3 Star Wanted Level in Grand Theft Auto 5

Three Stars is the third Wanted Level in Grand Theft Auto V

Description

At three stars, the police widen their range of tactics to stop the player. They will set up roadblocks with their police cars and police transporters, which may also set out a spike strip on the road behind them. All officers that spawn when three or more stars are attained will be wearing bulletproof vests. Officers will run up to the player if they are stationary in a vehicle, drag them out, and instantly kill them with their weapon. A Police Maverick helicopter will be called in to shadow the player and provide air support in the form of NOOSE officers that ride on board. At night, the helicopter will shine a spotlight on the player to highlight his/her location to ground units. Police will not attempt a vehicular arrest, unless a pursuit has lasted for approximately one minute without hurting any cop and the player stops their vehicle; however, the police AI will likely kill the player by mindlessly shooting him/her instead. A minimum of four police cars and a police helicopter will be sent after the player at any given time, but when passing a roadblock, officers may get in their vehicles in order to join the chase. The Police helicopter will always stay on station until all riflemen on board are killed, at which point it will return to base; however, it will be replaced by another in short order. Killing a police officer or trespassing on the runways of Los Santos International Airport will instantly give the player a three-stars wanted level.

Triggers

Causes of three-stars wanted level in GTA V include:

  • Pedestrians
    • Continuing to kill people at two stars.
  • Police
    • Running over and killing a law enforcement officer, guard, or soldier.
    • Killing/Injuring a law enforcement officer or soldier, either by fists, melee weapons, or guns.
    • Trespassing behind the information desk, into the staircase, or on the rooftop of the police station in Mission Row.
      • Standing behind or using the police computer on the police counter inside Mission Row.
    • Shooting a criminal during a police shooting (also known as Vigilantism).
    • Shooting a firearm in near proximity of Bolingbroke Penitentiary.
  • Vehicles
    • Destroying a 2nd unoccupied aircraft after 2 stars were given.
    • Continuing to destroy vehicles after 2 stars.
    • Shooting down any aircraft occupied by an officer or soldier.
    • Colliding into an NPC-controlled aircraft and destroying it.
    • Continuously attacking or ramming into several vehicles while already at 2 stars.
  • Miscellaneous Crimes
    • Trespassing on Backlot City before the mission Mr. Richards has been completed.
    • Trespassing at the Kortz Center after closure if the player is spotted by a security guard.
    • Flying over or driving a non-golf vehicle or trespassing on Los Santos Golf Club when it is closed.
      • Refusing to leave the Los Santos Golf Club after a verbal warning has been given.
    • Trespassing on the runways at Los Santos International Airport as Trevor (Patch 1.11 only; otherwise, the player will also earn a wanted level if playing as Michael or Franklin if either character has yet to own a hangar).

Consequences

The consequences of the 3-Stars Wanted level are much more severe than the 2-Star wanted level, and include:

  • Police shoot to kill
  • A Police helicopter joins the chase, and alerts other police forces of your presence. At night, the helicopter will track you with a Spotlight
  • Police move to locations that give them better line of sight
  • Police Cruisers drive more aggressively, and will attempt to ram your vehicle
  • Roadblocks are set up in key locations to try and stop you
  • Sharpshooters will fire at you from a helicopter
  • Police will chase you even in water, using a Predator Boat
  • The overall magnitude of the police efforts is increased
  • Continuing to fight the law in this level will result in a 4-Stars Wanted Level

Vehicles used