GTA 5: The Ultimate 100% Completion Guide (PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC)
Achieving 100% completion in Grand Theft Auto 5 is a monumental task, a testament to your dedication and mastery of Los Santos and its surrounding areas. It’s far more than just finishing the main storyline; it requires delving into every nook and cranny, completing side missions, mastering challenges, and experiencing everything the game has to offer. This comprehensive guide breaks down every requirement, providing detailed steps and instructions to help you reach that coveted 100% milestone.
Why Go for 100% Completion?
Before diving in, it’s worth considering why you might want to embark on this completionist journey. Beyond the sense of accomplishment, 100% completion unlocks certain in-game rewards, including a special vehicle, a unique T-shirt, and bragging rights among your friends and the wider GTA community. It also compels you to truly explore the game’s depth, uncovering hidden secrets and appreciating the sheer scale of Rockstar’s masterpiece.
The 100% Checklist: What You Need to Do
Rockstar provides an in-game checklist that tracks your progress. Access it through the Rockstar Games Social Club website or app (linked to your game account). This is your primary tool for monitoring your advancement. However, the checklist itself can be vague. This guide provides greater clarity.
Here’s a breakdown of the categories and tasks needed for 100% completion:
* Main Story Missions (50%): Completing all 69 main story missions is the most significant chunk of progress.
* Strangers and Freaks (10%): Completing 20 out of the 58 Strangers and Freaks missions.
* Hobbies and Pastimes (10%): This section involves participating in various activities across Los Santos and Blaine County.
* Random Events (5%): Encountering and completing 14 random events scattered throughout the map.
* Miscellaneous (25%): A collection of tasks, including finding collectibles, completing stunt jumps, and purchasing properties.
Let’s delve into each category with detailed instructions.
I. Main Story Missions (50%)
This is the straightforward part. Simply play through the main storyline from start to finish. While the missions themselves are linear, some choices you make during the game can impact your experience. There are 69 missions total.
Key Tips for Main Missions:
* Plan Ahead: Some missions require specific vehicles or weapons. Reading a quick synopsis beforehand can help you prepare.
* Use Cover: GTA 5’s combat system rewards strategic use of cover. Don’t run and gun; take your time and plan your attacks.
* Upgrade Your Weapons: Visit Ammu-Nation to upgrade your weapons with attachments like scopes, suppressors, and extended magazines.
* Drive Safely: Fast driving is fun, but reckless driving leads to frequent accidents and mission failures. Drive defensively, especially during chases.
* Take Advantage of Character Abilities: Each of the three protagonists has a special ability. Franklin can slow down time while driving, Michael can slow down time during gunfights, and Trevor can deal and receive more damage. Use these abilities strategically to overcome difficult situations.
II. Strangers and Freaks (10%)
You don’t need to complete all the Strangers and Freaks missions, but you must complete 20 of them for 100% completion. Some are character-specific, while others can be initiated by any of the three protagonists. Here’s a breakdown of some of the crucial Strangers and Freaks missions:
* Tonya Strangers and Freaks Missions (Franklin): These missions involve helping Tonya with her tow truck duties. They are straightforward and easy to complete. There are five in total.
* Hao Strangers and Freaks Missions (Franklin): After completing the first race with Hao, you will unlock his Stranger and Freaks missions.
* Barry Strangers and Freaks Missions (Franklin): These missions involve encountering Barry, a weed enthusiast. Completing these missions is relatively easy and contributes to your 100% progress.
* Mary-Ann Quinn Strangers and Freaks Missions (Michael): These require Michael to chase after a fitness enthusiast, these missions can be quite tricky due to the distance you have to cover in a short time.
* Epsilon Program (Michael): This is a multi-part series of missions that involves donating money to the Epsilon Program and completing various tasks. It’s a bit tedious but essential for completion.
* Nigel and Mrs. Thornhill (Trevor): This series of missions involves tracking down celebrities for Nigel and Mrs. Thornhill.
* Cletus Ewing (Trevor): This series of missions will unlock after the mission “Nervous Ron”, these missions will require you to hunt animals.
Tips for Strangers and Freaks Missions:
* Check Your Map: Strangers and Freaks missions are marked on the map with question marks. Keep an eye out for them as you explore.
* Read the Instructions: Pay attention to the instructions given by the characters to understand the mission objectives.
* Use Your Skills: Utilize the unique skills of each character to your advantage.
III. Hobbies and Pastimes (10%)
This section requires you to participate in a variety of activities across Los Santos and Blaine County. You don’t need to excel at them, just participate. Here’s the list of hobbies and pastimes needed for 100%:
1. Shooting Range: Achieve at least a bronze medal in all three challenges (Handguns, Shotguns, SMGs, Assault Rifles, LMGs, and Throwables) at any of the Ammu-Nation shooting ranges. Aim for headshots and quick reloads.
