You’ve been there. You’re deep into the final act of Grand Theft Auto V, the stakes are skyrocketing, and suddenly Franklin gets a frantic call from Tanisha. Lamar Davis, the man who basically defines the word "liability," has managed to get himself captured by the Ballas at a saw mill in the middle of nowhere. It’s the setup for GTA V Lamar Down, one of the most chaotic, bullet-riddled, and weirdly emotional missions in the entire game.
It isn't just a shootout. It's a moment where the three protagonists—Michael, Trevor, and Franklin—actually have to function as a unit before the endgame choices tear them apart.
Most people remember the sawmill. It’s an architectural nightmare for a tactical shooter. You’ve got high ground, low ground, exploding gas tanks, and a literal army of Ballas who seemingly have infinite ammunition. If you go in guns blazing without a plan, you’re going to see the "Wasted" screen faster than Lamar can crack a joke.
The Strategy Behind the Sawmill Siege
Getting through GTA V Lamar Down requires more than just a fast trigger finger. You’re forced to split your team. Michael takes the long-range perch. Trevor hits the side entrance. Franklin goes through the main gate.
Honestly? Most players mess this up by staying in one spot.
The trick is the character switching. If you stay as Franklin the whole time, you’re going to get flanked. Switch to Michael. His marksman ability is the only thing that keeps the snipers on the roof from picking Franklin apart. Then, flip to Trevor. His "Red Mist" ability is essentially a cheat code for clearing the interior of the sawmill where the cover is sparse and the enemies are packed tight.
There is a specific moment during the push toward the back of the mill where a bulldozer becomes your best friend or your worst enemy. If you don't take out the driver immediately, he'll plow right through your cover. It’s these small, frantic variables that make the mission feel less like a scripted event and more like a desperate scramble.
Why We Keep Saving Lamar Davis
Lamar is polarizing. Some fans find him annoying; others think he’s the funniest character Rockstar ever wrote. In the context of the story, this mission serves as the final test of Franklin’s loyalty. Throughout the game, Michael and Trevor represent the "professional" criminal life, while Lamar represents the hood life Franklin is trying to escape.
When Tanisha shows up to tell Franklin that Lamar is in trouble, it’s a reality check. You can’t just walk away from where you started.
The chemistry during the drive back is where the writing shines. After all that gunpowder and death, the bickering between the three leads feels earned. It’s one of the few times Michael and Trevor stop trying to kill each other long enough to acknowledge they’re a damn good team.
Gold Medal Requirements: Don't Get Sloppy
If you're a completionist aiming for that 100% gold medal, GTA V Lamar Down is a headache. You need to hit three specific benchmarks:
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- Headshots: You need at least 18. This is why you must use Michael for the opening sequence.
- Accuracy: Keep it above 70%. Stop spraying the Micro SMG and stick to the Carbine Rifle with a grip and scope.
- Three-Way Harmony: You have to kill at least one enemy with all three characters. This forces you to engage with the switching mechanic rather than just "cheesing" the mission with Trevor’s invincibility.
A lot of players miss the accuracy goal because they try to blow up the tankers. While exploding things is fun, the collateral damage doesn't always count toward your accuracy stats in the way you'd hope. Use the explosions to clear paths, but use your sights for the kills.
The Environmental Challenge of Paleto Forest
The location of this mission is crucial. The sawmill in Paleto Forest provides a verticality that Los Santos lacks. You aren't fighting in an alleyway or a sterile bank corridor. You're fighting in a maze of wood stacks and industrial machinery.
The lighting here is also tricky. Depending on the in-game time of day, the shadows inside the mill can hide enemies perfectly. If you arrive at dusk, the sun glare off the mountains can actually blind Michael’s scope. It’s these atmospheric details that have kept GTA V relevant well into 2026.
Common Misconceptions and Technical Hiccups
Some players believe you can skip the stealthy approach entirely. You can, but it makes the mission significantly harder. If you alert the guards too early, Lamar’s health bar starts dropping faster because the Ballas inside the mill start executing their "contingency plan."
Also, there's a recurring bug—though largely patched in the Expanded and Enhanced versions—where Lamar would occasionally get stuck behind a crate during the extraction phase. If this happens, your best bet is to use a grenade to "nudge" the physics engine, though it’s risky.
Basically, keep Lamar in your line of sight. He’s not the brightest AI companion, and he will occasionally wander into the line of fire of a stray Balla.
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How to Optimize Your Loadout
Before you trigger the mission at Franklin’s house, head to Ammu-Nation. You want the heavy stuff.
- Armor: Buy the best. Obviously.
- RPG/Homing Launcher: Necessary for the reinforcements that arrive in SUVs midway through.
- Advanced Rifle: With a suppressor. It helps Michael take out the first four guards without the whole camp going into high alert.
The sheer volume of enemies in GTA V Lamar Down makes it one of the most expensive missions in terms of ammo consumption. Don't be stingy. This is the penultimate act of the game; there is no point in saving your cash now.
Actionable Steps for a Perfect Run
To master this mission today, follow this tactical flow:
- Position Michael first: Move him to the left-side hill. Don't fire until you've tagged the snipers on the water towers.
- Use Trevor's Special: Switch to Trevor the moment you enter the sawmill’s main floor. Use his ability to tank the shotgun fire coming from the corners.
- Clear the SUVs: As you exit with Lamar, don't just run for the car. Switch to Michael and use the Heavy Sniper to pick off the drivers of the incoming Balla vehicles. This prevents them from pinning you down in the parking lot.
- The Drive Home: Listen to the dialogue. It provides crucial context for the "Option C" ending that many players choose shortly after this mission.
The beauty of this mission lies in its messiness. It’s loud, it’s frustrating, and it’s peak GTA. By balancing the specific strengths of all three protagonists, you turn a chaotic rescue into a masterclass in tactical gameplay. Just make sure you bring enough rockets for the ride out.