The Third Way

Faced with the dilemma of choosing between two conflicting paths, the trio decides to take a bold stand against their enemies to escape their chaos.

“The Third Way” is a pivotal mission in Grand Theft Auto V that culminates the story arcs of Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor Philips. This mission offers players the unique opportunity to confront the game’s adversaries head-on, presenting a conclusion that emphasizes teamwork and unity in the face of overwhelming odds.

“The Third Way” is the final mission where Franklin, Trevor, and Michael join forces to take on their enemies, rather than betray each other. Players must eliminate their adversaries, including Devin Weston, Steve Haines, and Wei Cheng, to ensure all three Protagonists survive. This mission is a mix of intense action and strategic teamwork, with each character playing a vital role in neutralizing the multiple threats facing them.

Objectives

• Meet with Lester and discuss the plan to take down the enemies.
• Divide and conquer by eliminating Steve Haines, Devin Weston, and Wei Cheng.
• Coordinate character abilities effectively to combat Merryweather and enemy Gangs.
• Escape the area and regroup after the enemies are neutralized.

Setting

This mission takes place in various Locations around Los Santos, including the Kortz Center, the oil fields, and Devin Weston’s mansion. Each location represents a key battle, with the Characters using the city and surrounding areas as a battleground against Merryweather mercenaries, the FIB, and the Triads. The urban landscape amplifies the mission’s high-stakes action and danger.

Objective 1: Meet the Crew

• Preparation: The mission begins with Franklin, Trevor, and Michael meeting Lester, who proposes “The Third Way” plan to take out all of their enemies. Players will engage in dialogue to understand the motivations of each character and how they aim to resolve their conflicts.
• Character Roles: Players take control of each character during the mission, with Franklin handling Wei Cheng, Trevor targeting Steve Haines, and Michael confronting Devin Weston.

Objective 2: Eliminate the Targets

• Trevor: Take Down Steve Haines: Players switch to Trevor to track down and kill Steve Haines at the Kortz Center, amidst a heavy Merryweather presence.
• Michael: Confront Devin Weston: Michael infiltrates Weston’s mansion to take him down, with enemies guarding the area. Players must deal with Weston’s Security and successfully neutralize him.
• Franklin: Defeat Wei Cheng: Franklin is tasked with eliminating Wei Cheng and his gang in a shootout at the oil fields, facing off against heavy Triad forces.

Objective 3: Escape and Regroup

• Coordinate the Escape: After eliminating the targets, players must guide each character to their designated escape Vehicles and avoid enemy reinforcements.
• Regroup at a Safehouse: The trio regroups to discuss the success of the mission, and players witness the final resolution of the game’s main conflicts.

Mission Conclusion

• Wrap Up: Following the completion of the mission, a cutscene shows the trio reflecting on their actions and the new sense of freedom they’ve achieved by defeating their enemies.
• Rewards: Completing “The Third Way” unlocks the true ending of the game, with all Characters surviving and earning monetary rewards for their efforts.

• The mission title “The Third Way” references the option that allows all three Protagonists to survive, instead of choosing to kill either Michael or Trevor.
• This mission requires players to strategically switch between Characters, utilizing their unique abilities to take down major Antagonists.
• The final battle scenes draw inspiration from classic heist and action films, emphasizing teamwork and character loyalty.
• The mission unlocks the true ending of the game, showcasing the outcome where Michael, Franklin, and Trevor stay alive and maintain their partnership.
• Throughout the mission, players encounter heavy resistance from both Merryweather Security and various enemy Gangs, making it one of the most challenging Missions.
• The Third Way’s completion unlocks the “Solid Gold, Baby!” trophy/achievement, marking the completion of all story Missions in GTA V.
• This mission’s structure emphasizes a closure to all major storylines, as the Antagonists who caused friction for the trio are systematically eliminated.