2. Flight School: Earn at least a bronze medal in all 12 flight school lessons at Los Santos International Airport. This requires mastering various aerial maneuvers, including takeoffs, landings, loops, and formation flying. Practice makes perfect. The lessons include:
* Take Off
* Landing
* Inverted Flight
* Knife Flight
* Flat Hatting
* Loop-the-Loop
* Formation Flying
* Helicopter Course
* Helicopter Speed Run
* Skydiving
* Drop Zone
* Gun Range
3. Street Races: Win at least one street race. These races are unlocked after completing specific missions. The races are scattered all around the map and require you to drive fast and stay ahead of the other drivers.
4. Sea Races: Win at least one sea race. Similar to street races, these races take place on water and require you to pilot a boat skillfully.
5. Off-Road Races: Win at least one off-road race. These races are located in Blaine County and involve navigating challenging terrain in off-road vehicles.
6. Stripper: Receive a private dance at the Vanilla Unicorn strip club. Simply enter the club, pay for a private dance, and interact with the dancer until the completion notification appears.
7. Tennis: Play and win a set of tennis against an opponent. Tennis courts are located throughout Los Santos. You can play against a friend or an AI opponent.
8. Golf: Play a round of golf and finish with a positive score. The golf course is located in the northwest of Los Santos. This may take some practice to master the swing mechanics.
9. Darts: Play and win a game of darts at a local bar. Darts is a simple mini-game that requires you to aim and throw darts at a dartboard.
10. Triathlon: Participate in a triathlon. These endurance events combine swimming, cycling, and running. There are multiple triathlon events located throughout the map.
11. Hunting: Go hunting in Blaine County. You need to complete the “Fair Game” mission with Cletus Ewing first (Trevor only). Then, hunt and kill any animal.
Tips for Hobbies and Pastimes:
* Practice Makes Perfect: Some of these activities require skill and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed immediately.
* Use Character Skills: Some characters are better suited to certain activities. For example, Franklin’s driving skill can be helpful in street races.
* Have Fun: These activities are meant to be enjoyable. Don’t treat them as a chore; embrace the variety and have fun exploring the game’s world.
IV. Random Events (5%)
Random events are spontaneous encounters that occur as you explore Los Santos and Blaine County. There are 57 random events in total, but you only need to complete 14 to contribute to 100% completion. These events can range from stopping a robbery to helping someone fix their car. They are marked on the map with a blue dot when you are close to them.
Types of Random Events:
* ATM Robbery: Stop a thief from robbing someone at an ATM.
* Border Check: Help someone escape from the authorities at a border checkpoint.
* Burial: Rescue someone who has been buried alive.
* Car Theft: Stop a car thief and return the vehicle to its owner.
* Chase Thieves: Pursue and apprehend thieves who have stolen someone’s belongings.
* Construction Apprehension: Stop a worker from trying to kill his supervisor.
* Deal Gone Wrong: Intervene in a drug deal gone bad.
* Drunk Driver: Help a drunk driver get home safely.
* Gang Shootout: Get involved in a gang shootout.
* Hitch Lift: Give someone a ride to their destination.
* Luring Girl Into Alley: Stop someone from luring a girl into an alley.
* Mugging: Stop a mugging and return the stolen items to the victim.
* Prisoner Lift: Help a prisoner escape from custody.
* Security Van: Intercept a security van and steal its contents.
* Snatched: Rescue someone who has been kidnapped.
* Sport Bike Thief: Stop a thief from stealing a sport bike.
* Stag Do Running Man: Help a stag party member escape his friends.
* Theft From Cops: Steal a vehicle back from the police.
Tips for Random Events:
* Explore the Map: Random events can occur anywhere on the map. Explore different areas to increase your chances of encountering them.
* Listen for Clues: Pay attention to the sounds and dialogue around you. Random events often start with a commotion or a cry for help.
* Act Quickly: Many random events are time-sensitive. Act quickly to intervene and complete the event successfully.
* Use Your Skills: Use your skills and abilities to your advantage. For example, use your driving skills to chase down thieves or your combat skills to stop a mugging.
V. Miscellaneous (25%)
This section includes a variety of tasks that don’t fit into the other categories. It requires you to explore the world, find collectibles, and complete various challenges.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the miscellaneous tasks:
1. Under the Bridge Challenges (50): Fly under all 50 bridges in Los Santos and Blaine County. This requires piloting a plane or helicopter through the arches of each bridge. It’s challenging and requires precise flying skills. A stunt plane or helicopter is highly recommended.
2. Knife Flights (15): Perform 15 knife flights at designated locations around the map. A knife flight is when you fly a plane on its side, with one wing pointing towards the ground. This requires precise control and coordination. Use a stunt plane for the best results.
