's with green, and Trevor’s with orange.

Use Your Mobile Phone. The mobile phone feature is back and plays a key role in the gameplay. It allows you to stay in touch with all the characters, including those who occasionally assign you missions. The phone also lets you browse the internet, expanding the range of things you can do in GTA V.

Spend Wisely. As you take on more missions, you’ll earn more money. It’s important to manage your spending effectively if you want to complete missions with higher success rates.

• Most missions are dangerous and involve gunfights and high-speed chases. Therefore, you’ll need to upgrade your weapons from time to time. You can purchase firearms and other combat gear at Ammu-Nation.
• You’ll also need to upgrade your vehicles, or at least the one you frequently use for escaping. You never know how many police chases you’ll face in GTA V, so it’s best to have your go-to getaway vehicle in top condition.

Know When to Switch Characters. Since you control three different characters, missions are distributed among them. There will be moments when you run out of story-related tasks. When this happens, it's time to switch to another character. This ensures you always have something to do.

Take on Side Missions. To fully experience everything that GTA V offers, you should complete all available side missions before focusing on the main story. These side missions not only help improve your character's stats, but also reveal more about the personalities of the characters. If you're aiming for 100% completion, this is the way to go.

Finish the Main Missions. Once you’ve completed all the side tasks and extra missions, you’re ready to finish the game. To do so, focus solely on the main story missions when you’re certain there are no other tasks left for the three characters.

Make Use of What You’ve Learned. As you approach the final story missions, you’ll notice they become more challenging. This is the moment to use all the skills and experience you've accumulated throughout the game to succeed.

Complete the game. All good things must come to an end, and GTA V is no exception as you finish the final mission. Naturally, this task is far from easy and challenges your decision-making skills. It's no exaggeration to say that after completing the final mission, you’ll likely agree that GTA V stands as one of the best video games ever created.

• Once you've officially finished the game, you can still roam around and uncover secrets in GTA V. Some of the most well-known mysteries include encountering unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and hunting for Bigfoot, or even exploring the FIB building! Keep moving forward, stay passionate, and dive into these exciting discoveries!
• After finishing the game, you'll be ready to dive into GTA Online. In this mode, you'll face off against other players, so be sure to use everything you've learned from the storyline mode to your advantage.