Mission Giver: Donald Love

Take on missions from Donald Love in Grand Theft Auto III. Navigate the tasks of this eccentric real estate mogul from his Love Media skyscraper base.

Donald Love is one of the most enigmatic and influential characters you'll encounter in Liberty City. A prominent real estate mogul and media magnate, Love is known for his ruthless business practices, his obsession with death and decay, and his highly unusual dietary preferences. He operates out of Love Media, a towering skyscraper in Bedford Point, Staunton Island, which becomes accessible after completing the missions for Asuka Kasen.

Upon meeting Donald Love, Claude is quickly drawn into a world of corporate espionage, gang warfare, and a desperate search for a mysterious package. Love's missions often involve manipulating rival gangs, acquiring sensitive information, and, true to his morbid interests, dealing with corpses. His motivations are always self-serving, aiming to consolidate his power and wealth in Liberty City.

Completing Donald Love's mission arc is crucial for advancing the main storyline and unlocking new areas of the city. Be prepared for a series of challenging and often morally ambiguous tasks that will test your driving, combat, and strategic thinking skills.

Donald Love's Missions

Donald Love provides Claude with a total of five missions, each escalating in complexity and danger. These missions are pivotal to the game's narrative, especially concerning the Yakuza and the Colombian Cartel.

1. A Drop in the Ocean
2. Deal Steal
3. Decoy
4. C.I.A.
5. Liberator

Mission Strategies and Walkthroughs

1. A Drop in the Ocean

Objective: Steal a package from an airplane at Francis International Airport.

• Mission Giver: Donald Love
• Location: Love Media, Bedford Point, Staunton Island
• Prerequisites: Completion of "S.A.M." for Asuka Kasen.
• Preparation: Ensure you have a fast car and a good supply of SMG or Assault Rifle ammo. Body armor is highly recommended. A durable vehicle for the escape is also beneficial.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Head to Francis International Airport: Drive Claude to Francis International Airport in Shoreside Vale. The mission marker will guide you.
  2. Enter the Runway Area: Once you drive onto the runway, you will immediately trigger a 3-star wanted level. Police cars will begin to pursue you.
  3. Locate the Plane: Drive along the runway until you spot a large cargo plane (often a Dodo) with a package icon near its tail. This is your target.
  4. Engage Cartel Guards: Exit your vehicle near the plane. You will encounter several Colombian Cartel members guarding the package. They are well-armed with automatic weapons. Use cover effectively (your car, airport structures) and prioritize headshots to conserve health.
  5. Retrieve the Package: After eliminating all the Cartel members in the immediate vicinity, approach the glowing package to pick it up.
  6. Escape the Airport: Get back into your car. Your 3-star wanted level will persist, and more police will arrive. Your primary goal is to escape the airport and lose the wanted level.
  7. Deliver the Package: Drive to Donald Love's penthouse in Bedford Point, Staunton Island, to deliver the package. Ensure your wanted level is cleared before reaching the destination marker to avoid complications.
• Tips:
  • Wanted Level Management: The fastest way to lose the wanted level after getting the package is to find a Pay 'n' Spray. There's one conveniently located in Shoreside Vale, not far from the airport exit, usually on the main road leading out. Plan your escape route to hit this first.
  • Vehicle Choice: A fast car like a Banshee or Cheetah will help you outrun police. A more durable vehicle like a Patriot or Enforcer can withstand more damage during the escape.
  • Combat Strategy: Don't try to take on all the Cartel members at once. Use hit-and-run tactics if necessary, or lure them into a more advantageous position.
  • Alternative Escape: If you're skilled, you can try to outrun the police and find a hidden spot, but a Pay 'n' Spray is generally more reliable.
• Reward: $10,000

2. Deal Steal

Objective: Retrieve a package from a Colombian Cartel deal in Fort Staunton.

• Mission Giver: Donald Love
• Location: Love Media, Bedford Point, Staunton Island
• Prerequisites: Completion of "A Drop in the Ocean."
• Preparation: A powerful automatic weapon (SMG, Assault Rifle), body armor, and a fast, durable car are essential. Grenades or Molotovs can be very effective.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Drive to the Deal Location: Head to the marked location in Fort Staunton. It's usually an abandoned construction site or warehouse area.
  2. Observe the Deal: As you approach, you'll see several Colombian Cartel members gathered around a vehicle containing the package. They are heavily armed.
  3. Steal the Package Vehicle: Your goal is to acquire the vehicle with the package. You have a few options:
     • Direct Assault (Risky but Fast): Drive directly into the deal, exit your car, and engage all Cartel members. Use cover and your most powerful weapons. Once the area is clear, quickly get into the package vehicle.
     • Strategic Approach: Park a short distance away. Use a sniper rifle (if available) to pick off a few key targets, or throw a grenade/Molotov into the group to cause chaos. Then, rush in to finish off the remaining enemies and take the car.
  4. Escape Pursuit: Once you have the package vehicle, you'll be pursued by more Cartel members in their vehicles. They will ram you and shoot at your car.
  5. Deliver the Package: Drive the package vehicle back to Donald Love's penthouse in Bedford Point. Focus on evasive driving to minimize damage to the package vehicle.
• Tips:
  • Combat Effectiveness: The Cartel members are tough and numerous. Aim for headshots to take them down quickly. Don't be afraid to use explosives if you have them.
  • Vehicle Durability: The package vehicle might not be the fastest or most durable. Drive carefully, avoiding unnecessary collisions, especially during the escape.
  • Route Planning: Familiarize yourself with the Fort Staunton area to plan a quick getaway route once you have the car.
  • Health and Armor: Ensure you have full health and armor before initiating the assault, as you will take significant damage.
• Reward: $10,000

