By the Book alternates between Trevor at the warehouse and Michael searching for a target with Dave. The key to the sniper section is waiting for a complete description instead of shooting the first person at the party. Gold also requires using each of the four in-game interrogation options while keeping Ferdinand alive without a cardiac arrest.
Step-by-step walkthrough
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Visit the first address with Dave
Meet the FIB team at the Banning warehouse. Michael and Dave follow the initial lead to Rockford Hills, but the address is wrong. Let the conversation finish and follow the character switch back to Trevor.
This first drive is part of the mission’s setup. There is no correct target to eliminate at that address, so do not create a fight or begin searching the neighbourhood for an alternative.
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Complete the prompted interrogation stages
At the warehouse, choose an available tool and follow the on-screen controls. For the complete gold checklist, use all four options across the interrogation stages: the electrical clips, pliers, wrench and waterboarding option.
Watch the heart-rate display and stop applying an action when the prompt allows the stage to finish. Repeated or prolonged inputs can push the meter too far. Don’t Stop Me Now requires reaching the end without Ferdinand’s heart stopping; reviving him after an arrest does not satisfy that objective.
The warehouse stages supply the information Michael needs to identify the target. -
Identify the left-handed smoker in Chumash
As Michael, drive to the Chumash lookout with Dave and use the sniper scope to inspect the party. The descriptions narrow the target to a middle-aged man of average build with a bushy beard, smoking a Redwood cigarette with his left hand.
Wait for the identifying behaviour and the information from the warehouse. A beard by itself is not enough when several guests are visible. Once the correct man is identified, take the shot. If you are working on all tool objectives, allow the information-gathering stages to finish before ending the sniper section.
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Drive Ferdinand to the airport
After Michael’s part is complete, control returns to Trevor. Take Ferdinand in the vehicle and follow the airport destination. The mission continues through this drive, so do not leave him at the warehouse or treat the assassination as the final objective.
Reach the marked drop-off and let the closing conversation resolve. If a medal condition was missed, use the mission replay to target that condition rather than repeating unrelated side activities in free roam.
Gold medal checklist
- Don’t Stop Me Now: Finish without Ferdinand’s heart stopping. Monitor the on-screen meter during the prompted actions.
- Electrocutioner: Use the electrical interrogation option.
- The Tooth Hurts: Use the pliers interrogation option.
- Wrenched: Use the wrench interrogation option.
- It’s Legal!: Use the waterboarding interrogation option.
Common questions
Who is the correct sniper target?
Look for the middle-aged man with a bushy beard who smokes with his left hand. Wait for the behaviour and the mission’s identifying information before firing.
Is there a time or accuracy gold target?
No. The gold checklist is tied to the four interrogation options and avoiding a cardiac arrest.
What happens next
Continue the available Michael, Franklin and Trevor story missions. Hood Safari follows Franklin and Lamar to Grove Street, while Scouting the Port starts planning The Merryweather Heist.