GTA 5 How to Equip Parachute

In GTA 5, knowing how to equip a parachute can save your life during high-altitude stunts, aerial escapes, or simple base jumps from tall buildings or aircraft. Many players often find themselves in the air, only to realize too late that their character doesn’t have a parachute equipped. This guide will walk you through every step of equipping and using a parachute in GTA 5, whether you’re playing the story mode or GTA Online. With the right knowledge, you’ll be gliding safely through the skies in no time.

Where to Get a Parachute in GTA 5

Before you can equip a parachute in GTA 5, you first need to obtain one. There are several reliable methods for acquiring a parachute in both the single-player campaign and GTA Online.

1. Ammu-Nation Stores

Most Ammu-Nation locations across Los Santos sell parachutes. Just walk into the store, approach the weapon wall, and browse the gear section. A parachute typically costs around $500, which is affordable for most players even early in the game.

2. Automatically Equipped from Aircraft

If you enter certain aircraft especially helicopters, fighter jets, or planes you’ll automatically be given a parachute upon takeoff. This is a convenient option if you plan to jump out mid-flight or perform skydiving stunts.

3. Collecting From Parachute Jumps

In story mode, parachutes are placed at specific base jump locations. Completing these jumps also unlocks the ability to purchase various parachute bags and smoke trails.

4. GTA Online Pickups

In GTA Online, some mission locations and drop zones include parachutes as pickups. Simply walk over the item to add it to your inventory.

How to Equip Parachute in GTA 5

Once you have acquired a parachute, the next step is making sure it is equipped properly. The process is slightly different depending on whether you’re in single-player or online mode, and also depends on the platform you’re using.

Equipping Parachute in Story Mode

• Open the weapon wheel by holding the appropriate button:
  • PC: Hold Tab
  • PlayStation: Hold L1
  • Xbox: Hold LB
• Use your right stick or mouse to select the parachute icon, which is located on the bottom slot of the weapon wheel.
• Release the button to equip the parachute on your character.

Note: You won’t see the parachute on your character until you’re airborne or falling from a significant height.

Equipping Parachute in GTA Online

• Open the Interaction Menu:
  • PC: Press M
  • PlayStation: Hold the touchpad
  • Xbox: Hold the View button (two small squares)
• Navigate to Inventory and then scroll down to Parachute.
• Select Parachute and toggle the Parachute Equipped option to On.

This ensures your parachute will be active when you jump or fall from high altitudes.

How to Use the Parachute Once Equipped

Now that the parachute is equipped, using it is all about timing and control. Jumping from an aircraft or tall structure automatically enables parachute use when you’re falling.

Deploying the Parachute

• Wait until you’ve fallen a good distance to ensure your parachute opens properly.
• Press the deploy button:
  • PC: Press F or Left Click
  • PlayStation: Press X
  • Xbox: Press A

The parachute will deploy, and you’ll begin descending slowly. You can steer using your movement controls to guide your landing zone.

Parachute Steering and Landing Tips

• Use directional controls to glide left or right.
• Press forward to speed up descent, or pull back to slow down.
• Use L1/LB and R1/RB to make sharp turns and adjust your angle.
• For a soft landing, hold back just before touching down to reduce fall damage.

Mastering control during descent can help you land on small rooftops, vehicles, or specific targets in parachute challenges.

Customizing Your Parachute

One fun feature in GTA 5 is the ability to customize your parachute gear. This not only makes your character look more stylish but can also help distinguish your gear in online sessions.

Parachute Bag Customization

Visit any Ammu-Nation with a customization booth to choose different parachute bag styles and national flags. These options are purely cosmetic and don’t affect functionality.

Smoke Trail Colors

You can also change the smoke trail color for added flair when skydiving. These trails are visible to others during parachute use and are particularly popular in team-based or competitive events in GTA Online.

Parachuting Missions and Challenges

GTA 5 includes several parachute missions that let you put your skills to the test. These are great for earning money and practicing control in the air.

• Story Mode: Base jumping activities unlock after completing specific story missions, especially for Franklin. Look for the parachute icon on the map.
• GTA Online: Join parachute races and events from the Jobs menu or by approaching blue markers scattered throughout the map.

These missions often require precision landings on small targets, and rewards are based on accuracy and completion time.

Troubleshooting: Why Your Parachute Might Not Work

Sometimes players run into problems even after equipping a parachute. Here are common issues and how to fix them:

• No Parachute After Purchase: Make sure to manually equip it via weapon wheel or interaction menu.
• Parachute Didn’t Deploy: You might have pressed the button too late. Deploy early enough to allow the animation to play.
• Still Took Fall Damage: Always pull back on the controls to soften your landing. A straight or angled drop can still hurt your character.
• Parachute Doesn’t Appear in Inventory: Enter an aircraft or visit Ammu-Nation again to trigger the parachute availability.

Tips for Better Parachute Use

To make the most of your skydiving and parachuting adventures in GTA 5, keep these final tips in mind:

• Always double-check if the parachute is equipped before performing high jumps.
• Combine parachute use with heist setups, escape plans, or stunt videos for creative gameplay.
• Practice steering in offline parachute missions before trying difficult landings in GTA Online lobbies.
• Use the smoke trail during group jumps to help friends track your descent.

Learning how to equip a parachute in GTA 5 is a crucial skill that adds both safety and style to your gameplay. Whether you’re escaping the cops in Online mode or just base jumping off Maze Bank Tower, a well-timed parachute deployment can save you from unnecessary deaths. With proper preparation, customization, and a little practice, you’ll be flying and landing like a pro every time. Keep an eye on your gear, know your controls, and enjoy the thrill of free-falling in Los Santos.