How to Take Cover in Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 5

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: February 16, 2024

This wikiHow teaches you how to hide behind cover in Grand Theft Auto V. These instructions apply to both the traditional third-person version and the remastered first-person version of GTA 5.

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1
Approach an object behind which you can take cover. Some items you can use as cover include the following:
- Corners
- Boxes
- Cars
- Low walls
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Your character should be pressed up against the item behind which you intend to take cover.

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3
Press the "Cover" button. This button is different, depending on the platform on which you're playing Grand Theft Auto 5: ^{[1]
X
Research source}
- PC - Press Q .
- Xbox - Press RB .
- PlayStation - Press R1 .
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4
Peek out from your cover. Holding down the "Aim" button--right-click on PC and left trigger on consoles--will allow you to peek around or over the top of cover.
- Releasing the "Aim" button will cause you to snap back into cover.
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5
Shoot from behind cover. Pressing your system's "Fire" button--left-click on PC and right trigger on consoles--will cause your character to shoot over the top or around the side of cover without exposing their body or head.
- Aiming before shooting will allow you to be more accurate, but will also expose part of your body while shooting.
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6
Press the "Cover" button again. This will prompt you to leave cover.
- You can also leave cover by walking away.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do you slide over the hood (or trunk) of a car?

Community Answer

It depends on whether you are using a keyboard or controller. On a keyboard, walk to the side of the hood and press space while walking forward. On a controller, do the same steps but press X or square (depending on system) instead of space.

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How do I change my screen name online?

Community Answer

It depends on which platform you're using, if you Google "How to change my screen name on GTA5 PS4" or whatever console you're on, it'll tell you.

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What is the key to take cover in GTAV on the PC?

Community Answer

It is the "Q" button. When you press "Q", the character will quickly move towards the nearest cover.

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Tips

Especially on harder difficulties, using cover will greatly improve your chances of survival.

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Warnings

You won't always be able to take cover behind items that look like they should be cover.

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How to Take Cover in Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 5

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