eXputer

Missionmajor

By the Book

Michael and Dave locate a suspected target while Trevor interrogates Kerimov for identifying information.

RoleStory mission guide
Importancemajor
  • ModeStory Mode
  • TypeStory mission
  • Difficultymoderate
  • Walkthrough steps7

Time and medal conditions vary by route, approach, player count, replay state, and game version.

Key takeaways

Prepare before the opening marker and treat each objective update as a checkpoint.

  • Primary goal Michael and Dave locate a suspected target while Trevor interrogates Kerimov for identifying information.
  • Protect mission-critical assets Avoid unnecessary vehicle damage, friendly fire, or abandoning a required target outside the objective radius.
  • Use protagonist abilities Use Franklin for precision driving, Michael for controlled gunfights, and Trevor for high-damage combat whenever the mission makes them available.
  • Do not rush the final marker Clear pursuit conditions and keep required characters or vehicles together before entering extraction.

Overview

Michael and Dave locate a suspected target while Trevor interrogates Kerimov for identifying information.

Michael and Dave locate a suspected target while Trevor interrogates Kerimov for identifying information.

This Story Mode mission advances the protagonists’ connected storyline. Some neighboring missions can become available simultaneously, so the exact play order may vary.

The walkthrough below separates travel, setup, combat, pursuit, and extraction checkpoints so a failed section can be diagnosed without repeating the same mistake.

Characters in this mission

Where this sits

PreparationDrive Michael and Dave to the first reported location
Core objectiveMove Michael to the final vantage point
CompletionTake Kerimov to the airport and complete Trevor’s decision
  1. 1Three's CompanypreviousPrevious
  2. ●By the BookcurrentCurrent guide
  3. 3Hood SafarinextNext

Branching heist preparations and simultaneous character missions can alter the playable order.

Requirements and recommended loadout

Enter with mission-appropriate ammunition, armor, and a vehicle that can survive the opening travel phase.

  • RequiredComplete the preceding story unlocks
  • RecommendedFull body armor and stocked ammunitionParticularly valuable for missions marked moderate or hard.
  • RecommendedAccurate mid-range weaponA rifle or stable automatic weapon handles most outdoor gunfights.
  • OptionalClose-range backupUseful inside buildings, alleys, and vehicles.
  • RecommendedSave the relevant protagonist abilityUse it for the most difficult chase, driving, or combat checkpoint.

Objectives

  1. Drive Michael and Dave to the first reported location
  2. Switch to Trevor and follow the interrogation prompts
  3. Use the information to narrow down the target
  4. Move Michael to the final vantage point
  5. Identify the correct person from Kerimov’s description
  6. Eliminate the target with a controlled shot
  7. Take Kerimov to the airport and complete Trevor’s decision

Detailed walkthrough

  1. 01

    Drive Michael and Dave to the first reported location

    Drive Michael and Dave to the first reported location

    Drive Michael and Dave to the first reported location. Use the minimap to anticipate turns, preserve the mission vehicle, and prioritize keeping visual contact over risky shortcuts. Once the checkpoint registers, immediately orient toward the next marked objective.

    TipBefore triggering the opening marker, restock armor and ammunition if the mission is expected to involve combat.

    Checkpoint
  2. 02

    Switch to Trevor and follow the interrogation prompts

    Switch to Trevor and follow the interrogation prompts

    Switch to Trevor and follow the interrogation prompts. Use the minimap to anticipate turns, preserve the mission vehicle, and prioritize keeping visual contact over risky shortcuts. Once the checkpoint registers, immediately orient toward the next marked objective.

    Checkpoint
  3. 03

    Use the information to narrow down the target

    Use the information to narrow down the target

    Use the information to narrow down the target. Follow the marked route and wait for the objective prompt to update before leaving the area. Once the checkpoint registers, immediately orient toward the next marked objective.

  4. 04

    Move Michael to the final vantage point

    Move Michael to the final vantage point

    Move Michael to the final vantage point. Follow the marked route and wait for the objective prompt to update before leaving the area. Once the checkpoint registers, immediately orient toward the next marked objective.

    Checkpoint
  5. 05

    Identify the correct person from Kerimov’s description

    Identify the correct person from Kerimov’s description

    Identify the correct person from Kerimov’s description. Center each required subject until the game confirms it; an unregistered photo or scan will prevent the next objective from appearing. Once the checkpoint registers, immediately orient toward the next marked objective.

  6. 06

    Eliminate the target with a controlled shot

    Eliminate the target with a controlled shot

    Eliminate the target with a controlled shot. Move from cover to cover, remove exposed or elevated shooters first, and do not advance until the current flank is secure. Once the checkpoint registers, immediately orient toward the next marked objective.

    Checkpoint
  7. 07

    Take Kerimov to the airport and complete Trevor’s decision

    Take Kerimov to the airport and complete Trevor’s decision

    Take Kerimov to the airport and complete Trevor’s decision. Approach from the safest side, clear immediate threats, and wait for the possession or collection confirmation before moving to extraction. Remain in the final marker until the mission-complete transition begins.

    Checkpoint

Difficult sections and useful strategies

Strengths

  • Frequent objective markers make the intended route readable
  • Character switching or team roles can divide pressure
  • Most combat checkpoints provide cover or a defensible angle

Weaknesses

  • Mission-critical vehicles and allies can fail the attempt
  • Police or enemy reinforcements punish slow extraction
  • Long pursuits can be lost by overcommitting to shortcuts

Best uses

  • Clear enemies from range before moving a required vehicle
  • Use special abilities during the hardest driving or combat segment
  • Restart from the latest checkpoint after a failed gold-medal attempt rather than improvising a damaged route

Completion checklist

  • Drive Michael and Dave to the first reported locationCheckpoint 1
  • Switch to Trevor and follow the interrogation promptsCheckpoint 2
  • Use the information to narrow down the targetCheckpoint 3
  • Move Michael to the final vantage pointCheckpoint 4
  • Identify the correct person from Kerimov’s descriptionCheckpoint 5
  • Eliminate the target with a controlled shotCheckpoint 6
  • Take Kerimov to the airport and complete Trevor’s decisionFinal completion condition

Failure conditions and checkpoints

  • A required protagonist, ally, or protected target dies.Restart from the most recent mission checkpoint.
  • A mission-critical vehicle is destroyed, abandoned, or leaves the playable route.Use the restart option rather than continuing in an unmarked replacement.
  • The target escapes or a timed objective expires.Prioritize route discipline and the primary objective over optional combat.
  • The player is wasted or all shared team lives are exhausted.Story Mode reloads the latest checkpoint.

On failure

Major travel, combat, and transition phases generally create checkpoints, but exact restart placement can vary by approach and replay mode.

Rewards and aftermath

  • Mission completion and progression
    Unlocks the next related story activity, contact, property, or preparation where applicable.

Sources and verification