Grand Theft Auto V: All Endings Explained

Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) has become one of the most successful entertainment products ever, due to various factors. The game allows players to explore an open world filled with random encounters and secrets to uncover. The storyline features three protagonists—Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor Philips—each with distinct personalities. To cater to these three main characters, GTA V offers three separate endings for players to choose from. Each ending has its own significance and elicits different emotions from players.

Franklin’s decision determines the three possible endings of Grand Theft Auto V. After a major heist at the Union Depository, Franklin is instructed to kill Trevor by Steve Haines and Devin Weston, as Trevor’s uncontrollable temper makes him a liability for the FIB. Devin also orders Franklin to kill Michael, blaming Michael for interfering in his business ventures and for the death of his lawyer. Faced with these orders, Franklin has three choices: “kill Trevor,” “kill Michael,” or disregard both orders.

If the player chooses to kill Trevor, Franklin will call Michael for assistance. During the chase, Michael rams Trevor’s car, causing it to collide with an oil truck. Franklin shoots the fuel, igniting a fire that burns Trevor to death before the oil truck explodes. If Franklin hesitates, Michael will shoot Trevor instead. Although Trevor’s death benefits Michael by eliminating the threat of revenge and satisfying the FIB, it also marks another betrayal by Michael. For Franklin, this ending highlights his darker side, showing that he is willing to betray a partner for personal gain, much like his mentor, Michael.

If the player opts to kill Michael, Franklin chases him to the top of a generator tower, leading to Michael’s fatal fall. Franklin then calls his best friend Lamar, rekindling their friendship. This ending suggests that Franklin, after committing numerous crimes with Michael and Trevor, realizes that the American dream may not be as valuable as the friendships he had from his past. Franklin emerges as a perfected version of Michael, betraying his mentors and friends for personal gain, mirroring Michael’s past actions.

The most favored ending among GTA V players is where Franklin ignores both the FIB and Devin’s orders, choosing not to kill either partner. The trio, along with Lester, defeats the FIB’s strike team and Merryweather mercenaries, and kills Steve Haines, Harold “Stretch” Joseph, Wei Cheng, and Devin. However, in this ending, none of the protagonists face consequences for their actions throughout the game. Franklin remains essentially the same person he was at the start, albeit a bit wealthier.

Each ending of Grand Theft Auto V carries a unique meaning, shaped by the player’s choices and feelings. Regardless of the chosen ending, players experience a journey through Los Santos city in GTA V, forming their own interpretations and emotional connections.