In Grand Theft Auto V, Random Events are short free roam missions that appear randomly when traveling throughout San Andreas, and can be triggered by any of the three protagonists.

There are a total of 60 Random Events in Grand Theft Auto V, 3 of which are exclusive to the Enhanced Edition of the game for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. These missions are optional, but completing at least 14 of these random events is required for 100% Completion.

The GTA 5 Random Events are shown on the map by either a blue dot (for someone who needs help) or a red dot (for an enemy that needs to be stopped), and allow the player to make a choice between helping or hindering the person.

Most of them become available after the mission "Complications" or "Pulling Favors", and they can spawn at any time, whether it be day or night. Many of these random events will reappear throughout the game, such as Security Van encounters or Mugging events. Some others, however, such as those that lead to meeting new special characters, are unique and will not respawn after being completed.

You can use the Rockstar Social Club checklist to keep track of which Random Events you have completed.

All Random Events in GTA 5: Video Walkthrough

GTA 5 Random Events: Full List

In this guide, you find a full list of all the GTA 5 Random Events, along with their locations, rewards, and requirements:

1. Abandoned Vehicle 1

A Surfer van is found on a dirt road near the airfield. As the protagonist approaches, a man will appear behind the player and stun him with a stun gun. The player then wakes up wearing only underwear over a railway line with a train approaching.

If the player is using Trevor, they can quickly activate his special ability to negate the Stun Gun's effects, and then can kill the attacker and steal the weapon.

Location: Smoke Tree Road, in the Grand Senora Desert

Rewards: Stun Gun, if the player is using Trevor and activates his special ability to negate the stun gun's effect


2. Abandoned Vehicle 2

A Journey van is parked on a dirt road in the wind farm. Inside, a couple of male rednecks are having sexual intercourse and, if disturbed, will turn hostile and try to shoot the protagonist.

Location: RON Alternates Wind Farm

No Rewards


3. Arrests 1

The player finds a cop chasing a criminal. They have the choice of shooting the criminal's leg to help the cop capture him, or killing the cop and helping the criminal escape.

Location: Beside the O'Neil's Farm, Grapeseed

Rewards: $250 and 2 Wanted stars for helping the criminal, nothing otherwise.


4. Arrests 2

The player finds a park ranger chasing a criminal. They have the choice of shooting the criminal's leg to help the cop capture him, or killing the cop and helping the criminal escape.

Location: Senora Freeway, RON Alternates Wind Farm, near Rex's Diner

Rewards: $250 and 2 Wanted stars for helping the criminal, nothing otherwise.


5. ATM Robbery

The player finds a mugger stealing a pedestrian's wallet while they are withdrawing money from the ATM. The player needs to chase down the thief and either return the wallet or keep it for themselves.

Location: At different ATMs around San Andreas

Rewards: If the player keeps the cash, they get between $500 and $2000. If they return it, they will be awarded a Full Special Bar meter and 10% of the wallet's cash ($50-$200)


6. Bike Thief City 1

A thief will steal the bike of a man. The player needs to chase down the thief and return the bicycle to the owner.

Location: Little Bighorn Avenue, Rancho

Rewards: The protagonist receives +3 Stamina stats. After a short period, the player also receives an e-mail mentioning that $100,000 in Animal Ark stocks have been placed on the protagonist's name on the LCN-Exchange.com website.


7. Bike Thief City 2

A thief will steal the bike of a pedestrian. The player needs to chase down the thief and return the bicycle to the owner.

Location: Bridge Street, Hawick

Rewards: The protagonist receives +3 Stamina stats.


8. Border Patrol 1

A group of rednecks appears driving motorcycles and ambush the protagonist, mistaking him for a foreigner. The player needs to kill all of them to complete the random event.

Location: Mount Haan Road, Grand Senora Desert

Rewards: Up to $700 in money drops


9. Border Patrol 2

A group of rednecks appears driving motorcycles and ambush the protagonist, mistaking him for a foreigner. The player needs to kill all of them to complete the random event.

Location: Tataviam Mountains

Rewards: Up to $700 in money drops


10. Border Patrol 3

A group of rednecks appears driving motorcycles and ambush the protagonist, mistaking him for a foreigner. The player needs to kill all of them to complete the random event.

