GTA Online: On Parade Mission Guide

On Parade is one of those GTA 5 Online missions that feels intense from start to finish. It’s not hard because of complicated mechanics, but because it keeps stacking challenges on you without giving you much time to recover. One moment you’re learning how to control a jet, and the next you’re dodging defenses, hitting targets, and fighting multiple enemies in the air.

To even access this mission, you’ll need an Avenger with the Operations Terminal, so make sure you’ve unlocked it beforehand. If you don’t have it yet, you won’t be able to launch the mission.

On Parade is the third mission in the Project Overthrow storyline, which came with the San Andreas Mercenaries update. It’s a mission that tests your flying skills and reaction time, especially during the later stages where things get more chaotic.

If you’ve been struggling with it, don’t worry. This guide breaks everything down in a simple way so you can handle each part of the mission and complete it without getting overwhelmed.

How to Start On Parade in GTA Online

You can’t launch On Parade just by finding it on the map. This mission is tied to the Project Overthrow storyline, so you need a few things set up first before it becomes available.

First, you must own an Avenger and have the Operations Terminal upgrade installed. Without this upgrade, the mission won’t appear at all. Once your Avenger is ready, go inside and interact with the Operations Terminal to access the mission list.

Before On Parade unlocks, you also need to complete the earlier missions in the same storyline, specifically Reporting for Duty and Falling In. If you don’t see On Parade available yet, it usually means one of these missions hasn’t been finished.

After everything is unlocked, you can start the mission directly from the terminal. Once it begins, you’ll be sent to Fort Zancudo, where you’ll find the F-160 Raiju jet waiting for you to take control and begin the mission.

Tips And Tricks to Beat On Parade

Use a controller for better control

If you’re struggling with flying, switching to a controller can make a big difference. Jet movement and precision maneuvers feel much smoother compared to keyboard and mouse, especially during tight turns and fast reactions.

Switch to first-person during dogfights

When the air combat starts, try playing in first-person view. It gives you a clearer view when aiming and makes it easier to track fast-moving enemies, which helps a lot when dealing with jets.

Use VTOL mode smartly

Instead of chasing enemies nonstop, use the jet’s VTOL mode to hover and line up your shots. The enemy Avengers are very durable, so staying steady and focusing your fire is more effective than trying to outmaneuver them. If they get too far, switch back to forward flight and then return to VTOL when you’re close again.

Clear weaker enemies first

When multiple enemies show up, don’t go straight for the toughest targets. Take out smaller threats like Buzzards or jets first so you’re not dealing with everything at once. This helps you stay in control of the fight.

Lower the difficulty if needed

If you’re stuck, dropping the difficulty can make the mission much easier. You’ll still unlock the important rewards, so there’s no downside if your goal is just to complete it.

Play with a teammate

This mission supports co-op, and having another player helps a lot. You can split roles, cover each other, and reduce the pressure, which makes the mission much more manageable overall.

On Parade Mission Rewards

The biggest reason to complete On Parade is unlocking the F-160 Raiju trade price. Once you finish the mission, you’ll be able to buy the jet at a reduced price of $5,141,250 instead of the full $6,855,000 on Warstock.

That’s a saving of roughly $1.7 million, which is huge considering how strong the Raiju is. It’s one of the best jets in GTA Online, so getting that discount makes a big difference if you’re planning to buy it.

On top of that, completing On Parade also moves you forward in the storyline by unlocking the next mission, Breaking Ranks, in the Project Overthrow series.

If you’re thinking long-term, finishing this mission is definitely worth it, not just for progression, but for the massive discount on one of the best vehicles in the game.

On Parade Full Walkthrough

On Parade is split into two main parts. First, you get used to the F-160 Raiju and its mechanics. Then the mission quickly turns into a full air battle where everything you just learned actually matters. Here’s how to get through each step without getting overwhelmed.

