How to Start the Mission
To start this mission, Tommy needs to go to a payphone inside Escobar International Airport. Mr. Black will call him, giving him the mission details. He tells Tommy that a sniper rifle has been left nearby, which is essential for completing the first objective. Most players usually pick up the sniper rifle immediately, as it allows them to remain at a safe distance while observing the target.
Understanding Your Objectives
The mission has clear objectives that must be followed in sequence:
Retrieve the Sniper Rifle: The rifle is located close to the payphone. Picking it up is mandatory; players who skip this step will fail the mission.
Watch the Woman on the Balcony: A woman stands above the check-in desk. She will walk down the escalators and interact with a man carrying a briefcase. Most players find it helpful to use the distance bar in the upper right corner of the screen to ensure Tommy stays far enough from the target.
Wait for the Conversation to End: Timing is critical. You must wait until the woman finishes speaking to the target before taking the shot. Shooting too early or hitting the woman will result in mission failure.
Assassinate the Target: Once the conversation ends, eliminate the man with the briefcase. Avoid killing anyone else in the area. Experienced players often aim carefully from a distance, making use of cover and positioning to minimize risk.
Retrieve the Briefcase: After the target is down, pick up the briefcase. This is the main objective that connects the assassination to the next part of the mission.
Deliver the Briefcase to Ammu-Nation in Downtown: The final step involves evading pursuing gunmen and police while transporting the briefcase to the designated store. Players usually drive a fast car or take side streets to avoid confrontation, though the chase is manageable with moderate caution.
Practical Tips from Experienced Players
In practice, this mission requires both patience and planning. Here are some insights based on common gameplay behavior:
Keep Your Distance: Using the sniper rifle effectively means staying away from the action. Most players try to find a high vantage point in the airport to maximize visibility and minimize exposure.
Watch the Timing: Waiting for the woman to finish her conversation is crucial. Rushing the shot usually leads to failing the mission.
Avoid Collateral Damage: Killing the wrong NPC, especially the woman, results in mission failure. Experienced players focus on lining up a clear shot and double-checking the target before pulling the trigger.
Escape Strategy: After grabbing the briefcase, your route to Ammu-Nation matters. Using side roads or alleyways often reduces police interference. Some players even pre-plan a getaway vehicle near the airport to make the delivery smoother.
Weapon Pickup Alternatives: While most players take the sniper rifle from the designated spot, it’s possible to retrieve weapons through alternative methods. For example, walking close to the windows at the airport or using a vehicle to bypass security can work, though these methods are riskier.
For those who enjoy experimenting with GTA 5 modded accounts pc, this mission can also be attempted with custom setups, such as increased sniper range or enhanced vehicle handling. However, these are not necessary for completing the mission and may change the dynamics slightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced players can make errors during this mission. Here’s what to watch out for:
Shooting Early: Hitting the target before the woman finishes her conversation is a frequent mistake. Be patient.
Collateral Damage: Accidentally hitting the woman or other NPCs can immediately end the mission.
Getting Too Close: Failing to monitor the distance bar often leads to unnecessary confrontations with guards or police.
Ignoring the Escape Route: Many players focus on the assassination but forget to plan their exit. Taking a wrong turn can result in losing the briefcase or attracting heavy police attention.
By following these tips, the mission can usually be completed smoothly on the first attempt.
Post-Mission Details
After completing “The Shootist,” players receive a follow-up phone call from Mr. Black. This occurs only if the mission is completed in the correct order. These calls provide extra context for the storyline and often hint at the next mission objectives.
Additionally, the businessman's gunmen are unique in that they drive black Admirals, vehicles that only appear in a few missions. Knowing this can help players recognize threats quickly and plan their escape.
The airport assassination mission in GTA 5 is a mix of strategy, timing, and precision. Most players find success by keeping a safe distance, carefully timing the shot, and planning their escape. By understanding the sequence of objectives and learning from common mistakes, completing this mission becomes a manageable challenge rather than a frustrating hurdle. Whether you are playing on a standard account or exploring GTA 5 modded accounts pc, these tips will help you finish the mission efficiently and safely.
