GTA 5 The Merryweather Heist best approach, Offshore or Freighter differences explained
The Merryweather Heist is one of the few heists that doesn't require a crew in GTA 5, and the first time we have Michael, Franklin, and Trevor working together.
The plan is to steal a secret device from Merryweather and, therefore, there are two approaches to completing this heist: Offshore and Freighter.
Below you'll learn about the best approach for The Merryweather Heist, along with Offshore and Freighter approach walkthroughs.
On this page:
- Offshore or Freighter? Best approach for The Merryweather Heist in GTA 5
- Crew tips for The Merryweather Heist in GTA 5
- Getaway tips for The Merryweather Heist in GTA 5
- Offshore walkthrough for The Merryweather Heist in GTA 5
- Freighter walkthrough for The Merryweather Heist in GTA 5
- Outcomes for The Merryweather Heist in GTA 5
Offshore or Freighter? The Merryweather Heist best approach explained
When it comes to the Offshore or Freighter choice in The Merryweather Heist, it only affects how the trio collects the device because no money is made. In short - pick which option sounds more interesting to you.
That said - there are different Gold Medal objectives to meet for each approach, and we explain the best crew and getaway options later in the page.
| Approach | Crew | Gold Medal Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Offshore | Michael, Franklin, Trevor | Find the container within 02:00 Complete within 14:30 Eliminate all pursuing Merryweather enemies Escape the pursuing Merryweather enemies in less than 4 minutes |
| Freighter | Michael, Franklin, Trevor | Find the container within 01:00 Kill 12 enemies using stealth attacks Kill 12 enemies with a headshot Finish witha shooting accuracy of at least 80% Get to the ship interior without being detected |
Crew tips for The Merryweather Heist in GTA 5
If you choose Offshore, Trevor suggests that Michael increase his flying skills. This request is optional, and the heist can be completed without any additional grinding.
If you choose Freighter, Trevor calls Franklin and tells him to increase his shooting skills. This request is also optional.
Getaway tips for The Merryweather Heist in GTA 5
This heist is straightforward and doesn't require too much strategy to make your getaway.
If you take the Offshore approach, Franklin has to make sure that all targets are shot down as quickly as possible. If you take the Freighter approach, your skill with a sniper rifle will determine if you survive.
Offshore walkthrough for The Merryweather Heist in GTA 5
Choosing Offshore requires the completion of two missions before The Merryweather Heist: Cargobob and Minisub.
When you're ready, Trevor must steal a cargobob so they can transport the Submersible to the ocean.
Using the Submersible, Trevor looks for the device along the ocean floor and picks it up. Michael then uses the cargobob to lift the Submersible with the device attached to it.
As Michael flies back to shore, they are attacked by Merryweather mercenaries via land, air, and sea. Michael must continue flying while Franklin protects the cargobob by shooting at Merryweather helicopters and land vehicles.
If successful, Michael will fly the cargobob and the Submersible back to the airfield in Sandy Shores. At the airfield, they are met by Lester and Floyd. Lester tells them that they have to send the device back. Trevor reluctantly agrees, and the crew earns no money from the heist.
If you're looking for help with GTA 5 story missions, learn the different outcomes in The Jewel Store Job, The Merryweather Heist, The Big Score and final mission Deathwish. For hijinks out in the open world, there are Strangers and Freaks missions, the military base and spaceship parts to find. Want to explore more beyond the main game? Then play around with GTA 5 cheats, money and stock market and GTA 5 mods.
Freighter walkthrough for The Merryweather Heist in GTA 5
Choosing Freighter requires only one mission to be completed before The Merryweather Heist can start: Minisub.
In this approach, the trio plans to blow up a freighter so that they can loot the secret device from a shipping container.
This approach begins with Michael boards the freighter and places sticky bombs throughout the deck. While Michael is setting the bombs, Franklin protects him from a high vantage point with a sniper rifle.
After Michael successfully plants all the sticky bombs, Franklin is attacked by Merryweather troops and a helicopter. He must survive the onslaught before they can blow up the freighter. Using the night vision view during the gunfight will help you to see all the gunmen.
Once the bombs are detonated, Michael dives into the ocean to locate the device. Trevor then uses the Submersible to collect the device and take it to a safe spot along the shore.
As they exit their vehicles, they are met by Lester and Floyd. Lester tells them that they have to send the device back. Trevor reluctantly agrees, and the crew earns no money from the heist.
Whichever route you choose - best of luck completing The Merryweather Heist in GTA 5!
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