GTA 5 introduced us to a very unique mechanic that allows you to switch between different characters in the game. You can choose from three characters: Michael, Franklin, or Trevor at a single time, each with their stats, specials, and backstory. This is a never-before-seen mechanic in the GTA franchise, and hopefully, we will also experience this feature in GTA 6. Although the game starts with Franklin, you’ll unlock the other characters gradually as you progress through the main campaign, allowing you to switch between them. So, if you’re curious about how to switch characters in GTA 5, jump right in.
How to Switch Characters in GTA 5 on PC
Switching characters in GTA 5 is easy on PC, and all it takes is pressing two buttons. There are two ways to do this. Follow the steps below to do so:
- Press and hold the Alt Key on your Keyboard while playing as any of the three characters.
- This will open the character switch wheel at the bottom right of the screen, which is also displayed with the character stats above it.
- Now either hover your Mouse pointer on the one you want to play with or press the arrow keys to select him. Now release the Alt Key.
- This will pan out from the one you’re playing with, show the city’s skyline view, and change the camera to the character you selected.
Remember that the switch will happen faster depending on your PC specs. So, make sure you have checked the GTA 5 PC requirements beforehand. Once the camera is zoomed in three times, you’ll see a cinematic cutscene showing what the selected character was doing at that moment.
How to Mod GTA 5 on PC
Among all three characters, you’ll find Trevor doing the most random and hilarious things that often raise the same question in your mind: how does he even end up in these situations?
How to Switch Characters in GTA 5 on Xbox and PS5
Thankfully, learning how to switch GTA 5 characters on both the Xbox and PS5 is as easy. Simply follow the steps below to do so:
- Playing as any GTA 5 character, press and hold the down key on the D-Pad of your controller. This will open the character wheel menu.
- Use the Right Thumbstick to select the character of your choice and release the D-Pad key.
This starts a similar animation as mentioned above, allowing you to experience all their personalities. In addition to the three characters, you can experience a variety of iconic NPCs in GTA 5. This is done through Director Mode, accessible by pressing the ‘M’ key on PC, the Touchpad on PlayStation, and the View button on Xbox.
How to Switch Characters in GTA Online
Apart from the offline mode, you can switch to an online character of your choice to play in GTA Online mode. The process is the same as switching to another character, and all you need to do is select the down character on the switching wheel. On this wheel, Michael will be on the left, Franklin on top, Trevor on the right, and the GTA Online character at the bottom.
However, to access other created characters or create a new one, you must go to the game’s menu. Once you are in the menu, go to the Online tab and select the Swap Characters option.
Let the game load your data, and you will be in the character selection area. You can create a new character or select another GTA Online character here. Finally, do note that switching characters is limited only when you have no ongoing missions and you don’t have any current wanted stars.
Now that you know how to switch characters easily in GTA 5, launch the game and start playing with your favorite one. So, whose player-switching animations do you like the most? Let us know in the comments below!