Derailed
Trevor and Michael team up to hijack a moving train and recover valuable cargo in a chaotic and dangerous heist.
“Derailed” is a major story mission in Grand Theft Auto V, featuring Trevor Philips and Michael De Santa. In this high-octane mission, Trevor intercepts a speeding train on a dirt bike while Michael follows by boat to steal valuable cargo from Merryweather. The mission is filled with explosive action, showcasing Trevor’s wild nature and the daring lengths both Protagonists are willing to go for a big score. This mission emphasizes themes of recklessness, greed, and the unpredictable nature of their criminal enterprises.
Mission Overview
The mission “Derailed” involves Trevor and Michael executing a daring heist to hijack a moving train carrying valuable Merryweather cargo. Trevor takes a high-risk approach by riding a dirt bike alongside the speeding train, while Michael follows in a boat to retrieve the stolen goods. The mission emphasizes high-speed action, with the Characters navigating dangerous obstacles and dealing with Merryweather mercenaries. This chaotic heist highlights Trevor’s reckless personality and the pair’s relentless pursuit of profit.
Objectives
- Ride alongside the train on a dirt bike and jump onto it.
- Detach the train Cars by blowing up the brakes.
- Switch to Michael and navigate down the river in a boat.
- Retrieve the cargo from the train wreckage.
- Fight off Merryweather mercenaries attempting to recover the cargo.
- Escape the area by boat with the stolen goods.
Setting
The mission is set in the rugged wilderness of Blaine County, beginning on the railway tracks and continuing along the Raton Canyon river. The mission’s fast-paced nature is amplified by the dramatic landscape, as Trevor rides along the train and Michael navigates through narrow canyon waterways. The beautiful yet treacherous surroundings add to the tension and excitement of hijacking the train and escaping under fire.
Walkthrough
Objective 1: Meet with Michael
- Preparation: The mission begins with Trevor meeting Michael at a railway crossing near Raton Canyon. During the cutscene, Trevor reveals his plan to intercept the train and steal Merryweather’s cargo. Trevor will be the one to board the train, while Michael will retrieve the goods using a boat.
- Dialogue: Pay attention to the conversation between Trevor and Michael, as Trevor’s chaotic nature drives the heist’s reckless approach, showcasing the contrasting personalities of the two Protagonists.
Objective 2: Intercept the Train
- Ride Along the Train: After the cutscene, you take control of Trevor, who must ride a dirt bike alongside the train as it speeds through Blaine County. Keep pace with the train while avoiding obstacles such as rocks, trees, and cliffs.
- Board the Train: Once you’re close enough, Trevor will automatically leap from the dirt bike onto the moving train. This initiates the next phase of the mission.
Objective 3: Derail the Train
- Reach the Engine: After jumping onto the train, Trevor must move towards the front of the train to take control of the engine. Be ready to take out any resistance from Merryweather guards on board.
- Derail the Train: Once at the front, Trevor derails the train by ramming it into an oncoming train. This results in a spectacular crash, sending train Cars and cargo into the nearby river, where Michael is waiting.
Objective 4: Retrieve the Cargo
- Switch to Michael: After the crash, control switches to Michael, who is waiting in a boat on the river. You must steer the boat towards the wreckage to locate the valuable cargo.
- Retrieve the Cargo: Navigate through the river and collect the cargo from the water while avoiding rocks and debris. Be prepared, as Merryweather mercenaries will arrive in helicopters and boats to stop you.
Objective 5: Escape Merryweather
- Defend Against Merryweather: As Michael, you’ll need to fend off incoming Merryweather boats and helicopters. Use the onboard Weapons to take them down while navigating the river.
- Escape the River: After defeating the attackers, follow the river downstream while continuing to evade pursuit. Trevor will rejoin Michael in a boat, and together you must reach the extraction point.
Mission Conclusion
- Wrap Up: After escaping the river, a cutscene plays showing Trevor’s excitement over the stolen loot, while Michael remains skeptical of the job’s success. The mission ends with the duo planning their next steps.
- Rewards: Completing “Derailed” advances the storyline and builds tension between Trevor and Michael. No cash reward is given, as the stolen cargo’s contents remain mysterious.
Trivia
- The mission’s title, “Derailed,” refers to both the literal train derailment and the chaotic nature of Trevor’s heists, which often spiral out of control.
- Trevor’s daring leap from a dirt bike onto the moving train is one of the most memorable stunts in the game, showcasing his recklessness and unpredictability.
- The train in this mission cannot be stopped by normal means, and its derailment is scripted, making it a unique set-piece in *GTA V*’s story Missions.
- Despite being a heist mission, no cash reward is given at the end due to the mystery surrounding the stolen cargo, adding an unexpected twist to the mission’s outcome.
- The mission includes a chase sequence down the Raton Canyon river, a location that reappears in several other Missions and side activities in the game.
- “Derailed” highlights the contrast between Trevor and Michael’s personalities, with Trevor reveling in the chaos while Michael becomes increasingly frustrated by Trevor’s reckless behavior.
- The mission is one of the few in the game that does not feature Franklin, as it primarily focuses on the dynamic between Trevor and Michael.
- Players can fail the mission if they miss the jump onto the train with Trevor or if they allow Merryweather forces to overwhelm them during the escape sequence.

Mission Name | Derailed |
Playable Characters | Trevor, Michael |
Primary Objective | Hijack the train and steal the cargo |
Location | Train tracks near Raton Canyon |
Mission Type | Story Mission |
Difficulty | Medium |
Time Limit | None |
Required Equipment | Dirt bike, boat, Weapons (Assault Rifle, sniper) |
Enemies | Merryweather mercenaries |
Cutscenes | Cutscenes before and after the mission |
Rewards | Advances storyline, no cash reward |
Replayable | Yes |
Mission Fail Conditions | Trevor or Michael dies, failing to board the train, failing to retrieve the cargo, being killed by Merryweather |