The ‘Doting Dad’ mission in GTA V is one of those memorable character-driven side quests that showcase the more personal and emotional side of Michael De Santa’s story. Unlike the game’s explosive heists or chaotic gunfights, this mission emphasizes Michael’s complicated relationship with his son, Jimmy. While it’s not the longest or most difficult task in Grand Theft Auto V, earning the gold medal for ‘Doting Dad’ requires a solid grasp of driving mechanics, time management, and understanding mission flow. Achieving ‘Doting Dad Gold’ isn’t just about completing the mission it’s about completing it efficiently and precisely.
Mission Overview: Doting Dad
When and How the Mission Starts
‘Doting Dad’ becomes available once you’ve progressed far enough into Michael’s storyline. Specifically, it appears as a Strangers and Freaks mission, involving Jimmy. You can trigger the mission by heading to Michael’s house and switching to him when he’s available at home. Once started, the cutscene reveals a familiar father-son conflict, which escalates when Michael discovers Jimmy has stolen his car.
Primary Objective
The mission’s objective is simple on the surface: track down Jimmy, retrieve the car, and return home safely. But like many missions in GTA V, there’s more to it. The real challenge comes in how fast and cleanly you can complete each step, especially if you’re aiming for the gold medal requirements.
Gold Medal Requirements
Getting That Gold in ‘Doting Dad’
To earn a gold medal in ‘Doting Dad,’ you must complete the mission while meeting two main criteria:
- Not a Scratch: Recover the car with minimal or no damage.
- Fastest Speed: Complete the mission in under 2 minutes and 10 seconds.
These goals might sound straightforward, but the timing can be tight, especially if you take a wrong turn or hit too many obstacles on the way back home. Speed and control are both critical for success.
Step-by-Step Guide to Gold
1. Start Immediately
When the cutscene ends and Michael calls Jimmy, be ready to act fast. Jimmy tells you the location of the car it’s nearby in the Rockford Hills area. Don’t waste time. Get into your vehicle and head directly to the marked location.
2. Use the Best Route
Use the map marker to identify the most direct path. Avoid routes with heavy traffic or intersections where accidents are likely. Stick to wide roads where you can maintain speed. If you know shortcuts from previous gameplay, use them to shave off precious seconds.
3. Drive Carefully, But Quickly
This is the trickiest part: you have to drive fast enough to stay within the 2: 10 time limit, but cautiously enough not to damage the car. Consider the following tips:
- Avoid handbrake turns they often lead to oversteer and collisions.
- Watch out for traffic. One small fender-bender can ruin the Not a Scratch requirement.
- Brake early for sharp corners, then accelerate smoothly on exit.
4. Manage Jimmy’s Dialogue
Once you pick up the car, Jimmy will enter and start talking. You don’t have to wait for his dialogue to end before driving off. The timer doesn’t stop during conversations, so keep moving toward the De Santa residence while he talks.
5. Perfect Parking
When you return home, the mission ends as soon as the car is parked in the driveway. Don’t overshoot or crash into the gate. A clean, controlled stop ensures you meet the damage requirement and finish within time.
Tips to Improve Performance
Practice Driving in Free Roam
If you struggle with high-speed control, use GTA V’s open world to practice. Drive at top speed through residential areas without crashing to build muscle memory for steering, braking, and cornering. This can help immensely with missions like ‘Doting Dad.’
Use a Fast but Stable Vehicle
The car you’re retrieving is already decided in the mission, but the vehicle you use to reach it can make a difference. If you start the mission with a sluggish car, consider switching to something faster beforehand, like a Tailgater or Buffalo, which offer a good balance of speed and handling.
Replay the Mission from the Menu
If you miss the gold medal requirements on your first try, you can replay ‘Doting Dad’ from the ‘Replay Mission’ option in the game’s menu. This allows you to keep retrying without affecting your overall progress or save file. It’s a great way to fine-tune your technique and secure that gold rating.
Why This Mission Matters
Character Development
Although ‘Doting Dad’ is a short mission, it adds depth to Michael’s relationship with his son. Their conversations highlight the tension between a father trying to connect and a son lost in his own teenage rebellion. For story-focused players, this mission shows Michael’s vulnerability and emotional struggle beyond his criminal persona.
Replay Value and 100% Completion
Players aiming for 100% completion or Trophy/Achievement hunting will need to maximize their performance in all applicable missions, including side quests like this. Achieving a gold medal in Doting Dad contributes to your overall medal count and boosts your profile’s stats. It’s a small piece of a bigger puzzle but still matters for completionists.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Getting Distracted
Don’t stop for pedestrians, side activities, or random events during the mission. Every second counts. Focus solely on the task of recovering the car and returning home.
Overdriving
Many players try to speed through every turn at maximum velocity. This almost always leads to crashes. Find a balance between aggressive driving and smart maneuvering.
Ignoring Map Indicators
Always follow the GPS path unless you know a faster shortcut. Making wrong turns or hesitating at intersections will cost you time and potentially damage the car.
Achieving Doting Dad Gold
Completing the GTA V mission ‘Doting Dad’ with a gold medal is all about mastering control, pacing, and precision. It may not be as flashy as a high-stakes robbery or a helicopter chase, but it’s a perfect example of how even a simple mission can challenge your skills and attention to detail. The mission reflects the game’s core strength combining action, storytelling, and technical execution into one cohesive experience. Whether you’re chasing 100% completion or just want to perfect every mission, don’t underestimate the importance of nailing Doting Dad gold. Approach it with focus, and like Michael trying to be a better father, you just might succeed under pressure.