3. Decoy

Objective: Act as a decoy to draw attention away from a real package delivery, surviving a timed pursuit.

• Mission Giver: Donald Love
• Location: Love Media, Bedford Point, Staunton Island
• Prerequisites: Completion of "Deal Steal."
• Preparation: A fast, armored car (like a Rhino tank if you've unlocked it, or a Patriot) is ideal. Otherwise, a durable sports car will suffice. Stock up on health and armor. Know the locations of Pay 'n' Sprays.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Get into the Decoy Vehicle: Donald Love will provide a specific vehicle for you to use as the decoy. Get into it.
  2. Drive to the Trigger Point: Follow the radar to the designated location, which will trigger a massive pursuit from the Colombian Cartel.
  3. Survive the Pursuit: Your primary task is to survive for a set amount of time (indicated by a timer on screen) while being relentlessly attacked by Cartel vehicles and gunmen.
     • Evasion is Key: Do not try to fight every Cartel car. Focus on evasion. Keep moving and avoid getting trapped in alleys or corners.
     • Use the Environment: Utilize the city's geography to your advantage. Drive through narrow alleys, over jumps, or through parks to shake pursuers.
     • Vehicle Damage: Keep an eye on your vehicle's health. If it's heavily damaged, try to find a replacement car quickly (though this can be risky during the pursuit).
  4. Mission Completion Notification: After the timer runs out, you will receive a notification that the real package has been delivered.
  5. Lose Wanted Level: By this point, you will likely have a 4 or 5-star wanted level. Your final task is to lose this wanted level. Head immediately to the nearest Pay 'n' Spray.
  6. Return to Love Media: Once your wanted level is cleared, return to Donald Love's penthouse to complete the mission.
• Tips:
  • Rhino Tank: If you have access to a Rhino tank (unlocked after completing all story missions or by collecting 100 hidden packages), this mission becomes significantly easier, as you can simply drive through everything without taking damage.
  • Pay 'n' Spray Strategy: Before starting the mission, identify the closest Pay 'n' Sprays to the decoy trigger point and plan your escape route to one once the timer expires.
  • Defensive Driving: Avoid head-on collisions. Use quick turns and sudden brakes to throw off pursuers.
  • Health & Armor: Even though you're in a car, you can still take damage from gunfire. Ensure you have full health and armor.
• Reward: $10,000

4. C.I.A.

Objective: Intercept a C.I.A. agent and retrieve a sensitive dossier.

• Mission Giver: Donald Love
• Location: Love Media, Bedford Point, Staunton Island
• Prerequisites: Completion of "Decoy."
• Preparation: A fast car, an SMG or Assault Rifle, and body armor. A Rocket Launcher or Flamethrower can make disabling the target vehicle easier, but be careful not to destroy the dossier.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Head to the Interception Point: Drive to the specified location on the radar to intercept the C.I.A. agent.
  2. Identify the Agent's Vehicle: The agent will be driving a specific vehicle (often a black Perennial or similar sedan). A red arrow will indicate his location.
  3. Disable the Agent's Car: Your primary goal is to stop the agent's vehicle.
     • Ramming: Repeatedly ramming his vehicle with your own is an effective method.
     • Drive-by Shooting: Use drive-by shootings with an automatic weapon to damage his car.
     • Explosives (Carefully): A single, well-placed shot from a Rocket Launcher or a few Molotovs can disable the car quickly. However, be cautious not to destroy the vehicle entirely, as this might destroy the dossier as well.
  4. Eliminate the Agent: Once the agent's car is stopped or he exits the vehicle, kill him. He may attempt to fight back or flee on foot.
  5. Retrieve the Dossier: Approach the agent's body to pick up the glowing dossier he drops.
  6. Lose Wanted Level: You will almost certainly gain a wanted level (2-3 stars) during this mission. Head to the nearest Pay 'n' Spray to clear it.
  7. Return to Love Media: Drive back to Donald Love's penthouse to deliver the dossier.
• Tips:
  • Agent's Driving: The C.I.A. agent is a skilled driver and his car is quite durable. Be persistent in your pursuit.
  • Location Choice: Try to corner him in a less populated area to minimize police interference during the initial pursuit and combat.
  • Weapon Choice: An SMG or Assault Rifle is ideal for drive-bys and on-foot combat. If using explosives, aim for the tires or engine block to disable rather than obliterate.
  • Quick Retrieval: Once the agent is down, grab the dossier immediately to avoid any potential despawn issues or further complications.
• Reward: $10,000

5. Liberator

Objective: Rescue the Old Oriental Gentleman from the Colombian Cartel's mansion in Shoreside Vale.

