If you just started playing GTA 5, you might be wondering – how do you get missions in GTA 5? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. A lot of new players explore Los Santos for hours doing random chaos, racing cars, and evading cops, but don’t know how to actually start missions and progress the story.
This guide will make it super easy for you to understand how to get, start, and unlock missions in GTA 5 story mode and GTA Online – plus how character switching, side missions, and rewards work.
Let’s get started!
What Are Missions in GTA 5?
In simple words, missions are tasks or jobs you do for money, story progress, or fun. Every mission in GTA 5 has its own storyline, cutscenes, and challenges.
- Some missions are serious – like robbing banks or escaping the cops.
- Some are funny – like helping weird people called “Strangers & Freaks.”
- And others are just plain epic – like flying planes or joining heists.
Completing missions helps you earn money, unlock new weapons, vehicles, safe houses, and advance the main story.
How to Start Story Mode Missions in GTA 5
If you’re playing Story Mode (Offline) – the main single-player part of the game – missions come from the story itself. You don’t need to do anything special to “get” them.
Here’s how it works:
Follow the Map Icons
When you open your map (press M on PC or Options on console), you’ll see colored letters like:
- F for Franklin
- M for Michael
- T for Trevor
These letters mark mission locations for that character. Just drive or walk to that spot to start the mission.
Look for the Yellow Marker
When you enter an area of the mission, you will see a yellow circle on the ground.
Get into it by walking or driving in it, and boom – the mission begins automatically.
Replacement Characters to New Missions.
There are missions that are associated with a particular character.
In the event that Franklin does not have any missions, such as, say, an attempt to restart Franklin and change to Michael (press Alt on PC or Down on D-Pad on console).
Tip: If the map looks empty, it’s usually because you need to switch characters or complete certain requirements (like buying a property or finishing an earlier mission).
Also read: How to Start a Heist in GTA 5: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
How Do I Unlock and Start Missions in GTA 5?
You unlock missions naturally as you complete older ones. The story follows a fixed sequence – like chapters in a movie.
But some missions won’t appear unless you meet certain conditions. For example:
- Michael’s missions unlock after Franklin meets him early in the story.
- Trevor’s missions appear only after the story introduces him (after a big desert scene).
- Some missions require you to own a certain car or weapon, or complete other side missions first.
Once unlocked, just drive to the letter icon on the map and walk into the yellow marker. Simple!
If nothing new shows up:
- Try saving your game and reloading.
- Switch characters.
- Do random events (marked by “?” icons).
- Get a phone call – sometimes missions start via calls or texts.
How to Find Missions in GTA 5 Story Mode
If you feel lost or your map is blank, here’s how to find what to do next:
1. Open the Pause Menu → Map
Zoom out and look for any letter icons (F, M, T) or question marks (?) – these mark story or side missions.
2. Use the Character Wheel
Switch between Franklin, Michael, and Trevor to see who currently has active missions.
3. Check Your Phone
Sometimes new missions trigger from calls or texts. Open your phone (press Up on D-Pad) and check messages.
4. Do Side Missions
If story missions are locked, explore side missions like Strangers & Freaks (more on that later).
These can unlock new storylines or open up more opportunities.
How to Start Missions in GTA 5 Story Mode
Once you find a mission on the map, starting it is easy:
- Drive to the colored letter icon (example: “F” for Franklin).
- Look for the yellow circle near a building, driveway, or location.
- Step inside it – you’ll trigger a cutscene, and the mission begins.
Some missions also start when:
- You enter a vehicle or property linked to that mission.
- You call or text someone from your phone.
- The game triggers it automatically after another mission ends.
There’s no “Start Mission” button – GTA 5 is designed to feel natural. Just explore and interact with the world, and missions will come your way.
Mission Types in GTA 5
There are different kinds of missions you can play:
- Story Missions
These are the sequels to the main plot of Michael, Franklin, and Trevor.
The fact that they are completed advances the story and opens characters, places, and money.
- Strangers & Freaks
They are side missions that are represented as icons of a question mark on the map.
They include arbitrary, frequently comic NPCs – such as assisting a film director or a yoga teacher.
They do not necessarily contribute to the main story, still, they are a good source of additional money and entertainment.
- Heists
These are large multi-step jobs with plan and execute robberies.
You also have the option of your crew, approach (loud or stealth) and get away plan.
They present you with a huge amount of money and are among the greatest aspects of GTA 5.
- Random Events
When you are driving, you may notice that there are dots of blue or red on the map.
These are voluntary missions – such as rescuing a robbery, or assisting a person in need.
How to Get More Missions in GTA 5
If you’ve run out of story missions, don’t worry – GTA 5 is packed with side content.
Here’s what you can do:
- Switch characters – maybe Trevor or Michael has more jobs.
- Explore the map – question marks (?) can unlock Strangers & Freaks missions.
- Buy properties – owning businesses unlocks new missions linked to them.
- Finish old missions again from the “Replay” menu if you missed gold medals.
