GTA 5 Lamar Down Walkthrough: Sawmill Rescue and Gold

Characters: Franklin, Michael and Trevor. Start: Tanisha’s visit to Franklin’s Vinewood Hills house.

Lamar Down assaults the Ballas-held sawmill from three directions. Gold requires at least one kill with each protagonist, eighteen headshots and 70% accuracy. Switch deliberately so every character contributes before the rescue turns into the final escape.

Step-by-step walkthrough

  1. Reach the sawmill and take the assault positions

    After Tanisha asks for help, drive Franklin to the Paleto Forest sawmill. Michael and Trevor meet him there. Use the assigned positions to approach from different angles instead of sending everyone down the same exposed line.

    Skip scenes and keep the long drive direct for the 13:30 target. The actual rescue still leaves substantial fighting to complete.

  2. Clear the yard with all three characters

    Begin the attack from cover and secure a kill with Franklin, Michael and Trevor for Three Way. Michael’s special ability is useful for the headshot and accuracy requirements, especially against exposed enemies around walkways and stacked timber.

    Switch when a character is under pressure or another angle offers a cleaner shot. Do not leave a close enemy beside an unattended character while concentrating on distant targets.

    The three protagonists attacking the Paleto Forest sawmill
  3. Reach Lamar and lead him out

    Follow the target marker through the sawmill until Lamar is located. Clear the enemies immediately around him, then move with him towards the exit. The rescue is not complete just because the conversation triggers.

    Deal with reinforcements along the return route and keep Lamar from being left behind in an active firing lane. Use cover to make accurate shots rather than spraying towards groups through obstacles.

  4. Drive Lamar back to Los Santos

    Once the escape route is clear, take Franklin and Lamar in the vehicle and follow the destination to Lamar’s house. Complete the final conversation and the subsequent encounter with the FIB agents.

    The return drive counts towards the mission’s time. Avoid unnecessary stops after the difficult part of the rescue is already over.

Gold medal checklist

  • Headshots: Kill eighteen enemies with headshots.
  • Accuracy: Finish with at least 70% shooting accuracy.
  • Three Way: Kill at least one enemy while controlling each of the three protagonists.
  • Time: Complete within 13:30.

Common questions

Does switching to a character satisfy Three Way?

No. Each protagonist must kill an enemy while you control them.

Why is the mission still active after reaching Lamar?

Escort him out of the sawmill, then drive him home and finish the closing scenes.

What happens next

Complete Meltdown and the remaining story requirements before Planning the Big Score.

All GTA 5 story missions · 100% completion checklist