Grand Theft Auto V

Lore & Background

Grand Theft Auto V is an action-adventure game played from either a third-person or first-person perspective. Players complete missions—linear scenarios with set objectives—to progress through the story. Outside of missions, players freely roam the open world, composed of the San Andreas open countryside and its fictional Blaine County and city of Los Santos. The world is much larger in area than earlier entries in the series. Players use melee attacks, firearms and explosives to fight enemies, and may run, jump, swim or use vehicles to navigate. A 'wanted' system governs law enforcement response, with stars indicating the current wanted level; at the maximum five-star level, police helicopters and SWAT teams swarm to lethally dispatch players.

In single-player mode, players control three characters: Michael De Santa, Trevor Philips and Franklin Clinton. Players may switch between characters at will via a directional compass on the HUD. Each character has a unique special ability: Michael enters bullet time in combat, Franklin slows down time while driving, and Trevor deals twice as much damage while taking half as much. Heist missions require aid from AI-controlled accomplices with unique skill sets; some heists afford multiple strategies. Players may engage in context-specific activities such as scuba diving and BASE jumping, and visit businesses like cinemas and strip clubs. Each character has a smartphone for contacting friends, starting activities, and accessing an in-game Internet for stock trading and property purchases.

The story begins in 2004 with criminals Michael Townley, Trevor Philips, and Brad Snider partaking in a failed robbery in Ludendorff, North Yankton, resulting in Michael being presumed dead. Nine years later, Michael lives in Los Santos under the alias Michael De Santa, having made a secret agreement with FIB agent Dave Norton. Gangbanger Franklin Clinton meets Michael while attempting to fraudulently repossess his son's car. After Michael damages a mansion belonging to drug lord Martin Madrazo, he returns to crime to pay off the debt, enlisting Franklin. Trevor, living in rural Blaine County, hears of the heist and recognizes Michael's work, reuniting with him. The protagonists' lives spiral out of control as Michael's criminal behavior prompts his family to leave him.

Reader's Guide

Grand Theft Auto V is considered one of the seventh and eighth generation console gaming's most significant titles and among the best video games ever made. It received critical acclaim, with praise directed at its multiple-protagonist design, open world, presentation and gameplay. However, its depiction of violence and women caused controversies. Several gaming publications awarded the game year-end accolades including Game of the Year awards. The game is one of the most financially successful entertainment products of all time, with nearly $8.5 billion in worldwide revenue. Its successor, Grand Theft Auto VI, is scheduled to be released in November 2026. The game's development began around the time of Grand Theft Auto IV's release, with developers drawing influence from previous projects such as Red Dead Redemption and Max Payne 3. Much of the development work constituted the open world's creation, and several team members conducted field research around California to capture footage for the design team. The game's soundtrack features an original score composed by a team of producers who collaborated over several years. Grand Theft Auto Online, the game's online multiplayer mode, allows up to 30 players to engage in cooperative and competitive game modes.

Did You Know?

• The game's single-player story follows three protagonists: Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor Philips.
• It became the fastest-selling entertainment product in history, earning $800 million in its first day and $1 billion in its first three days.
• The game world is set in the fictional state of San Andreas, based on Southern California, and includes the city of Los Santos, based on Los Angeles.