How the factions divide up the map, how they relate to the three protagonists, and how they show up when you play online.
What gangs and factions are in GTA 5?+
Street gangs like the Families, Ballas and Vagos, biker clubs like the Lost MC, cartels, government agencies and more. Each entry covers territory and role in the story.
Can I join a gang?+
Not in Story Mode. In GTA Online you can form or join a Motorcycle Club and run gang-style businesses.
Which agencies appear in the game?+
The FIB and IAA drive much of the story, with the LSPD, sheriff and military appearing throughout the world.
Which gangs control which parts of the map?+
South Los Santos is split between the Families, in green around Chamberlain Hills, Strawberry and Forum Drive, and the Ballas, in purple around Davis and Grove Street. The Vagos hold Rancho and East Los Santos in yellow. Smaller Hispanic gangs, the Varrios Los Aztecas and the Marabunta Grande, hold the eastern edges of the city. In Blaine County, The Lost MC runs Stab City, the O'Neil brothers run their ranch and the rednecks and the Altruists fill the gaps.
Crossing into a gang's territory on foot or in the wrong colors draws hostile attention, especially at night. The faction pages describe each territory in plain terms so you know where the lines are.
What is the difference between the FIB, the IAA and NOOSE?+
The FIB is the game's version of the FBI and the agency that drives most of the story through the corrupt agents Steve Haines and Dave Norton. The IAA is the CIA counterpart and the FIB's rival, and several missions have you raiding it on the FIB's behalf. NOOSE is the tactical unit that appears at high wanted levels, the game's version of a SWAT team.
Alongside them the LSPD polices the city and the Sheriff's Department polices Blaine County. All of them respond to your wanted level, and the response gets heavier with every star.
Who are Merryweather and why do they keep turning up?+
Merryweather Security Consulting is a private military company that operates like an army inside San Andreas. Trevor's decision to rob them early in the story makes them a recurring enemy, and their soldiers are the toughest opponents in several missions. In GTA Online they guard cargo, attack businesses and can be hired by other players to attack you.
The faction page covers their founder, their bases and the story missions they appear in without giving the plot away.
Are the cults and the Altruists dangerous?+
The Epsilon Program is a satire of self-help religions and mostly wants Michael's money; it is safe to visit and its long side story is one of the strangest in the game. The Altruist Cult is different. They hide in the mountains, they are cannibals, and Trevor can deliver hitchhikers to them for cash until the relationship ends in a shootout at their camp.
The faction pages spell out which groups are hostile on sight, which are hostile only in missions and which are harmless.
