Mastering On Parade in GTA Online

The On Parade mission stands as a pivotal challenge in GTA Online’s Project Overthrow storyline, offering players a thrilling test of piloting prowess while rewarding them with the trade price discount for the formidable F-160 Raiju jet. Introduced as part of the San Andreas Mercenaries update, this mission demands precision flying, quick reflexes, and strategic combat decisions, making it a standout in the series. Whether you’re flying solo or with a crew, understanding its phases is key to success.

Getting Started: Prerequisites and Setup

Before diving into On Parade, ensure you’ve progressed through the initial Project Overthrow missions: Reporting for Duty and Falling In. These set the stage by introducing Charlie Reed and the operations terminal inside your Avenger hangar. Access the terminal to launch On Parade, which transports you directly to Fort Zancudo’s hangars.

• Recommended Setup: Own an Avenger with the operations terminal upgraded. Solo players should prioritize aircraft handling skills.
• Team Play Advantage: Invite 1-3 friends for easier enemy takedowns, especially in the finale.
• Controls Prep: Familiarize yourself with jet controls—use keyboard/mouse or controller settings optimized for aerial combat.

Upon arrival, Charlie briefs you on testing the F-160 Raiju, a stealth-capable jet with VTOL capabilities, autocannons, and homing missiles. Enter the jet to begin.

Phase 1: Stealth Run Through Raton Canyon

The mission opens with a high-stakes evasion test. Activate stealth mode immediately (right on D-pad or equivalent key) and navigate Raton Canyon to bypass Merryweather’s air defense systems. Flying low and weaving through the terrain minimizes detection.

Pro Tips:

• Avoid firing weapons in stealth— it deactivates the mode.
• Stick to the canyon floor; altitude triggers alarms.
• If detected early, disengage and retry the approach.

Success here builds confidence for later dogfights and showcases the Raiju’s agility.

Phase 2: Aerial Maneuvers Over Sandy Shores

After clearing the canyon, head to Sandy Shores Airfield for stunt practice. Charlie tasks you with scoring 15 points through maneuvers like barrel rolls (1 point each), loops, or dives. The simplest strategy? Execute 15 consecutive barrel rolls—quick and reliable.

Practice VTOL mode here too—tilt forward for hover, and note the jet can fly inverted, adding versatility. This phase hones skills essential for the combat ahead.

Phase 3: AR Target Destruction Challenge

Deactivate stealth and engage AR targets above Sandy Shores. You have three minutes to rack up points: Gold (10 pts), Red (5 pts), Blue (3 pts), White (1 pt). No minimum score required—hit one to start the timer, then focus on high-value gold targets with autocannons for accuracy practice or missiles for speed.

• Weapon Choice: Autocannons for precision; missiles auto-track static targets.
• Strategy: Circle at medium altitude, prioritize clusters.
• Charlie’s Lore Drop: References Merryweather’s quarry failure from prior missions, tying into the storyline.

Land or wait out the timer post-challenge. This segment familiarizes you with the Raiju’s firepower.

Phase 4: The Merryweather Ambush Begins

Return to Fort Zancudo, but Merryweather interdicts with Buzzard choppers. Eliminate them swiftly—missiles excel against groups, but dodge incoming fire by banking sharply. Ignore ground threats; focus skyward.

Reinforcements escalate: more Buzzards, then P-996 LAZER jets. Use superior Raiju speed to outmaneuver LAZERs, targeting cockpits with bursts.

Final Showdown: Takedown of the Merryweather Avenger

The climax pits you against 1-2 Merryweather Avengers (difficulty-dependent). These tanky behemoths absorb massive damage, spawning missiles and countermeasures.

Core Strategy – VTOL Hover Attack: Switch to VTOL (pull left stick), position above the Avenger, and circle while unloading missiles. This evades their lock-ons. Patience is vital solo; teams split fire.

Alternative Solo Trick: Lure to Los Alamos Sea—fly low across the water. Avengers dive in pursuit and crash, bypassing direct combat. Repeat for multiples.

Damage Resistance: Avengers have health pools rivaling bosses; conserve missiles (reload mid-fight if needed).

Once downed, return to hangar for completion. Rewards: $100K+, Raiju trade price unlock (list price drops significantly).

Solo vs. Team: Which is Best?

Solo viable with exploits; teams reduce frustration.

Common Pitfalls and Fixes

• Stealth Fail: Reactivate immediately; retry path.
• Missile Wastage: Save for choppers/Avengers.
• Avenger Overwhelm: Break line-of-sight, bait crashes.
• Controls Struggle: Remap for precision.

Why On Parade Matters in Project Overthrow

As the third mission, it escalates from ground ops to air supremacy, unlocking the Raiju—a meta jet for PvP/PvE. Fits the Mercenaries storyline of poaching Merryweather contracts. Replay for practice; scales with difficulty for hardcore players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I do On Parade solo?

Yes, using low-altitude lures over water for Avengers.

What unlocks after completion?

F-160 Raiju trade price discount.

How many Avengers spawn?

1-2 based on difficulty.

Best weapons for AR targets?

Autocannons for skill-building; missiles for efficiency.

Stuck on maneuvers?

15 barrel rolls guaranteed pass.

Advanced Raiju Tips Post-Mission

Equip explosive rounds; master inverted VTOL for freemode dominance. Pair with Oppressor Mk II counters.