Location: Raton Canyon

Rewards: Up to $700 in money drops


11. Burial

The protagonist finds two men who are attempting to bury a woman alive. Kill them and then take the woman home.

Location: North Point, Paleto Bay, Blaine County

Rewards: The protagonist receives a full special meter. Additionally, the victim's family will gift the player $60,000 at a later point in the game.


12. Bus Tour

The protagonist can take a tour around the city for a small fee. Although it is listed as a random event, it appears on the map with a unique icon that resembles a tour bus and appears regularly.

This random even only appears during the daytime hours

Location: Alta Street, Downtown Vinewood

No Rewards


13. Car Theft 1

A woman has her car stolen on the Great Ocean Highway. The player can chase down the criminal and return the car to the woman, or steal it for themselves.

Location: Great Ocean Highway, North Chumash, near Hookies

Rewards: The player can steal the unique Pink Peyote or return it for +5 Driving Skill


14. Car Theft 2

A woman has her car stolen near the Los Santos International Airport. The player can chase down the criminal and return the car to the woman, or steal it for themselves.

Location: Exceptionalists Way, Los Santos International Airport

Rewards: The player can steal the unique dark red Rocoto or return it for +5 Driving Skill. Additionally, the woman will e-mail the protagonist, mentioning that she's delivered a luxury suit to the player's wardrobe.


15. Chase Thieves City 1

A group of Lost MC members is stealing from a store next to the SubUrban in Hawick. The player needs to kill them and take back the cash stolen, to return it or keep it for themselves.

Location: Hawick Avenue, Hawick

Rewards: If the player keeps the cash, they earn $2000. Otherwise, if they return the cash, they earn $200 and a full special meter. The player can then also kill the victim for another $452.


16. Chase Thieves City 2

A group of Lost MC members will steal the wallet of a pedestrian and escape on Motorcycles. The player needs to kill them and take back the cash stolen, to return it or keep it for themselves.

Location: San Andreas Avenue, Textile City

Rewards: If the player keeps the cash, they earn $500. Otherwise, if they return the cash, they earn $50 and a full special meter. The player can then also kill the victim for another $91.


17. Chase Thieves Country 1

A group of Lost MC members will steal the wallet of a pedestrian and escape in a Van. The player needs to kill them and take back the cash stolen, to return it or keep it for themselves.

Location: Grapeseed Main Street, Grapeseed

Rewards: If the player keeps the cash, they earn $250. Otherwise, if they return the cash, they earn $25 and a full special meter. The player can then also kill the victim for another $76.


18. Chase Thieves Country 2

A group of Lost MC members will steal the wallet of a pedestrian and escape in a Van. The player needs to kill them and take back the cash stolen, to return it or keep it for themselves.

Location: Route 68, Grand Senora Desert, near Checkout!

Rewards: If the player keeps the cash, they earn $120. Otherwise, if they return the cash, they earn $12 and a full special meter. The player can then also kill the victim for another $30.


19. Construction Accident

A laborer is found trapped inside a Utility Truck after some pipes fall on top of the truck, blocking the doors. The player must use a Dozer to push the pipes away, allowing the man to escape before the truck explodes.

Location: Calais Avenue, Little Seoul

Rewards: The protagonist receives +2 Driving stats


20. Countryside Gang Fight

The protagonist finds a man in the middle of a shootout with members of the Lost MC. After the player saves him and follows him to his car, a new group of Lost MC members will appear on Motorcycles and start shooting. Kill them all to complete the event.

Location: Marina Drive, Alamo Sea (Only for Michael or Franklin)

Rewards: $1000 if the victim is saved


21. Countryside Robbery

The protagonist finds themselves in a shootout between cops and a few criminals. The player can wait until the criminals are killed by the rangers, then steal their briefcases, or help the criminals, who will leave some money for the player as they make their escape.

Location: Route 68, Harmony

Rewards: If the criminals are killed, the player can earn $5000 per briefcase collected. If the criminals are helped, the player can earn up to $10,000 in dropped money.


