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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →In GTA 5 Story Mode, hold the character-switch control to open the character wheel, highlight Michael, Franklin, or Trevor, then release to play as that character. On PC, Rockstar lists F5–F8 as the default character shortcuts; on a controller, the default Switch Characters button is down on the D-pad. A quick tap can switch immediately when a mission supports it.
Switch characters in Story Mode
- Hold the character-switch control to open the character wheel.
- Highlight the available protagonist you want: Michael, Franklin, or Trevor. Use the prompts shown on the wheel if you are unsure how to select with your current control layout.
- Release the control to switch to the highlighted character.
Outside missions, Story Mode lets you switch between the protagonists in real time. During a mission, switching is available only when that mission supports it. Rockstar’s support instructions identify the default Switch Characters button as down on the D-pad for a controller or Alt on a keyboard. The Xbox-hosted game help describes holding the control for the wheel and tapping for a quick switch.
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Default controls by platform
| Platform or input | Default control | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| PC keyboard | F5–F8 character shortcuts; Alt is also identified as the default Switch Characters button in Rockstar Support | In Freemode, hold the relevant character shortcut to open the wheel with that character selected, then release. In a mission that supports switching, tap the appropriate shortcut for an immediate switch. |
| Controller | Down on the D-pad | Hold to open the character wheel, then follow its on-screen prompts to select and switch. A tap can quick-switch where supported. |
Rockstar’s PC controls guidance lists F5–F8 as the default character shortcuts and notes that controls can be remapped. If a listed input does not work, check the current control settings in your game; remapped bindings take precedence over defaults.
Freemode and missions behave differently
In Freemode
Hold the switch input to bring up the wheel and choose a protagonist. The default PC shortcut can open the wheel with its corresponding character selected.
#1 Best Overall
- STUNNING VISUALS — Enhanced levels of fidelity and performance with new graphics modes featuring up to 4K resolution, up to 60 frames per second, HDR options, ray tracing, improved texture quality, and more
- FASTER LOADING — Quicker access to the action as the world of Los Santos and Blaine County load in faster than ever before.
- ADAPTIVE TRIGGERS AND HAPTIC FEEDBACK — Feel every moment through the DualSense controller, from directional damage to weather effects, rough road surfaces to explosions, and more.
- TEMPEST 3D AUDIO — Hear the sounds of the world with pinpoint precision: the throttle of a stolen supercar, the rattle of neighbouring gunfire, the roar of a helicopter overhead, and more.
- Please note that although this game is Region Free or Region Unlocked and will work on all systems, this is the European version and may differ from the local version in age rating, labeling or instructions.
During a mission
Some missions let you switch among two or three protagonists, while others do not allow a switch at that moment. When switching is supported, a quick tap of the relevant input can change characters immediately. If it is unavailable, continue with the mission rather than assuming the controls are broken.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Story Mode characters are not GTA Online avatars
These controls switch among Michael, Franklin, and Trevor in Story Mode; they are not the usual way to change between GTA Online avatars. For players who own the standalone version of GTA Online, Rockstar’s Story Mode access instructions say that choosing a Story Mode character on the Character Wheel can prompt a purchase. After purchase, Story Mode can be launched from the landing page’s Story tab.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- GRAND THEFT AUTO V When a young street hustler, a retired bank robber and a terrifying psychopath land themselves in trouble, they must pull off a series of dangerous heists to survive in a city in which they can trust nobody, least of all each other.
- GRAND THEFT AUTO ONLINE Discover an ever-evolving world of choices and ways to play as you climb the criminal ranks of Los Santos and Blaine County in the ultimate shared Online experience.
- THE CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE STARTER PACK The Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack is the fastest way for new GTA Online players to jumpstart their criminal empires with the most exciting and popular content plus $1,000,000 bonus cash to spend in GTA Online - all content valued at over GTA$10,000,000 if purchased separately.
- This game will no longer support Windows 7 or 8 operating systems starting January 30, 2024.
Rank #4
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box.
Rank #3
- The biggest, most dynamic and most diverse open world ever created and now packed with layers of new detail.
- Grand Theft Auto V blends storytelling and gameplay in new ways as players repeatedly jump in and out of the lives of the game's three lead characters, playing all sides of the game's interwoven story.
- Grand Theft Auto V also comes with Grand Theft Auto Online, the dynamic and ever-evolving Grand Theft Auto universe for multiple players.
Rank #2
- Includes the complete grand Theft Auto V story experience
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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