12 Things To Do In GTA V After Beating The Story

Grand Theft Auto V remains one of the most successful video games ever, even in 2025, with its vast content and endless replayability. The vibrant city of Los Santos continues to captivate players, packed with activities, secrets, and now enhanced features on next-gen consoles. With Grand Theft Auto VI delayed until May 26, 2026, there's no better time to dive back into Los Santos after beating the main story of Michael, Trevor, and Franklin.

So, what to do in GTA V after story? Here's an updated list of 12 things to keep the chaos going in 2025.

12. Dive into Director Mode and Rockstar Editor

A hidden gem for creative players, Director Mode (unlocked after story completion) lets you embody over 70 characters—from civilians to animals—and stage your own cinematic chaos. Pair it with the Rockstar Editor to record, edit, and share custom movies. In 2025, enhanced editing tools on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S make it easier to create viral clips of epic stunts or absurd scenarios.

Unleash your inner filmmaker in Director Mode!

11. Hunt for Hidden Collectibles

Achieve 100% completion by tracking down all collectibles: 50 spaceship parts, 30 nuclear waste briefcases underwater, 50 letter scraps, and more. These not only boost your progress but unlock rewards like new vehicles and outfits. Use the in-game map or community guides for hints—perfect for solo exploration post-story.

Secrets like these keep the map feeling fresh.

10. GTA Online

The ultimate post-story extension, GTA Online—launched in 2013—boasts a thriving community in 2025 with monthly updates and weekly events. Jump in solo or with friends for heists, races, and business empires. Recent additions include the June 2025 "Money Fronts" DLC, introducing new cars and laundering fronts, plus September's Oktoberfest bonuses and Neighborhood Watch missions. Cross-play on enhanced platforms keeps the lobbies packed.

GTA Online thrives with constant updates and a massive community.

9. Pull off some cool stunts

Open-world physics shine in GTA V—test your sports cars and dirt bikes on 50 Stunt Jumps for 100% completion. Beyond those, improvised spots like sliding down Mount Chiliad on a motorcycle remain timeless thrills. Enhanced gravity and visuals on next-gen hardware make every flip feel smoother.

You've not played GTA to its fullest until you've done some of these stunts!

8. Try your hands at the stock market

Post-story cash flow lets you manipulate Los Santos' economy. Invest in rivals like Clucking Bell, sabotage TacoBomb trucks to spike shares, then cash out big. The LCN and BAWSAQ markets simulate real-world volatility—perfect for strategic downtime.

The game offers an incredibly real economic system.

7. Find all Strangers and Freaks

These side missions add quirky, memorable tales beyond the main story, contributing to 100% completion. From cult antics with the Epsilon Program to barbershop brawls, they're essential for full immersion.

The Strangers and Freaks missions offer many memorable moments—don’t miss out!

6. Obtaining gold medals for all missions

For completionists, the "Solid Gold, Baby" achievement demands 70 gold medals across 69 main missions and 58 Strangers and Freaks. Replay via the menu to nail objectives like headshots and no-damage runs. Skip tough ones like The Paleto Score if needed.

Replay missions to chase those gold medals.

5. Replay heists

Beyond golds, replay heists for variety—switch crews or approaches (subtle vs. loud) to alter payouts and outcomes. It's a fresh take on high-stakes planning every time.

Try different approaches during heists to see how things turn out.

4. Discover all the Easter Eggs and secrets

Los Santos hides ghosts, Bigfoot, aliens, and movie references in obscure spots. From Mount Chiliad's mural mysteries to UFOs at sea, thorough exploration rewards the curious.

Some Easter Eggs involve aliens and more.

3. Have fun with cheat codes

GTA's cheat tradition lives on—spawn tanks, go invincible, or defy gravity. Create a separate save to unleash mayhem without repercussions. Nostalgic nods to Vice City keep it fun.

GTA V also brought back several ridiculous and fun cheat codes from previous entries.

Sometimes it's fun to just go wild.

2. Treat yourself

Flush with cash? Spoil your characters with supercars, yachts, or even military jets via in-game sites. In 2025, next-gen upgrades add ray-tracing for sleeker rides—ironic theft turned legit purchase.

You've got the money—treat yourself to some nice cars!

1. Just have a comfortable life in Los Santos

Now, to wrap our What to do in GTA V after story list.

Los Santos pulses with life—settle into wealth with tennis, golf, darts, or triathlons. Invite NPC friends for company; the city's dynamism makes downtime feel alive.