22. Crash Rescue

The protagonist finds a crashed-out car on the Great Ocean Highway. There is one survivor of the crash, and the player needs to take her quickly to her destination before she dies from her wounds.

Location: Great Ocean Highway, Mount Chiliad (Available after the mission The Jewel Store Job)

Rewards: Unlocks Taliana Martinez as a getaway driver


23. Deal Gone Wrong

The protagonist finds a group of mortally wounded gangsters who appear to have been in a shootout. One of them will talk about a briefcase at the bottom of the hill before he passes away. Grab it and leave the area. A short time later, a rival gang will appear, attempting to take the briefcase from the player, who will have to kill them or escape to complete the random event.

Location: Chiliad Mountain State Wilderness, near the Great Ocean Highway

Rewards: $25,000 in the briefcase, and up to an extra $1000 from the pursuers


24. Domestic

The protagonist finds a man being kicked out of his house by his wife. Wait for him, then give him a lift to the Los Santos Golf Club.

Location: Didion Drive, Vinewood Hills

Rewards: $80. Additionally, Castro Lagano becomes available as a golf opponent at the Los Santos Golf Club.

*If playing as Trevor, the player can deliver the passenger to the Altruist Cult, being rewarded $1000 for them


25. Drug Shootout

The protagonist finds a group of bandits protecting their farm. Kill them and grab a briefcase from a nearby shed to complete the random event.

Location: Mount Chiliad, Blaine County (Only for Trevor)

Rewards: Up to $70,000


26. Drunk Driver 1

The player finds a man trying to take his drunk friend home. Give the drunk man a lift to his home in Alta Place, Hawick.

Location: Aguja Street, La Puerta

Rewards: $80 and the man's Baller.

*If playing as Trevor, the player can deliver the passenger to the Altruist Cult, being rewarded $1000 for them


27. Drunk Driver 2

A drunk couple is trying to get back to their motel. Give them a lift to the motel on Route 68.

Location: Armadillo Avenue, Sandy Shores

Rewards: $40 and the couple's Emperor.

*If playing as Trevor, the player can deliver the passengers to the Altruist Cult, being rewarded $1000 for each.


28. Escape Paparazzi

The protagonist finds Lacey Jonas surrounded by paparazzi and asking for help. The player needs to find a vehicle and lose the paparazzi without hurting any of them, then take Lacey home.

If the protagonist takes the Vader or the Cavalcade near the paparazzi, they will mistake him for a celebrity, depending on the character: Michael for Mitch Dexter, Franklin for MC Clip, Tony McTony, and Trevor for Jock Cranley.

Location: Vinewood Boulevard, Downtown Vinewood

Rewards: $750

*If playing as Trevor, the player can deliver the passenger to the Altruist Cult, being rewarded $1000 for them


29. Gang Intimidation

The protagonist finds a woman asking for help. The player follows her and finds out that it's actually an ambush by a bunch of armed criminals. Kill them all to complete the random event.

Location: El Rancho Boulevard and Fudge Lane, El Burro Heights

Rewards: $200-$500 in dropped money


30. Getaway Driver

The protagonist finds two robbers trying to find a vehicle to escape after robbing a drug store. The player can help them and take the robbers to their destination, or kill the pair.

Location: Corner of Strawberry Avenue and Forum Drive, Strawberry

Rewards: If the thieves are helped: $1000 and Patrick McReary as a heist crew member, otherwise, between $800-$2000 in dropped money.


31. Hitch Lift 1

The protagonist finds a man at the side of the Great Ocean Highway, near his broken-down car. He asks to be taken to his destination in less than 2 in-game hours (2 minutes) to complete the random event.

Location: Ineseno Road, Banham Canyon

Rewards: The protagonist earns +5 Driving Skill and $100. Additionally, the man mentions Tinkle stocks will increase on Bawsaq.com, allowing the player a profit of up to 30%


32. Hitch Lift 2

The protagonist finds a woman named Ursula, asking for a lift home.

Location: North Calafia Way, Mount Chiliad (Only for Franklin or Trevor)

Rewards: The protagonist earns +5 Driving Skill and a new Booty Call option.