- Do assassination contracts with Franklin (from Lester).
The game is designed so you’ll always have something to do – even when the main story ends.
How to Get Missions in GTA Online
Now, let’s talk about the online world – GTA Online.
It’s the multiplayer version of GTA 5, where you can play missions with friends or other players.
1. Join Contact Missions
These are short co-op jobs you get from NPCs like Lamar, Simeon, Gerald, or Lester.
To start one:
- Open your Phone → Jobs → Quick Job → Play Job → Contact Mission.
- Or pause the game → Online → Jobs → Play Job → Rockstar Created → Missions.
Once you accept, you’ll join a lobby with 1–4 players. The game will give you tasks like stealing cars, killing gang leaders, or delivering packages.
2. Receive Missions via Phone Calls
When you first play GTA Online, you’ll get calls from characters like Lamar or Simeon offering missions.
Just answer the call and accept the mission when it appears.
3. Join Heists & Special Jobs
As you level up and buy apartments, you unlock Heists (like The Fleeca Job).
These are bigger missions that need a team and coordination – but they give huge payouts.
You can also try:
- Lester’s Contracts
- VIP/CEO Work
- Time Trials
- Daily Objectives
These keep the game exciting even after finishing the main story.
Also read: Special Vehicles in GTA 5: Complete Guide for Players
Contact Missions: How to Accept and Complete Them
Contact missions are short, fun tasks given by GTA characters in both story mode and online.
They’re perfect for earning cash and RP (reputation points).
To accept a contact mission in GTA Online:
- Open your Phone → Quick Job → Contact Mission
- Or accept a job invite from texts/calls (from Lamar, Gerald, or Simeon).
- Once in the mission lobby, choose difficulty and confirm.
Then, just follow the mission objective – like collecting a car, fighting gang members, or escaping police.
When you finish, you’ll earn money, RP, and sometimes new gear.
Lester’s Special Missions & Assassination Contracts
In the early stages of the game, you will come across Lester Crest, a mastermind and a hacker, via Franklin. He assigns special assassination jobs which affect the stock market.
Here’s how to unlock them:
Move on in Franklin story until you receive a call or email by Lester.
He will provide such side missions after the initial major heist.
Pro Tip: Before undertaking these missions buy the correct stocks (intimated by Lester). You will make millions playing smart!
Getting Group Missions & Heists (Multiplayer)
Heists are the ultimate multiplayer experience in GTA 5 Online.
To join or host them, you need:
- A High-End Apartment (to unlock the planning board)
- At least Rank 12
- Friends or other players (usually 4 people per heist)
You can then start from your apartment’s Heist board or join via Quick Job → Heists.
Each Heist has several setup missions followed by a big final mission.
Finishing Heists earns you massive payouts, trophies, and street cred.
How Mission Availability Depends on Characters
Each of the three main characters – Franklin, Michael, and Trevor – has unique missions.
- Franklin’s missions are about getting started in the crime world, street races, and real estate.
- Michael’s missions focus on family drama and high-level robberies.
- Trevor’s missions are wild – full of chaos, drugs, and desert madness.
Some missions only appear for one character. If you’re not seeing any missions, switch characters – there’s probably something waiting for you.
Understanding Rewards and Unlocks
Each of the missions you pass provides you with something:
- Cash – of weapons, cars and properties.
- RP (in Online) – in order to upgrade and get superior gear.
- Get access to new storylines or friends or business opportunities.
- Trophies/Achievements – based on the performance of objectives.
Even after passing missions with gold medals, you can replay the mission by being more accurate or by going through optional challenges.
Final Thoughts
You are now informed on how to complete missions in GTA 5, whether you are driving around in the Story Mode or killing and robbing with friends in the GTA Online.
The key takeaway is:
- Follow the map icons for story missions.
- Switch characters when nothing shows up.
- Accept calls, texts, or jobs in Online mode.
- And most importantly – have fun exploring, because Los Santos is full of surprises!
Whether you’re helping Franklin rise up, planning heists with Michael, or going wild with Trevor, every mission adds a new flavor to your GTA 5 adventure.
So fire up your engine, check that yellow marker, and jump into your next big mission – Los Santos awaits!
FAQs
How do I unlock and start missions in GTA 5?
Complete earlier story missions and follow the letter icons (F, M, T) on the map. Go to the yellow circle at the spot to start the mission.
How do you receive missions in GTA Online?
You get missions from NPCs like Lamar or Simeon through calls or texts. Or open your phone → Quick Job → Contact Mission to start one instantly.
How do I accept a contact mission?
Open your phone, choose Quick Job → Contact Mission, or accept invites from calls/texts. Join the lobby, hit “Play,” and complete the task.
What types of missions are there besides story?
You can play Strangers & Freaks, Heists, Random Events, and Property missions for extra cash and fun outside the main story.
How to get and join multiplayer missions?
Use Phone → Quick Job → Heists or Missions, or go to Online → Jobs → Rockstar Created. Join friends or other players to play co-op jobs.