Step 1: Enter the F-160 Raiju

Go to the marked hangar inside Fort Zancudo and get into the Raiju. You’ll get a short briefing over comms explaining that this is supposed to be a demo flight.

Before rushing forward, take a second to get comfortable with the jet. The Raiju is very fast and responsive, so even small inputs can move it a lot. Getting used to the controls early helps a lot later.

Step 2: Fly Through Raton Canyon (Stealth Mode)

Before entering the canyon, make sure you activate stealth mode. This is extremely important. If you forget, enemy defenses will instantly detect and attack you.

Once stealth is active, fly carefully through the canyon. There’s no need to rush here. Stay controlled, avoid hitting terrain, and keep stealth on the entire time. If you get through clean, the mission becomes much easier.

Step 3: Complete Flight Maneuvers

Next, you’ll head toward Sandy Shores and perform aerial tricks to reach a score target. You need to hit 15 points total.

The easiest way to do this is by using barrel rolls. The first one gives more points, and the rest still add up quickly. You can mix in loops or dives if you want, but sticking to simple moves is usually faster.

Just keep moving and stacking points, and you’ll finish this section without any issues.

Step 4: Destroy AR Targets

After the maneuver section, targets will appear in the air around you. Your goal is to shoot them down within the time limit.

Focus on staying calm and accurate. This part is mainly there to help you get used to the jet’s weapons before the real fight begins. If you can hit targets consistently here, you’ll be ready for what’s coming next.

Step 5: Survive the Merryweather Attack

This is the hardest part of the mission. As you head back, enemy aircraft start attacking in waves.
• First wave: Buzzard helicopters. These are easy targets. Take them out quickly before more enemies arrive.
• Second wave: More Buzzards plus fighter jets. The jets are faster and more dangerous, so focus on them first if they’re giving you trouble.
• Final wave: Avengers. These are the toughest enemies with a lot of health.

Instead of chasing the Avengers, switch to VTOL mode and hover. This lets you stay steady and deal consistent damage. Trying to dogfight them normally takes longer and is much harder.

If you’re overwhelmed, clear the faster enemies first so you’re not dealing with everything at once.

Step 6: Return and Land

Once all enemies are eliminated, you’ll be told to return to Fort Zancudo. Follow the marker and land the Raiju safely to complete the mission.

If you stay patient during the canyon, keep your movements controlled, and handle the final fight smartly, On Parade becomes much easier to complete.

FAQs

What happens if the F-160 Raiju gets destroyed?

If your jet is destroyed at any point, the mission immediately fails. During the final fight, it’s important to watch your health and avoid unnecessary damage instead of chasing every target aggressively.

Does the difficulty change the rewards?

No, the reward stays the same no matter the difficulty. You’ll still unlock the F-160 Raiju trade price, so lowering the difficulty is a good option if you’re struggling.

Can you complete On Parade solo?

Yes, the mission can be done alone, but it’s definitely harder. The final waves are much easier to manage with a teammate, since you can split targets and reduce pressure.

What mission unlocks after On Parade?

Once you complete On Parade, you’ll unlock Breaking Ranks, which is the next mission in the Project Overthrow storyline.

Is the F-160 Raiju worth it?

The Raiju is one of the best jets in GTA Online. It’s fast, very agile, and has stealth capabilities, which makes it strong in both missions and free roam. With the discounted price unlocked, it’s definitely worth picking up if you enjoy flying.

Conclusion

On Parade is one of those GTA Online missions that can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand how each section works, it becomes much more manageable. From using stealth properly in the canyon to handling the final Merryweather fight, every part of the mission is about staying controlled and not rushing.

The biggest challenge comes from how fast everything happens, but with the right approach, especially using VTOL mode and clearing enemies in the right order, you can get through it without losing your jet.

At the end of the day, completing On Parade is definitely worth it. Not only do you progress the storyline, but you also unlock a huge discount on the F-160 Raiju, one of the best jets in the game. Once you get the hang of it, it’s a mission you can clear consistently without much trouble.