GTA 5: A Complete Guide to the "Reuniting the Family" Mission

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If you're progressing through the story of Grand Theft Auto V, the mission "Reuniting the Family" is a pivotal moment for Michael De Santa. This guide breaks down what happens, what it changes, and what most players do to get the most out of it.

What is the main goal of the "Reuniting the Family" mission?

The objective is straightforward: Michael, motivated by a heart-to-heart with his son Jimmy, sets out to gather his estranged wife and daughter to attempt a family reconciliation. In practice, you will drive to three specific locations in a set order: the Bean Machine coffee shop to retrieve Amanda, the Blazing Tattoo parlor to find Tracey, and finally Dr. Friedlander's office for a therapy session. The mission ends with you driving everyone back to Michael's house.

What are the Gold Medal requirements, and are they hard?

The Gold Medal for this mission has two clear objectives. First, you must complete the entire mission within 10 minutes and 30 seconds. Second, you must skip all cutscenes. For most players, the time limit is the main challenge. The key is to drive efficiently and avoid any unnecessary detours or accidents. Using a fast car from Michael's garage and taking relatively direct routes (like the highway from Vinewood to Pacific Bluffs) usually makes the time limit manageable. Skipping cutscenes is a simple button press and is necessary to save the required minutes.

What actually happens during the mission?

The mission is heavily story-driven. At the Bean Machine, Michael confronts Amanda and her yoga instructor boyfriend, Fabien. After Fabien insults the family, Michael famously smashes a Fruit laptop into his face, which surprisingly impresses Amanda.

At the tattoo parlor, Michael finds Tracey being exploited by the TV host Lazlow. Enraged, Michael forcibly gives Lazlow several piercings, a tattoo of a penis, and cuts off his ponytail. This violent display of protection wins Tracey over.

The family then attends a chaotic therapy session with Dr. Friedlander where they all argue. However, once outside, Amanda agrees to return home, setting the stage for Michael's home life to change.

What changes in the game after completing this mission?

This mission triggers significant, permanent changes to Michael's world:

Family Dynamics: Michael's home life improves. His switch-screen scenes show the family together more harmoniously. Interactions with Amanda, Jimmy, and Tracey become more positive. You can play tennis with Amanda again.

A New Restriction: Amanda will ask Michael to stop seeing prostitutes. After this, if Michael drives near one, he will automatically decline, saying he's a "happily married man." This is a neat character detail, though it doesn't restrict other activities.

Story Progression: This mission unlocks further main story missions for Michael. It also triggers specific phone calls. For instance, if you're also progressing with Franklin, you may get a call from Stretch hinting at future conflict. Jimmy will also call, expressing gratitude and a more mature attitude.

World Reactions: The mission generates in-game media. Tabloids and news radio report on Lazlow's "forced" makeover, and the characters post about the events on Lifeinvader and Bleeter. Fabien's post-mission bleet complaining about his broken nose and "impacted colons" is a typical Rockstar gag.

Is there any special post-mission content?

Immediately after the mission ends, the game automatically switches to Trevor, who is found passed out drunk on a small island, hinting at his own chaotic storyline. Furthermore, some players, looking to bypass the early-game grind, might seek out cheap gta 5 modded accounts xbox one to access high-level content immediately, though this mission itself is a core story experience that can't be skipped.

How do most players approach this mission?

In general, players treat this as a narrative mission rather than a challenging action sequence. The gameplay involves mostly driving and a few quick-time events during the confrontations. Since the Gold Medal requires skipping cutscenes, many players will enjoy the story on their first playthrough and then replay it later for the medal, focusing solely on speed. The mission is also noted for its dark humor, particularly the over-the-top punishment of Lazlow, which most players choose to enact fully.

What are the long-term effects for Michael?

While the family isn't perfectly healed, "Reuniting the Family" marks a turning point. Michael's home becomes less hostile, and his character shows growth by choosing to fight for his family, albeit in his typically violent way. It completes his initial character arc from discontented retiree back to a (somewhat) engaged husband and father, which in turn pushes his story forward with Franklin and Trevor.