Across the GTA series, there are countless missions. Some of them, truth be told, are tedious, making us wish we could just skip them.
But there are those special few missions, the ones that truly stand out, and you find yourself eager to play them over and over again.
That is why, in this article, we will list the most frequently played and popular missions in the GTA series.
The Best 9 Missions in the GTA Series
We’ve created a list of the best missions in the GTA series that gamers have intended to play repeatedly over the past years. It’s important to note that the list will not be ranked, and each item will be considered equal.
Also, remember that our choices for the top 9 missions in GTA games are based on personal opinions. What we enjoy might be different from what others prefer since everyone has their own favorite types of missions in these games.
So, without any delay, here’s the list of the best missions in the GTA series!
1. Three Leaf Clover – Grand Theft Auto IV
In this mission, Niko and the McReary brothers attempt to rob a bank in the middle of Liberty City.
But things don’t go according to plan, and the crew argues, resulting in one of them being killed. Niko and the remaining gang must then flee on foot as the cops rush in.
After fleeing to the subway, you must navigate the risky tunnels underground before escaping with the cash.
This mission is why GTA V and GTA Online have big heists, as it became one of the most iconic missions in the entire GTA series.
According to Wikipedia, Three Leaf Clover is inspired by the iconic movie “Heat,” specifically, the gunfight following the movie’s heist. It’s action-packed, humorous, and exhilarating.
2. The Big Score – Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V is built around the concept of heists. As mentioned earlier, the GTA IV mission “Three Leaf Clover” marks the beginning of Rockstar’s exploration of heists.
You start by stealing from a jewelry store and then progress to invading the FIB tower and robbing small-town banks.
However, “The Big Score” is the ultimate heist in GTA V, where you’ll be robbing the Union Depository.
There are 2 paths to success: the first involves a stealthy approach where you disguise yourself as a security van driver and go undercover.
The other method involves drilling your way into the vault from underground. Doing this will still result in getting a lot of money and having an exciting time.
3. Wrong Side of the Tracks – Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
In this mission, you’ll see Tenpenny and Pulaski come out of Big Smoke’s garage. It seems like they’re up to something suspicious. Later, you’ll learn what Big Smoke did, but we won’t spoil it for you.
Now, back to the mission. Big Smoke asks CJ to go with him to the train station. Their plan is to disrupt a meeting between the Vagos and San Fierro Rifa, but it goes wrong because someone tipped them off, turning it into an ambush.
The tricky part in this mission is driving a dirt bike as CJ with Big Smoke on the back, catching a train and boarding it using the dirt bike, and taking out Vagos thugs.
To make the mission harder, you must eliminate the Vagos before reaching Frederick Bridge.
Successfully completing this mission showcases your dirt bike skills, as you need to dodge trains and obstacles flawlessly.
The funny thing is, if you miss the train, Big Smoke gets mad and yells, “All we had to do was follow the damn train, CJ.” Which is famous now on the internet and has become a popular meme.
4. Keep Your Friends Close – Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
This is the final mission of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, where there will be an all-out assault at the mansion.
Your ally throughout the story, Lance Vance, betrays you by aligning himself with your one-time boss, Sonny Forelli.
You must pursue Lance until you reach the rooftop, where you will engage in a dramatic and final confrontation.
After that, Tommy returns to the mansion and confronts Sonny. Leading to another battle before you finally complete the game, leaving your mansion in ruins, your friend dead, and your enemies defeated.
5. Dropping In – Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony
Ray Bulgarin orders Luis Lopez to work with his henchman, Timur. He tells Luis that Marki Ashvilli won’t sell him the Liberty City Rampage hockey team.
Therefore, he plans on murdering him to make the owner’s position available. Ray sends Luis and Timur to the Higgins Helitours Heliport, where a helicopter awaits.
He instructs them to fly high above Middle Park so that Luis can parachute onto the roof of the MeTV building in order to infiltrate the building and kill Ashvilli silently.
This mission is packed with high-octane, exciting sequences, including stealth, action, assassination, and thrilling escapes.
To make a getaway, you’ll need to jump off the building, parachute down, and then land on a moving truck, leaving in style.
You will notice that GTA V did the same thing when Franklin jumped off the Maze Tower building with adrenaline junkie Dom.
6. S.A.M – Grand Theft Auto III
S.A.M. is the final mission in Grand Theft Auto III given to protagonist Claude by Yakuza leader Asuka Kasen from a Panlantic Construction Company.
Asuka informs Claude that a plane containing several “SPANK” drug packages is arriving at Francis International Airport in Shoreside Vale.
Asuka advises Claude to travel to the airport by boat to avoid airport security. He then picks up a rocket launcher on the jetty and takes a boat to sail to the southern end of the airport.
He eliminates the Colombian Cartel gang members guarding the airport exit. A short time later, the plane containing the drugs lands at the airport.
Claude destroys the plane with the rocket launcher, scattering the drugs all over the runway.
After the plane is destroyed, Claude retrieves the packages before the police arrive. After escaping from the police, Claude leaves the airport and returns to the construction site with the drugs.
7. The Portland Chainsaw Masquerade – Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Toni drops by Vincenzo’s warehouse in Atlantic Quays after receiving a phone call following JD’s murder.
Vincenzo is at the Atlantic Quays docks, asking Toni for help with a big shipment on a ship. Toni agrees to help, but warns Vincenzo not to trick him again or face consequences.
This might be one of the most challenging missions in the game, as Toni reaches the ship’s hull but is ambushed by Vincenzo’s henchmen wielding chainsaws.
Afterward, Vincenzo enters to check if Toni is dead. When he finds Toni still alive, Vincenzo expresses his anger at Toni for quickly becoming Salvatore’s right-hand man upon his return.
They began exchanging bullets, but Toni ended up winning, killing the traitor, and finally getting his revenge for the betrayal. Toni then left the ship after completing the mission.
8. The Last Stand – Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
The Last Stand is the final storyline mission in GTA Vice City Stories. Victor Vance receives this mission from Ricardo Diaz.
In this mission, Vic fights for his freedom from the drug syndicate of Vice City. You must pilot an attack helicopter and eliminate the guards in the Mendez building.
After that, the guards will manage to take out the helicopter. Vic must complete the mission on foot by eliminating all the enemies.
After clearing all the guards, you must reach the roof, where you will confront Diego Mendez and Martinez.
You need to eliminate both of them to complete the final mission in GTA Vice City Stories successfully.
9. Shifting Weight – Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned
The mission starts with Elizabeta telling Johnny and her associates that she believes the police are pursuing her. She wants the cocaine to be sold as soon as possible.
Johnny, Malc, and DeSean all head to the deal near the basketball courts. During the deal, the female buyer decides to take the drugs without making a payment.
To demonstrate her seriousness, she shoots and blows up Johnny’s bike. In response, Malc kills the female buyer. The other dealer escapes as the police arrive.
Now, Johnny must ride as a passenger on Malc’s bike as they attempt to escape. The police chase them in cars, armored vans, and helicopters.
While Johnny is at the back, he must defend himself, DeSean, and Malc by shooting down the pursuers.
The mission will end as soon as they lose the cops on the bridge right under the freeway.
