Where to get a helicopter in GTA 5 Story Mode?
As you progress through the narrative of Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5), you’ll begin to crave the freedom that comes with piloting your own helicopter. Unfortunately, the game doesn’t dispense helicopters like candy early on. You’ll have to work for it – and we’re here to guide you through the various ways to get your hands on a helicopter in GTA 5 Story Mode.
Contents
**Early Alternatives
Before we dive into the main methods, it’s essential to know that the early game doesn’t allow you to purchase or gain access to helicopters. During the initial missions, Michael, Franklin, and Trevor will have to rely on other means of transportation like cars, bikes, or even swimming. However, there are a few unconventional ways to get a short-lived helicopter experience:
• Use the Dusk Till Dawn Mission: Take part in the "Friends Reunited" (Dusk Till Dawn Missions) and complete "The Hotel Assassination." You’ll receive a single-use helicopter ride, although it’s not a freely accessible vehicle.
• Hack the Military Helipad: In the Grapeseed area (near the military base), you can hack the local military helipad without completing the whole story**. This’ll give you temporary access to a helicopter, but only for a short time – and it won’t join your garage.
**Main Methods of Obtaining a Helicopter
From here on, we’ll focus on the more reputable ways to acquire a helicopter in GTA 5 Story Mode:
• Complete Franklin’s Strangers and Freaks Missions: Participate in Franklin’s mission "Blazing Infernos" (Strangers and Freaks) to secure a Tula Launcher. This weaponized helicopter will become available after completing the storyline.
• Deliver the Buzzard on a Job: Take a contract from WarstockCache & Carry (available once you’ve completed the Lester’s Assassination Missions) to deliver a stealth helicopter, the Bugstars Burrito or Buzzard, to the designated location on the map. Completion of the story is mandatory for this method as well.
• Start the Heists: Venture into the Heists scenario, specifically the Eye in the Sky finale. You’ll gain an Emperor hovercraft and a Trojan VTOL interception plane, but without the ability to upgrade or customize them.
Once you’ve completed the mission, you can return the helicopter to the designated pad, and it’ll unlock for future use. Repeat this process to gain up to three helicopters: the Buzzard, Frolic, and the Rapid GT.
**Helicopter Unlocking and Customization: A Quick Guide
After securing the helicopters, you’ll naturally want to customize and manage your fleet. Here are some essential tips:
! Helicopter Locations and Pads:
These are the designated landing platforms for your helicopters:
o Buzzard: Next to the Sandy Shores Airfield
o Frolic: Close to the Pacific Blogs, near the coast line
o Rapid GT: On the edge of the Richman family mansion
! Heli Upgrades and Tune-Ups:
Some helicopters can be upgraded once you’ve unlocked them; others require specific parts – check the WarstockCache & Carry menu for available upgrades and compatibility.
! Helicopter Storage:
Store helicopters in your Hangar (accessible from Fort Zancudo or Beagle Plaza) to spare garage space and protect these valuable assets.
**Conclusion
Acquiring and managing helicopters in GTA 5 Story Mode requires diligence and patience. By learning the various methods, completing missions, and unlocking WarstockCache & Carry menu options, you’ll achieve the freedom to soar with your own fleet of sky-bound vehicles.
