Wanted Level in GTA V

A Wanted Level in Grand Theft Auto V is a measure of how much the player is wanted by Los Santos and Blaine County law enforcement, and therefore how much force is used against the player. Unlike prior games, Wanted Levels are measured on a five-star scale, with one star being the least aggressive and five stars being the most aggressive and potentially lethal.

Relatively minor crimes committed within sight of the police may attract one star; committing serious crimes, such as killing a police officer, is likely to earn multiple stars outright. Wanted Level stars are cumulative — repeatedly committing "one-star" crimes within sight of police may lead to a two-star rating, and so on.

If the player gets busted, then the player is sent to the nearest police station for processing. Before the player is released, the player must post bail, and the police confiscates all of the player's ammunition and body armor. If the player is at low health and escape is not likely, it is the better option for the player to get wasted, as the player retains his ammunition at a hospital.

As the player's Wanted Level increases, law enforcement spends less energy trying to arrest the player and more trying to kill the player at all costs. As such, it is almost impossible to get arrested at a Wanted Level of three stars or higher, although police will attempt vehicular arrests if the opportunity arises.

Escaping

Outrunning the law

Like Grand Theft Auto IV, the player can outrun law enforcement to escape regardless of the number of Wanted Levels attained; however, unlike GTA IV, the search area is not confined to a specific radius. When the player is being chased by law enforcement, the Radar flashes red and blue and the stars are solid; however, if the police loses sight of the player, then the Radar stops flashing and the stars flash. During this probationary period, nearby police on the radar will have a field of vision (FOV) indicator; typically, officers on foot have the narrowest FOV, ground vehicles have a moderate FOV, and helicopters have the widest FOV. If the player enters any officer's FOV, then the chase is reengaged. If the player manages to enter a secluded area out of police sight, then the player's indicator arrow on the radar changes from white to gray. If the player can stay out of sight for a predetermined period of time, then the player's Wanted status is removed. The amount of time needed to evade the police depends on number of stars attained.

Spray shop

The player can use the spray shop at Los Santos Customs to change their car's color to evade the police. As with GTA IV, the player cannot use the spray shop if they are in sight of the police. Their use completely removes the player's wanted level and advances time.

Swapping vehicles

If the police lose sight of the player, then the player can switch vehicles. This makes the cops less likely to find the player as the police dispatcher relies on the last known location of the player as well as the color, make, and model of the vehicle the player was last seen driving. When swapping a vehicle out of police sight, the player's location arrow on the radar changes from white to gray, indicating that the police does not recognize the player's vehicle; however, if the player remains in an officer's field of vision for too long, then the pursuit is reengaged. At higher wanted levels, swapping vehicles is essential in order to keep police confused and to ensure that the player has a fresh getaway vehicle.

Safehouse

If the player can reach a safehouse and access the save function, then the player's Wanted status is removed.

Wanted Levels

One star

At one star, any law enforcement patrol present will give chase and attempt to arrest the player on sight. Officers only open fire if they feel threatened. While wanted by law enforcement, the player cannot switch protagonists, use a taxi as a passenger, purchase any item in stores, or partake in any side activity.

One star is attained by:

• Attacking a law enforcement officer unarmed or with a melee weapon
• Attacking or killing a civilian
• Damaging or destroying a vehicle
• Discharging a firearm in public
• Stealing any vehicle
• Driving a vehicle with its alarm going off
• Committing vehicular hit-and-run
• Committing arson

Two stars

At two stars, law enforcement officers call for backup, shoot to kill more often and use more aggressive driving techniques to stop the player.

Two stars are attained by:

• Attacking a law enforcement officer with a firearm
• Continuing to physically assault a law enforcement officer
• Resisting arrest
• Killing multiple civilians in a short period of time
• Destroying several vehicles in a short period of time
• Entering Fort Zancudo's restricted airspace

Three stars

At three stars, law enforcement officers begin setting up single-car roadblocks, with officers opening fire as the player approaches. Police Mavericks are dispatched at this level and have sharpshooters equipped with Carbine Rifles on board. If the player is in the water, Predator boats are dispatched.

Three stars are attained by:

• Killing a law enforcement officer with a firearm
• Continuing to resist arrest
• Continuing to cause collateral damage
• Entering Fort Zancudo on the ground
• Entering the tarmac area of Los Santos International Airport without authorization

Four stars

At four stars, FIB and SWAT units join the fray. The player should expect officers with heavy armor, riot gear, and automatic weapons. The FIB and Sheriff's office use Granger SUVs with riot officers hanging on either side with SMGs. Roadblocks utilize additional and heavier police vehicles. If the player is over Fort Zancudo's restricted airspace, then surface-to-air missiles are fired to bring down and neutralize the player.

Four stars are attained by:

• Continuing to retaliate against law enforcement
• Continuing to cause collateral damage
• Remaining in Fort Zancudo's restricted airspace

Five stars

At five stars, survival and escaping is most difficult. On the road, all law enforcement vehicles pursue, fire upon and ram the player's vehicle relentlessly with no regard for collateral damage. On foot, the player must act accordingly to avoid getting neutralized by gunfire.

Five stars are attained by:

• Continuing to retaliate against law enforcement
• Continuing to cause collateral damage

Achievements and Trophies

The player can earn one achievement/trophy related to Wanted Levels: "Three Man Army". To earn the reward, the player must survive a three star or higher Wanted Level for at least three minutes with each protagonist outside of a mission.

Tips

Escaping from law enforcement

• When playing as Franklin Clinton, use his special ability to outrun police.
• Enter secluded alleyways and parking garages to give police the slip.
• Use the RPG to take down police helicopters at higher wanted levels.
• Avoid using motorbikes and open top vehicles at higher levels.

Fighting law enforcement

• Typically, the player should avoid engaging law enforcement in a firefight; however, if a confrontation cannot be avoided, especially during some missions, weapons with a high rate of fire should be used.
  • AP Pistol and Assault Shotgun for close ranges.
  • Submachine Guns for moderately close ranges.
  • Light Machine Guns for moderately long ranges.
  • Assault Rifles for long ranges.
  • Grenade Launcher and the Minigun for removing police vehicles.
• Equip extended magazines to reduce the number of reloads needed, grips to improve accuracy, and scopes to improve range.
• When playing as Trevor Philips, use his special ability to reduce damage received and deal more damage, particularly if the player's health is below 50 percent.
• When playing as Michael De Santa, use his special ability to pick off cops easily.
• Attain headshots for instant kills. This also replenishes Michael and Trevor's special ability meters.
• Neturalize officers with shotguns quickly, as they can kill the player with 1-2 shots at close range.
• Be wary of officers on a "last stand", unable to move but still firing their weapon.
• Ram law enforcement SUVs to force riot officers hanging on the side off.
• Avoid getting stuck into open, dead end alleyways, as that allows the police to easily finish off the player.
• When in a gunfight with the police, make full use of the cover system. Unless the player is proficient in out-of-cover combat, not using it can result in the player getting wasted in a matter of seconds.

Trivia

• The "Three Man Army" achievement/trophy is a reference to the "One Man Army" achievement/trophy from GTA IV.