33. Hitch Lift 3

The protagonist finds a girl asking for a lift at the side of the road. Give her a ride to her destination, then beat her abusive boyfriend to complete the random event.

Location: East Joshua Road and San Chinaski Mountain Range

Rewards: The protagonist earns +5 Driving skill

*If playing as Trevor, the player can deliver the passenger to the Altruist Cult, being rewarded $1000 for them


34. Hitch Lift 4

The protagonist finds a bride running away from her wedding. She asks for a lift home, but halfway through the drive, the groom appears, attempting to attack the player. Lose him out of sight or get out of the car and beat him (without killing him), then take the bride home to complete the random event.

Location: Route 68, Great Chaparral

Rewards: The protagonist earns +5 Driving skill

*If playing as Trevor, the player can deliver the passenger to the Altruist Cult, being rewarded $1000 for them


35. Luring Girl into Alley

The protagonist finds a girl asking for help. They follow her, but it turns out it is actually an ambush set up by her and a man. Kill them both to complete the random event.

Location: Supply Street, La Mesa

Rewards: Between $10-$50 in dropped money.


36. Mugging 1

A random thief is attempting to steal the wallet of a pedestrian. The player will chase down the thief and can choose between returning the money or keeping it for themselves.

Location: Chamberlain Hills, Strawberry Avenue

Rewards: $200 if keeping the cash, or $20 and a full special meter if the player returns the cash. The victim can also be killed afterward for an extra 91$.


37. Mugging 2

A mugger is attacking a woman in an alley. The player must kill them first before he manages to kill the woman.

Location: Meteor Street, Hawick

No Rewards


38. Mugging 3

A random thief is attempting to steal the wallet of a pedestrian. The player will chase down the thief and can choose between returning the money or keeping it for themselves.

Location: Vespucci Boulevard, Pillbox Hill

Rewards: $2000 if keeping the cash, or $200 and a full special meter if the player returns the cash. The victim can also be killed afterward for an extra 390$.


39. Prisoner Lift 1

A prisoner is asking for a lift. The player must take them to the destination and lose the cops who appear halfway through the drive.

Location: Grand Senora Desert, north of Bolingbroke Penitentiary (Only for Michael or Franklin)

Rewards: The protagonist earns +3 Driving Skill


40. Prisoner Lift 2

A prisoner is asking for a lift, but it turns out to be an ambush, and he steals the player's vehicle. Kill him to complete the random event.

Location: Grand Senora Desert, south of Bolingbroke Penitentiary

No Rewards


41. Rogue Altruists

The protagonist finds a girl being attacked by members of the Altruist Cult. Kill them and give the girl a lift home to complete the random event.

Location: Baytree Canyon Road, Grand Senora Desert (Only for Michael or Franklin)

Rewards: $80


42. Security Van 1

There are several Random Events involving Security Vans that can be found in Los Santos.

This van will be parked at a gas station, with the guard about to place the money briefcase inside the vehicle.

Location: between Innocence Boulevard and Alta Street, La Puerta

Rewards: $3000-$8000


43. Security Van 2

The van will be parked at the Lucky Plucker restaurant, with the guard about to place the money briefcase inside the vehicle.

Location: Vespucci Boulevard, Little Seoul

Rewards: $3000-$8000


44. Security Van 3

The van will be parked at the west end of Paleto Boulevard, with the guard about to place the money briefcase inside the vehicle.

Location: Paleto Bay

Rewards: $3000-$8000


45. Security Van 4

The van will be parked in a small parking lot, with the guard about to place the money briefcase inside the vehicle.

Location: Adam's Apple Boulevard, Little Seoul

Rewards: $3000-$8000


46. Security Van 5

The van will be driving north along Prosperity Street. Blow the rear doors open with a sticky bomb, or shoot them until they burst open.

Location: Prosperity Street, Vespucci Canals

Rewards: $3000-$8000


47. Security Van 6

The van will be driving east along San Andreas Avenue, near the Hit 'n' Run Coffe. Blow the rear doors open with a sticky bomb, or shoot them until they burst open.

