GTA 5 Story Mode Walkthrough: Trevor's Arrival & Heist Setup
Trevor's Los Santos Debut and Makeover
Trevor's chaotic introduction to Los Santos begins with tying up loose ends in Sandy Shores. The trailer park bombing mission demonstrates his volatile nature—plant sticky bombs undetected, but expect unpredictable NPC reactions. Critical tip: Use Trevor's special ability when overwhelmed by enemies or fire. After completing the mission, prioritize Trevor's wardrobe upgrade. Visit high-end clothing stores for outfits fitting Los Santos' vibe, though suit options remain limited.
Key Mission Strategies
- Friends Reunited: Navigate to Floyd's apartment while avoiding police attention. Park strategically near alleys for quick escape routes.
- Fame or Shame: At Maze Bank Arena, use Michael's slow-mo ability during the chase. Ram Lazo's vehicle near corners where his speed decreases.
- Dead Man Walking: When escaping the morgue, immediately grab armor from the first-floor bag. Headshot enemies from cover to conserve health.
Heist Preparation and Weapon Upgrades
Trevor's Merryweather heist setup requires precision:
- During the crane operation, move containers slowly to avoid fatal falls.
- Photograph guards only when their backs are turned—use binoculars for distance.
- Choose the freighter approach for higher action potential.
Essential weapon upgrades for all characters:
- Franklin/Michael: Buy the Special Carbine ($14,500) and Heavy Sniper ($26,000) at Ammu-Nation
- Trevor: Prioritize grenades for crowd control
- Pro tip: Invest in sticky bombs ($600 each) for vehicle-based missions
Character Arcs and Mission Insights
Michael's Downfall
The yoga mission reveals Michael's crumbling family life. Complete the minigame by holding LT/RT while matching on-screen prompts. Later, Jimmy's drugging sequence demands careful bike control—tap X/A lightly for balance. Amanda's departure post-mission underscores the story's emotional core.
Franklin's Rise
Lester's assassination mission requires:
- Scoping the hotel entrance from rooftops
- Using a sniper rifle for clean kills
- Escaping via alleys to lose wanted stars
Reward: Franklin earns a Vine Hills mansion, unlocking new save points.
FIB Showdown Strategy
The climactic IAA infiltration demands team coordination:
- As Michael: Rappel down carefully—avoid swinging into windows
- As Franklin: Take high-ground positions for clear shots
- As Trevor: Use explosives against pursuing Buzzards
Post-mission, Trevor's heist becomes available at Floyd's safehouse.
Progression Checklist
- Upgrade all characters' weapons
- Complete "The Merryweather Heist" setup
- Save $150k+ for heist investments
- Unlock Franklin's assassination missions
Final Tips for Episode 3
Avoid common mistakes:
- Don't waste money on low-tier clothing
- Never engage Merryweather without armor
- Skip blimp stunts during "Did Somebody Say Yoga?"
Heist preparation priority: Steal the submersible by boarding the ship at night. Dock it at the marked warehouse to trigger the finale. For maximum payout, we recommend the freighter approach detailed in our next episode.
"When attempting stealth missions, which character's ability do you find most effective? Share your approach in the comments!"