Getting Started

Grand Theft Auto V is an open-world action-adventure title developed by Rockstar North. The game follows Michael, Franklin and Trevor, three criminals whose stories unfold across the same large version of San Andreas. Rockstar released the game for PlayStation, Xbox and Windows PC. This guide focuses on the systems players encounter early on, including mission progression, free exploration, health, police pursuits, character switching and the abilities that make each protagonist different.

What kind of game it is

GTA V originally launched on September 17, 2013, for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Rockstar later brought it to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. It is the seventh major game in the Grand Theft Auto series and follows Grand Theft Auto IV, which was released in 2008. The setting is the fictional state of San Andreas, inspired by Southern California. Los Santos represents the region's major city, while Blaine County covers the surrounding rural areas. The complete platform timeline is available on the version history page.

Missions and open-world exploration

The main story is built around missions with specific goals and scripted sequences that gradually move the narrative forward. Outside those missions, San Andreas becomes a large playground for exploration and optional activities. After the opening section, players can travel around the available map freely, with additional content becoming accessible as the story progresses. The world forms one connected landmass rather than separate islands that must be unlocked. GTA V supports both third-person and first-person perspectives, although the first-person camera was introduced for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC releases and is absent from the original PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions.

Health, hospitals and checkpoints

The health bar automatically restores part of its capacity, but natural regeneration stops at roughly half health. First aid items, food and drinks can restore the remaining portion. If a character is killed during normal exploration, he returns at a hospital. Death or arrest during a story mission usually sends the player back to the latest checkpoint, preventing a long mission from having to be restarted from its opening sequence.

The wanted system

Police attention increases when the player commits crimes, with the wanted level represented by stars on the HUD. A higher number of stars brings a stronger response, and five stars can result in helicopters and heavily equipped SWAT units joining the pursuit. Simply driving away is not always enough, because officers continue searching after the player leaves the immediate area where the crime occurred. Once the character stays outside police sight, the wanted level begins to fade, while the mini-map shows the active search area. Vehicles can also be taken to a chop shop and resprayed, which provides an immediate way to remove an active wanted level.

Switching between the three protagonists

Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton and Trevor Philips each have their own storylines and can normally be selected outside missions. Character switching is handled through the HUD character wheel or compass, although certain story moments temporarily prevent the player from changing characters. Missions can also switch control automatically when different protagonists are needed for separate objectives. The interface can indicate when another character is in danger or has a tactical advantage. Even when the player is controlling one protagonist, the other two continue living independently, meaning a switch can place the player in an unexpected situation. More information about the trio can be found on the protagonists page, while default inputs are listed on the controls page.

Skills and special abilities

Each protagonist develops eight different skills, including abilities related to shooting, driving and other areas of gameplay. These attributes improve as they are used, while every character begins with one area already highly developed. Trevor, for example, has a strong flying skill from the beginning. The final category is the special skill, which controls a unique ability for each character:

• Michael can slow down time during gunfights, making precise shots easier.
• Franklin can reduce time while driving, giving him greater control during difficult maneuvers.
• Trevor enters a combat state where he causes increased damage while receiving reduced damage.

The special ability meter appears on the HUD and gradually empties while the power is being used. It can be restored through actions associated with the character, such as performing driving maneuvers with Franklin or scoring headshots with Michael.

Weapons, the phone and the shops

GTA V uses a weapon wheel that divides equipment into eight categories, allowing the player to quickly select different types of weapons. Combat includes firearms, explosives and melee attacks, while an aiming system and cover mechanics help during firefights. Many guns can also be modified with attachments that alter their performance. Ammu-Nation stores offer a large selection, with 66 individual weapons available. The protagonists also carry smartphones that provide access to contacts, activities, quick saving and the game's internet. The phone can even be used to access the stock market and trade shares. Earned money can be spent on properties, garages, businesses, weapons, vehicle upgrades and personal items such as clothing, hairstyles and tattoos.

Getting around

San Andreas offers a broad selection of transportation, ranging from ordinary cars and motorcycles to emergency vehicles, boats, jet skis, helicopters, airplanes and submarines. Aircraft returned to the series in GTA V after being absent from Grand Theft Auto IV, where the smaller map limited their usefulness. Taxis provide another convenient option, allowing a character to travel toward a selected destination without driving the entire route. Vehicle handling was also redesigned compared with GTA IV, resulting in land vehicles that generally feel more responsive and easier to control.

Next steps

The game's main narrative, including its three possible finales, is covered in story and endings. Detailed information about major money-making jobs is available in heists and crews, while the wider map, optional locations and activities are collected in world and activities.