Location: San Andreas Avenue, Little Seoul

Rewards: $3000-$8000


48. Security Van 7

The van will be driving north along Chianski Passage, near the guard post in the middle of the road. Blow the rear doors open with a sticky bomb, or shoot them until they burst open.

Location: Chianski Passage, San Chianski Mountain Range

Rewards: $3000-$8000


49. Security Van 8

The van will be driving south along the Great Ocean Highway, near Route 68. Blow the rear doors open with a sticky bomb, or shoot them until they burst open.

Location: Great Ocean Highway, Tongva Hills

Rewards: $3000-$8000


50. Security Van 9

The van will be driving west along El Rancho Boulevard, near Orchardville Avenue. Blow the rear doors open with a sticky bomb, or shoot them until they burst open.

Location: El Rancho Boulevard, Cypress Flats

Rewards: $3000-$8000


51. Security Van 10

The van will be driving south along Supply Street, near Popular Street. Blow the rear doors open with a sticky bomb, or shoot them until they burst open.

Location: Supply Street, La Mesa

Rewards: $3000-$8000


52. Shop Robbery 1

The protagonist enters the Bob Mulet Barber Shop and finds out it is being robbed. The player must then wait until the robbers leave and chase after them, shooting them through their car's window to kill them. The bag of cash can then be returned to the shop or kept by the player.

Location: Eastbourne Way, Rockford Hills

Rewards: $2000 if keeping the cash


53. Shop Robbery 2

The protagonist enters a SubUrban store and finds out it is being robbed. The player must then wait until the robbers leave and chase after them, shooting to stop them from escaping. The bag of cash can then be returned to the shop or kept by the player.

Location: Prosperity Street Promenade, Del Perro

Rewards: $2000 if keeping the cash, or a 25% discount at the next SubUrban purchase if the money is returned


54. Simeon Yetarian

The protagonist enters the Premium Deluxe Motorsport dealership and is noticed by Simeon, who will send some goons to kill the player. Kill the goons and, optionally, Simeon, to complete the random encounter.

Location: Adam's Apple Boulevard and Power Street, Strawberry (Only for Michael or Franklin, available only between Friend Request and The Jewel Store Job)

No Rewards


55. Snatched

The player finds a girl being kidnapped by the Lost MC. Kill the members to rescue the girl, then take her to her destination, killing all the Lost MC members who appear on the way there.

Location: South Mo Milton Drive, Vinewood Hills

No Rewards

*If playing as Trevor, the player can deliver the passenger to the Altruist Cult, being rewarded $1000 for them


56. Sports Bike Thief

A thief is attempting to steal the sports bike of a citizen. The player must chase after them and retrieve the bike, and then can choose to return it or keep it for themselves.

Location: North Rockford Drive, Richman

Rewards: The player can keep the Bati 801 or return it for +5 Driving Skill


57. Stag Do Running Man

The protagonist finds a man tied to an electric post at the side of the road. They must free him and take him home, then go to the Hookies bar and to the man's wedding in Paleto Bay, all under 5 in-game hours.

Location: Route 68, Great Chaparral

Rewards: A white Super Diamond


Exclusive Random Events For Enhanced Edition

The following Random Events are exclusive to returning players on the Enhanced Edition of GTA 5 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC:

58. Duel

The protagonist finds a Duke O'Death parked near a gas station west of the Los Santos Customs. Entering the car will prompt a gang of rednecks to attack the player, who will arrive in Phantoms and Dubstas. Kill them all to complete the random event.

Location: Route 68, Grand Senora Desert

Rewards: Two Duke O' Deaths will spawn on the map, one in El Burro Heights and one in the Grand Senora Desert.


59. Sea Plane

A Dodo Seaplane is found inside the cave, with a group of gangsters guarding it in two Squalos or Tropics. Once the player enters the plane, a new group of gangsters will appear. Killing them all will result in the completion of the random event.

Location: Cave in the cove, east of the RON Alternates Wind Farm (Available after the mission Nervous Ron)

Rewards: Two Dodo Seaplanes will spawn on the map, one docked at a lake in Vinewood Hills, and the other at the Alamo Sea, docked at Galilee.


60. Monkey Mosaic

The protagonist finds the street artist painting another mosaic on a wall, wearing a monkey mask and a hoodie. Photograph him as he runs away to complete the event.

