The GTA 5 endings are three very different finales that Franklin chooses between after the Union Depository heist: “Kill Trevor”, “Kill Michael” or “Deathwish”. Each one starts its own final mission, and only Deathwish keeps all three protagonists alive.
Key facts
- Choice A, Kill Trevor: mission Something Sensible
- Choice B, Kill Michael: mission The Time’s Come
- Choice C, Deathwish: mission The Third Way
- The choice comes after The Big Score (Obvious or Subtle), when Steve Haines and Devin Weston both visit Franklin
- Kill Trevor and Kill Michael remove that character from the rest of the game
- The Third Way is the true canonical ending of the game
How you reach the choice
Steve Haines tells Franklin to kill Trevor, whose temper makes him a liability for the FIB. Devin Weston then orders him to kill Michael, whom he blames for interfering in his business and for the death of his lawyer. Franklin can pick either target, or ignore both and team up with his partners to deal with their enemies. All three GTA 5 endings branch from this moment, so save before you decide.
Choice A: Kill Trevor
Franklin meets Trevor and pulls a gun on him, saying Trevor is the “crazy one” who would get all three of them killed. Trevor flees in his truck and Franklin chases him. Michael calls, then rams Trevor’s truck with a stolen car so it crashes into a gas tanker. Franklin shoots the fuel to burn Trevor to death. If he waits too long, Michael does it instead.
After the credits you can only play as Michael and Franklin, and Trevor’s share of the Union Depository job is split between them.
Choice B: Kill Michael
Franklin sets up a meeting with Michael after Trevor refuses to help. Michael works out why Franklin is there and drives off to the Palmer-Taylor Power Station, where Franklin overpowers him on a generator tower. You are asked whether to hoist Michael up or drop him, but the result is the same. Michael headbutts Franklin and falls to his death.
Afterwards you can only play as Franklin and Trevor, and Michael’s share goes to his family. Trevor tells Franklin to stay away, Amanda messages that she knows he did it, and Jimmy curses him after finding out.
Choice C: Deathwish
Franklin asks Lester for help, and Lester designs a plan to lure the FIB and Merryweather into a trap at the Grand Banks Steel Foundry, using the stolen gold as bait. Franklin picks up Lamar, and inside the foundry he stops Michael and Trevor from killing each other. The three then ambush the FIB agents and Merryweather mercenaries together.
The finale splits the crew up. Franklin deals with Wei Cheng and Michael takes out Stretch, while Trevor brings down Steve Haines and then kidnaps Devin Weston. All three then finish Devin together. The Third Way unlocks Story Complete, Mrs. Philips and a Hot Rod Blazer for Trevor, and lets Michael and Trevor hang out again. It also awards the To Live or Die in Los Santos achievement.
See the GTA 5 guide for the whole game, the GTA 5 lexicon for the characters and the GTA 5 missions category for earlier missions. Once you finish, the closing credits have their own page in the related list.
Related guides
- Full Game Walkthrough 100% Completion
- Legal Trouble: the mission tied to the death of Devin Weston’s lawyer
- Meltdown: another event Weston holds against Michael
- Closing Credits
Video walkthrough
Prefer to watch? This video shows it in action.
FAQ
How many endings does GTA 5 have?
Three: Kill Trevor, Kill Michael and Deathwish. They are triggered by the final choice on Franklin’s phone.
Which GTA 5 ending is canonical?
The Third Way, the Deathwish ending, is the true canonical ending of the game.
Can I keep all three characters alive?
Yes, by picking Deathwish. Kill Trevor and Kill Michael each permanently remove one protagonist.
What happens to the heist money in the other endings?
If Trevor dies his share is split between Michael and Franklin. If Michael dies his share goes to his family.
