In the gripping finale of Grand Theft Auto V, the fate of Los Santos hangs in the balance as Franklin Clinton faces a pivotal decision that will forever change the lives of Michael De Santa and Trevor Philips. With three distinct endings to choose from—each with its own set of consequences—players must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries to reach a conclusion that will leave them questioning the true meaning of loyalty and survival. Dive into our comprehensive guide to explore the intricacies of each ending and uncover the secrets behind the game’s most thrilling conclusion.
GTA V endings – general information
Way to unlock: You need to complete one of the missions connected with the last major heist (The Big Score), i.e. either mission 79 (the Subtle variant) or mission 83 (the Obvious variant). You can now go to the villa in the Vinewood Hills (letter F on the world map).
Playable characters: Franklin
Additional information: All in all, this is not a mission per se, and rather a short meeting with Devin Weston. Still, it is VERY important from the standpoint of the plot, because it concerns the selection of the game’s ending.
NOTE: After this mission ends, Franklin will have to make a choice of one of three possible endings. The decision that you take is irreversible so, it is highly recommended that you save the game before meeting up with Devin! This will allow you to see all 3 endings during a single playthrough.
List of GTA 5 endings
While playing as Franklin you need to return to his estate in the Vinewood Hills. After you get there, approach the marked point, turn back and return to the exit door. You are going to meet Devin Weston who will give Franklin an ultimatum of a kind. After the meeting finishes the main protagonist will select the cell phone from his inventory (the above screenshot) and this is when you will have to make a choice as to the game’s ending. The available variants are:
- Ending A – Kill Trevor- In this case, you will have to play the Something Sensible mission. The result of this one is Trevor’s death, and he will disappear from the list of the playable characters, in the aftermath.
- Ending B – Kill Michael – In this case, you will have to play the Time’s Come mission. The result of this one is Michael’s death, and he will disappear from the list of the playable characters, in the aftermath.
- Ending C – Deathwish- In this case, you will have to play the The Third Way mission. As a result, Stretch, Wei Cheng, Steve Haines and Devon Weston die. This means that Michael, Trevor and Franklin will escape with their lives. I definitely recommend this option, although it includes playing through a very long mission with many demanding fights.
What are the key differences between the three endings in GTA 5
The three endings in GTA 5 differ significantly in terms of character outcomes, themes, and gameplay. Here’s a breakdown:
- Ending A: Kill Trevor
- Franklin is tasked by Steve Haines to eliminate Trevor due to his unpredictability. With Michael’s reluctant assistance, Franklin confronts Trevor, leading to a car chase that ends with Trevor’s death in a fiery explosion.
- Impact: Trevor’s death severs the trio’s bond, leaving Franklin and Michael alive but estranged. This ending highlights betrayal and loss.
- Ending B: Kill Michael
- Devin Weston pressures Franklin to kill Michael as revenge for past grievances. Franklin lures Michael into a trap, resulting in a tense confrontation where Michael falls to his death.
- Impact: Michael’s death fractures the group further, with Franklin and Trevor parting ways. This ending emphasizes personal sacrifice and moral conflict.
- Ending C: Deathwish (Canon Ending)
- Franklin rejects both assassination orders and teams up with Michael and Trevor to take down their enemies, including Steve Haines and Devin Weston. The trio succeeds in eliminating all threats and remains united.
- Impact: All three protagonists survive, their enemies are defeated, and they part on good terms. This ending represents loyalty, redemption, and closure, making it the most satisfying and widely considered the canonical conclusion.
Each ending offers a distinct narrative tone—tragedy in A and B versus triumph in C—allowing players to shape the story’s conclusion based on their choices.
Which ending provides the most satisfying conclusion for the game’s characters
The most satisfying conclusion for the characters in GTA 5 is widely considered to be Ending C: Deathwish. This ending allows Franklin to reject the orders to kill either Trevor or Michael, instead teaming up with both to eliminate all their enemies, including Steve Haines and Devin Weston.
Key reasons why this ending is the most fulfilling:
- Preservation of Friendship: All three protagonists survive and maintain their bond, showcasing themes of loyalty and redemption.
- Resolution of Conflicts: Major antagonists are defeated, ensuring closure for the story’s central conflicts.
- Unity and Closure: The trio parts on good terms, leaving players with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction after completing the journey.
This ending ties up loose ends while allowing all characters to achieve a semblance of peace, making it the most rewarding choice for players emotionally and narratively.