Location: Near the Los Santos Customs in Burton (Available after photographing all 50 monkey mosaics)

Rewards: The Go Go Monkey Blista will be available in the protagonist's garages after receipt of a message from the Space Monkey company.


What to do if a Random Event doesn't spawn?

All random events begin to spawn at a certain point in the storyline - most of them become available after the mission "Complications" or "Pulling Favors", although some begin appearing at later points in the game (for example, Crash Rescue).

In addition, these events can spawn at any time, whether it be day or night. The only exception to this is the Bus Tour, which can only be encountered during the daytime.

If you're sure that a specific Random Event should appear, but it doesn't, here are some things you can try to do:

  • Complete or replay a story mission.
  • Participate in a hobby or pastime.
  • Wait a few in-game hours in a different location
  • Save and reload the game before re-visiting the location

Random Events: Important Encounters

There are a few Random Events that are very beneficial to complete before certain events in-game. They allow the player to meet Heist Crew Members that have high skills and take a lower heist cut.

  1. Crash Rescue - Complete this event before the Bureau Raid for a very cheap and highly-skilled getaway driver for your heists.
  2. Getaway Driver - Complete this event before the Jewel Store Job for a highly-skilled and relatively cheap gunman.

Random Events: Extra Money

There are several Random Events that over a great amount of cash to the player, and it is recommended to complete them before increasing the player's cash via the Assassinations Missions.

  1. Bike Thief City 1 - The man will send the player $100,000 worth of Animal Ark stocks on the LCN-Exchange website.
  2. Burial - The woman's family will send the player $60,000.
  3. Deal Gone Wrong - The briefcase found by the player contains $25,000
  4. Drug Shootout - The briefcase found by the player contains $70,000.
    After completing the final mission and receiving the final heist's payout, the player can increase the protagonist's balance by around 30%
  5. Hitch Lift 1 - Invest every protagonist's money in Tinkle stocks on Bawsaq.com BEFORE completing this encounter. Afterward, wait for the Tinkle stocks to increase by 30% and sell them all.

Random Events: Altruist Cult

Taking 4 people to the Altruist Camp will enable an extra event where Trevor must kill the Altruists, and can find $25,000 in four different briefcases around the camp (a total of $100,000).

Despite this, it is important not to take the wrong encounters to the Altruist Camp, as some events can offer big monetary or other unique rewards as we've seen above.

Here is a list of the Random Events that can be taken to the Altruist Camp:

  1. Drunk Driver 2 - Two people can be taken to the Altruists at the same time, their usual reward being 40$. The Altruists award $2000 for them.
  2. Snatched - The girl offers no reward normally, while the Altruists give $1000 for her.
  3. Hitch Lift 3 - The girl can be taken to the Altruists, as completing her encounter normally only offers +5 driving skills.
  4. Hitch Lift 4 - The bride can be taken to the Altruists, as completing her encounter normally only offers +5 driving skills.
  5. Drunk Driver 1 - The man normally only offers 80$ for being taken home, while the Altruists give $1000.
  6. Escape Paparazzi - Lacey normally offers the player $750, while the Altruists give $1000.

The following encounters should normally NOT be taken to the Altruist Camp, as their rewards are more significant than the money offered by the Altruists:

  1. Burial - The woman's family sends the player $60,000 for saving her.
  2. Domestic - Castro becomes available as a Golf opponent if helped.
  3. Getaway Driver - Patrick McReary becomes available as a Heist Crew Gunman if helped.
  4. Crash Rescue - Taliana Martinez becomes available as a Getaway Driver for your heists.
  5. Hitch Lift 2 - Ursula becomes available as a Booty Call option if helped.

GTA 5 Random Events: Map Locations

Below you can find the full map of all the GTA 5 Random Events locations in Grand Theft Auto V, courtesy of gamepressure.com. Click on the image to enlarge it at full size.

GTA 5 random events - map locations

You need to encounter at least 14 Random Events for 100% Completion of the game.

You can use the Rockstar Social Club checklist to keep track of which GTA 5 Random Events you have completed.

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