Introduction & Story Overview

Start your Grand Theft Auto III story as Claude. Learn to survive Portland Island, find Luigi, and manage health, armor, and weapons.

Welcome to Liberty City, a sprawling metropolis of crime, corruption, and opportunity. In Grand Theft Auto III, you step into the shoes of Claude, a silent protagonist left for dead after a botched bank heist. This guide will help you navigate the treacherous streets, complete missions, and ultimately exact revenge on those who wronged you.

The Setup: A Betrayal in Liberty City

The game opens with a dramatic cutscene: Claude and his girlfriend, Catalina, along with their associate Miguel, are robbing the Liberty City Bank. As they make their escape, Catalina ruthlessly shoots Claude and leaves him for dead, taking all the loot for herself. Miraculously, Claude survives and is arrested, eventually being transported in a police convoy. During this transport, a Colombian Cartel ambush frees him, along with 8-Ball, a demolitions expert. This unexpected turn of events sets Claude on a path of vengeance and a rise through the criminal underworld.

Your First Steps: Survival and Early Missions

Upon your liberation, you'll find yourself in Portland Island, the industrial heart of Liberty City. Your immediate goal is to establish yourself and find work. Here's how to get started:

• Follow 8-Ball: After the convoy escape, 8-Ball will guide you to a safe house in the Red Light District. This is your first base of operations, where you can save your game and change clothes.
• Get a Vehicle: Liberty City is vast, and walking is not an option. Immediately after the intro, locate a nearby vehicle. Any car will do for now, but aim for something durable like a Banshee or a Stinger if you can find one early on.
• Meet Luigi Goterelli: Your first contact in the criminal world is Luigi Goterelli, the owner of Sex Club Seven in the Red Light District. His missions will introduce you to the core mechanics of the game and the various factions. Look for the blue "L" icon on your radar to find his club.

Early Game Strategies & Essential Items

Success in Liberty City depends on more than just driving and shooting. Here are some crucial early-game tips:

Health and Armor

• Health Pickups: Keep an eye out for green cross icons. These are health pickups and are vital for survival. They can often be found near mission start points, in alleys, or inside certain buildings.
• Body Armor: Look for blue shield icons. Body armor significantly increases your survivability by absorbing damage before it affects your health. A reliable early armor spawn is usually found behind the Ammu-Nation in Portland.

Weapons and Ammunition

• Pistol: You'll acquire a Pistol very early on, often from defeated enemies or as a reward for initial missions. It's a reliable starter weapon.
• Baseball Bat: A good melee option for conserving ammo and dealing with single enemies. Often found near your safe house or in alleyways.
• Ammu-Nation: The primary source for weapons and ammo. The first Ammu-Nation you'll encounter is in the Saint Mark's district of Portland. Prioritize purchasing a Micro SMG as soon as you can afford it; its rate of fire is excellent for early engagements.

Money Management

• Mission Rewards: The primary way to earn money. Focus on completing missions for Luigi and other early contacts.
• Car Jacking & Selling: Steal cars and drive them to the Portland Docks for a quick cash injection. This is a risky but effective way to earn money early on.
• Hidden Packages: Liberty City is littered with 100 hidden packages. Collecting these not only grants you cash but also unlocks weapon spawns at your safe houses. Prioritize finding a few in Portland to get a head start.

By following these initial steps and understanding the core mechanics, you'll be well on your way to navigating the treacherous world of Grand Theft Auto III and uncovering the truth behind Catalina's betrayal.