Random Events

Overview

Random Events are short, unscripted encounters that appear around San Andreas for Michael, Franklin and Trevor. There are 57 in the original Grand Theft Auto V and 60 in the enhanced version, and completing any 14 counts toward 100% completion. The first group becomes available after Pulling Favors, and more unlock as the story moves on, for example after Mr. Philips.

Walkthrough

1. Watch the minimap for a flashing dot. Light blue means friendly, red means hostile and flashing blue and red means you can choose either way.
2. Drive toward the dot to trigger the encounter.
3. Decide how to act. Helping a victim turns the icon light blue, while attacking turns it red.
4. Finish the event, for example by returning stolen property, stopping a robbery, giving someone a ride or fighting off attackers.
5. Collect any reward, which may be cash, an item or a new contact.

Some events repeat, such as robberies, police chases, shootouts and muggings. Others happen only once, including the hitchhiker events that lead to named characters and the Altruist Cult shootout. Certain types, such as Security Vans, Border Patrols and Abandoned Vehicles, can only occur about once per in-game week.

Tips

• Be cautious with abandoned vehicles. One parked Surfer near the Grand Senora airfield is a trap that leaves the player tied to the train tracks, though Trevor's special ability can turn it around.
• If you are chasing 100%, keep track of which unique events you have completed.

Rewards and unlocks

• Variable rewards depending on the event.
• 14 completed events count toward 100% completion.