3. Stunt Jumps (50): Successfully complete all 50 stunt jumps scattered throughout Los Santos and Blaine County. These jumps require you to launch a vehicle off a ramp and land safely. Use a fast vehicle and aim for a smooth landing. Each jump has a specific angle and speed requirement.
4. Collectibles: Find all the collectibles:
* Spaceship Parts (50): Collect all 50 spaceship parts hidden throughout the map. These parts are small and can be difficult to find, so use a guide or map to help you locate them. Franklin must complete the “Far Out” Stranger and Freaks mission to unlock this challenge.
* Letter Scraps (50): Collect all 50 letter scraps hidden throughout the map. These scraps are scattered in various locations, including rooftops, alleys, and underwater. Once you collect all the scraps, you will unlock a mission to solve a murder. Michael must complete the “A Starlet in Vinewood” Stranger and Freaks mission to unlock this challenge.
5. Purchase Properties: Purchase at least five businesses. These businesses generate income for you and contribute to your 100% completion. Properties range from movie theaters to taxi companies. You must complete specific missions before being able to purchase some properties.
Tips for Miscellaneous Tasks:
* Use a Guide: For collectibles and stunt jumps, using a guide or map can save you a lot of time and frustration.
* Practice Flying: The Under the Bridge and Knife Flights challenges require excellent flying skills. Practice flying a plane or helicopter to improve your control.
* Choose the Right Vehicle: For stunt jumps, choose a fast and agile vehicle that can handle the jumps. Sports cars and motorcycles are good choices.
* Save Your Progress: Save your game frequently to avoid losing progress if you fail a challenge.
General Tips for 100% Completion
* Plan Your Route: Before starting your 100% completion run, plan your route and prioritize the tasks you want to complete first.
* Use the In-Game Checklist: The in-game checklist is your primary tool for tracking your progress. Use it to monitor your advancement and identify the tasks you still need to complete.
* Take Breaks: 100% completion can be a long and arduous process. Take breaks to avoid burnout and stay motivated.
* Enjoy the Journey: While 100% completion is a goal, remember to enjoy the journey and explore the world of Los Santos.
* Utilize Online Resources: There are many online resources available to help you with your 100% completion run, including guides, maps, and videos. Use these resources to your advantage.
* Exploit Character Switching: Use the character switching mechanic to your advantage. Different characters have different skills and abilities that can be helpful for completing certain tasks.
* Manage Your Finances: Money is essential for purchasing properties, weapons, and vehicles. Manage your finances wisely and invest in businesses that generate income.
* Be Patient: Some tasks, such as finding collectibles, can be time-consuming and frustrating. Be patient and persistent, and don’t give up.
* Don’t Forget to Save: Regularly save your progress to avoid losing your hard work. Save after completing each major task or challenge.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
* Mission Not Triggering: If a mission isn’t triggering, try reloading the game or approaching the mission marker from a different direction. Ensure you meet all the requirements for the mission.
* Collectible Not Spawning: If a collectible isn’t spawning, try reloading the game or visiting the location at a different time of day. Some collectibles may only spawn under certain conditions.
* Stunt Jump Failure: If you’re failing a stunt jump, try adjusting your speed and angle. Watch videos of successful jumps to see how others have completed them.
* Game Bug: If you encounter a game bug, try reloading the game or restarting your console or PC. If the bug persists, try contacting Rockstar Support.
Specific Platform Considerations
* PS5/PS4: The PS5 and PS4 versions of GTA 5 feature improved graphics and performance. Take advantage of these enhancements to enjoy the game in all its glory. Use the PS5’s Activity Cards to quickly jump into specific missions or activities.
* Xbox Series X/S/Xbox One: The Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One versions of GTA 5 also feature improved graphics and performance. Use the Xbox’s Quick Resume feature to quickly switch between games.
* PC: The PC version of GTA 5 offers the most customization options, including the ability to install mods. Use mods to enhance your gameplay experience or add new content to the game. Ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements to avoid performance issues.
Rewards for 100% Completion
Once you reach 100% completion, you’ll unlock several rewards, including:
* A Special Vehicle: The Monster Truck.
* A Unique T-Shirt: 100% T-Shirt to show off your accomplishment.
* The Satisfaction of Completing a Challenging Game: The most rewarding aspect is the sense of accomplishment and mastery you’ll feel after completing such a challenging game.
Conclusion
Achieving 100% completion in GTA 5 is a significant undertaking that requires dedication, skill, and patience. However, the rewards are well worth the effort. By following this comprehensive guide and utilizing the tips and tricks provided, you’ll be well on your way to conquering Los Santos and earning that coveted 100% completion status. Good luck, and have fun exploring everything that GTA 5 has to offer!