How Many Missions Are In GTA 5?

GTA 5 is about building a full-on criminal playground. But if you're serious about finishing it, you'll want to know how many missions are in GTA 5. In total, there are 69 main story missions. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

To hit 100% completion, you'll also need to clear dozens of side missions, complete random encounters, and clean up various miscellaneous tasks across Los Santos.

Let’s break it all down step-by-step.

Main Story Missions in GTA 5

There are 69 core missions that make up the main storyline. These span across the three playable characters: Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. You’ll switch between them throughout the story depending on who’s needed for each job.

Most of the missions involve everything from GTA 5 heists and car chases to stealth assassinations and high-octane gunfights. Some are slower story builders, while others are explosive, multi-part sequences.

Each mission designed by Rockstar moves the plot forward and contributes to character development. Without finishing these, you’ll miss out on most of GTA 5’s best moments.

Here's what makes them essential:

• Unlock weapons, vehicles, and properties.

• Open up side content like Lester’s assassinations.

• Set up the final ending options.

List of Story Missions

The missions are unlocked in a set sequence, though player choice can slightly shift the order. Here are some key missions you’ll complete:

• Prologue

• Franklin and Lamar

• Casing the Jewel Store

• The Jewel Store Job

• Mr. Philips

• Trevor Philips Industries

• Friends Reunited

• The Merryweather Heist

• The Paleto Score

• The Bureau Raid

• The Big Score

• The Final Mission (Choice: Something Sensible / The Time’s Come / The Third Way)

Read Also: How To Make Money In GTA 5 Story Mode?

Side Missions

So how many missions are in GTA 5 beyond the main story? Add 42 Strangers and Freaks, 5 Assassinations, and 14 random events, and it grows fast.

Strangers and Freaks

These quirky side stories pop up all over the map. You can only access them when playing the right character. Some are mandatory to unlock main missions, others are pure flavor. You’ll need at least 20 of these for 100% completion.

A few examples:

• Grass Roots (Trevor, Michael, Franklin)
• Paparazzo Series
• Rampage (Trevor)
• The Civil Border Patrol
• Mrs. Philips

Lester’s Assassination Missions

These five hit contracts come from Lester and are exclusive to Franklin. You’ll want to save four of them until the main story is over. That way, you can invest money into stocks and flip profits like a real criminal tycoon. If done right, they’ll skyrocket your money into the hundreds of millions.

The five assassination missions include:

• The Hotel Assassination

• The Multi-Target Assassination

• The Vice Assassination

• The Bus Assassination

• The Construction Assassination

Random Events

These are small encounters you stumble upon while exploring. Think ATM muggings, carjackings, and shady deals gone wrong.

Only 14 of them are needed for full completion. Most are short, one-and-done interactions.

Read Also: Best Features of Modded GTA 5 Accounts

Total Mission Count in GTA 5

Depending on your choices, you may only play around 74 missions in one playthrough. You must replay or reload for alternate endings.

Optional Missions With Gold Medals

GTA 5 offers medal scores based on mission performance. Gold is the top tier. You can replay missions later via the game’s menu to improve your medal rank. Gold medals count toward 100% completion.

Each mission has unique challenges:

• Time limit completion

• Headshot counts

• Accuracy targets

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How Long Does It Take To Complete All Missions?

Just focusing on the story takes around 30-40 hours. If you go for 100%, expect over 80 hours. If you’re a completionist, strap in for a long ride. The variety of missions and side content means GTA 5 stays fresh even on second or third playthroughs.

That includes:

• Finishing every stranger mission

• Completing side content

• Earning Gold Medals

• Finding collectibles and secrets

Read Also: GTA 5 Can’t Migrate? Here’s How To Fix

How To Track Mission Progress

Use the in-game stats menu to monitor your progress. It tracks mission completion, side content, and collectibles.

Also, the map icons show who the mission is for:

• M = Michael

• F = Franklin

• T = Trevor

• ? = Strangers & Freaks

When in doubt, switch characters or wait for a call. Some missions won’t appear until you trigger specific conditions.

Conclusion

So, how many missions are in GTA 5? You’re looking at 69 core story missions, packed with high-stakes action, plot twists, and unforgettable heists. But that’s only the surface. Alongside the main storyline, there are 42 Strangers and Freaks side encounters, which add extra layers of humor, chaos, and unexpected choices. 

Each of the three protagonists, Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, gets their own arc, their own moral crossroads, and their own set of decisions that shape how the game ends.

Beyond that? There are countless dynamic events, side activities, and optional objectives. You can invest in stock markets, build a real estate empire, chase UFO mysteries, stalk serial killers, or just run from five stars of chaos. GTA 5’s mission count reflects more than just numbers, it shows Rockstar’s dedication to building a world that never stops offering something new.