Why GTA V’s ending still sparks debate in 2025: Which one did you choose?

It’s been over a decade since Grand Theft Auto V dropped, yet its ending still divides players like it launched yesterday. Why? The ending. Or rather—the three endings. Rockstar gave players the power to decide how the story concludes, and to this day, that choice continues to divide fans. Here’s why GTA V’s final decision still hits so hard and why your pick might say more about you than you think.
At the climax of GTA V, Franklin Clinton is faced with a brutal choice. Does he:
Each option brings closure, but also leaves scars—on the story and the player.

Trevor is volatile. Killing him feels like restoring order. You’re ridding the world of a loose cannon who’s caused nothing but destruction.
But here’s the catch: you’re betraying a man who, despite his madness, was always real. His loyalty to Franklin, his raw emotions, and his twisted sense of justice made him one of Rockstar’s most iconic creations. Choosing to kill Trevor is often seen as the “safe” ending—but it leaves many with a bitter taste.
Michael is complex. He’s a father figure, a liar, a dreamer, a criminal. Killing him feels colder—more personal. He gave Franklin his start, mentored him, even treated him like family.
Choosing to take him out fractures the emotional core of the game. Sure, Michael made enemies. Sure, he dragged Franklin into deep water. But did he really deserve a knife in the back?
This ending is the most tragic—and maybe the most human.

Let’s be honest—most players picked Deathwish. Why? Because it feels right.
You get the ultimate payoff: Franklin standing up to corrupt forces, saving his friends, and going full vigilante. It’s the Hollywood ending: bullets, betrayal, and brotherhood. You tie up every loose end and ride off with your crew intact.
Rockstar never confirmed a canon ending—but GTA Online’s continuity and the fans’ overwhelming love for Deathwish make it the spiritual winner.
Because GTA V made us care. The final choice wasn’t about stats or trophies—it was about who we’d become after living in Los Santos.
And in 2025, with fans craving deeper narratives and meaningful decisions, GTA V's ending remains a gold standard. It forces introspection: Who do you trust? Who do you sacrifice? What kind of player are you?
So, which one did you choose back then—and would you choose the same today? Drop your answer in the comments below!