• Mission Giver: Donald Love
• Location: Love Media, Bedford Point, Staunton Island
• Prerequisites: Completion of "C.I.A."
• Preparation: This is a major assault mission. Max out your health and armor. Bring a full arsenal: Assault Rifle, Shotgun, SMG, Grenades/Molotovs, and ideally a Sniper Rifle. A fast and durable getaway car parked nearby is crucial.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Drive to the Cartel Mansion: Head to the Colombian Cartel mansion in Cedar Grove, Shoreside Vale. This is a heavily fortified location.
  2. Clear the Exterior: The mansion grounds are swarming with numerous Cartel members, including snipers on the rooftops and ground patrols.
     • Sniper Priority: Use a Sniper Rifle to eliminate as many visible enemies as possible from a safe distance before entering the gates. Prioritize rooftop snipers.
     • Cover and Advance: Once inside the gates, use cover (walls, vehicles, landscaping) and methodically clear the exterior. Grenades or Molotovs can be effective against groups.
  3. Enter the Mansion: Locate the entrance to the mansion itself. The interior is also heavily guarded.
  4. Clear the Interior: Proceed cautiously through the mansion, clearing rooms one by one. Cartel members will be hiding around corners and in various rooms. Use your Shotgun or SMG for close-quarters combat.
  5. Locate and Free the Old Oriental Gentleman: Find the Old Oriental Gentleman, who is being held captive inside. Once you approach him, he will be freed and will begin to follow you.
  6. Escort Him Out: Protect the Old Oriental Gentleman at all costs. His health bar will appear on screen. Lead him safely out of the mansion. More Cartel members may spawn as you exit.
  7. Get to the Getaway Car: Get into your pre-arranged getaway car with the Old Oriental Gentleman. Ensure the car is durable and fast.
  8. Drive to the Airport: Drive him to Francis International Airport, where a plane is waiting for his escape. Follow the radar marker.
  9. Mission Complete: Once he is safely on the plane, the mission is complete.
• Tips:
  • Patience is Key: Do not rush this mission. A methodical, tactical approach will save you many restarts.
  • Weapon Loadout: Bring a diverse set of weapons. Sniper Rifle for long range, Assault Rifle/SMG for medium, Shotgun for close quarters, and explosives for groups.
  • Getaway Car Placement: Park your getaway car in an easily accessible, safe spot near the mansion exit before you go inside. This will save precious time and health when escaping.
  • Protect the Gentleman: Always keep an eye on the Old Oriental Gentleman. He is vulnerable, and if he dies, the mission fails. Stay between him and enemies.
  • Health Pickups: Look for health pickups around the mansion grounds or inside if you get low.
• Reward: $40,000

Lore and Character Insights

Donald Love is a fascinating character whose motivations are often shrouded in mystery. His obsession with death and decay, as evidenced by his interest in the "Old Oriental Gentleman" (who is implied to be a corpse or near-death, or perhaps a living person he keeps in a state of suspended animation for his macabre interests), hints at a deeper, perhaps morbid, philosophical outlook. His real estate empire, Love Media, controls a significant portion of Liberty City's media and property, making him one of the most powerful figures in the game.

His missions often involve him playing various factions against each other, demonstrating his cunning and manipulative nature. The "package" he frequently seeks is often left ambiguous, adding to his mystique. After the "Liberator" mission, Donald Love mysteriously disappears, leaving behind only his empty penthouse and an enduring legacy of intrigue and ruthlessness. His ultimate fate is left unknown, adding to his enigmatic persona.

Common Pitfalls and General Advice

• Wanted Levels: Donald Love's missions frequently involve high wanted levels. Always know the location of the nearest Pay 'n' Spray or police bribe icon and plan your escape routes accordingly.
• Ammo and Armor: Before starting any of Love's missions, ensure you have full health, body armor, and plenty of ammunition for your preferred weapons. His missions are combat-heavy.
• Vehicle Choice: The right vehicle can make a huge difference. For pursuits and escapes, prioritize speed and durability. For combat-heavy missions like "Liberator," consider a vehicle that offers some protection or allows for easy drive-bys.
• Patience: Some missions, especially "Liberator," require a methodical approach. Don't rush into combat; plan your attacks and use cover.
• Saving: Always save your game before attempting a Donald Love mission. They can be challenging, and you'll want to avoid replaying long sections of the game.
• Explosives: Grenades and Molotovs are highly effective against groups of enemies, which you'll encounter frequently in Love's missions.