Grand Theft Auto V’s story mode is an epic adventure filled with action, heists, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re a first-time player or revisiting Los Santos, mastering certain skills can help you breeze through the campaign more efficiently. Here are 16 essential techniques to speed up your progress—no cheats required.

1. Master the Cover System

GTA 5’s gunfights become much easier when you use cover effectively. Tap the cover button near walls or obstacles to avoid enemy fire, then peek out to take precise shots. This minimizes health loss and keeps you alive during intense missions.

2. Upgrade Your Shooting Skill

Visit Ammu-Nation frequently to practice shooting. A higher shooting skill improves accuracy, reload speed, and reduces recoil. This is especially useful for missions with large-scale shootouts.

3. Improve Driving Skills

Each character’s driving skill affects vehicle control. Spend time driving (without crashing) to level it up. Franklin’s special ability makes this even more valuable, allowing for sharper turns during chases.

4. Use Franklin’s Special Ability Wisely

Franklin’s slow-motion driving skill is perfect for high-speed pursuits or tight maneuvers. Save it for critical moments, like escaping the police or dodging traffic during time-sensitive missions.

5. Invest in Stamina

Running out of breath mid-chase can be disastrous. Swim, run, or bike regularly to boost stamina, ensuring your characters can sprint longer when needed.

6. Learn Quick Weapon Switching

Pausing to scroll through weapons wastes time. Assign favorites in the weapon wheel for instant access to your go-to firearms during combat.

7. Utilize Stealth Mechanics

Some missions allow stealth approaches. Crouch and use silenced weapons to take out enemies quietly, avoiding unnecessary firefights.

8. Save Helicopters for Later Missions

Once you unlock Trevor’s airfield, keep helicopters handy. They provide fast travel across the map, cutting down mission downtime.

9. Maximize Heist Preparation

Choosing the right crew and equipment for heists affects payout and difficulty. Invest in better hackers and drivers to make missions smoother.

10. Exploit the Stock Market

After certain missions, stock prices fluctuate. Use this to your advantage by buying low and selling high for extra cash, which can fund better weapons and gear.

11. Switch Characters Strategically

Some missions allow character switching to gain positional advantages. For example, swap to Trevor to snipe enemies from a distance before engaging as Michael.

12. Keep Armor and Snacks Stocked

Armor reduces damage, while snacks (purchased from stores) restore health. Always have both before tough missions.

13. Use Taxis to Skip Long Drives

If you’re replaying missions or need to travel quickly, hail a taxi and skip the ride—this saves time without missing key action.

14. Complete Strangers and Freaks Early

Some side missions unlock useful perks. For example, completing the first few for Solomon Richards unlocks a movie theater as a safe location.

15. Optimize Save Points

Save frequently, especially before high-risk missions. If things go wrong, you can reload instead of replaying long segments.

16. Buy GTA 5 Account with Progress

If you’re short on time, some players opt to buy GTA 5 account saves with story progress. However, ensure you’re purchasing from reputable sources, especially for a GTA 5 account PS5 version, to avoid issues.

By mastering these skills, you’ll dominate Los Santos’ story mode in no time. Whether you’re grinding missions or just enjoying the chaos, these tips will give you the edge. Happy heisting!