Surviving Liberty City

Published May 9, 2008

Rockstar's masterful Grand Theft Auto IV™ can provide quite a challenge, whether you're speeding through the streets in chase of a rogue mobster, doing battle with gangsters, or desperately trying to evade police detection, to name just a few of the hundreds of possible Liberty City activities. With the following tips at your disposal though, you should find yourself a good deal better prepared to meet the daily challenges the city provides.

Keep that up for five hundred feet and you'll score an achievement.

Behind the Wheel

Climb behind the wheel for the first time in GTA IV and you may be surprised at just how differently cars handle when compared to previous games. With a new physics engine in full effect, every pothole, curb, fender bender, and even rain-slicked roads affect your car's handling more dramatically than before.

In short, you'll need to drive with a little less recklessness this time around, approaching sharp corners at say thirty miles per hour rather than a suicidal sixty. Also, if you're having trouble cornering, try just tapping the brake as you make your turn rather than holding it down as you would in other games. This applies to the e-brake as well. It may seem a simple thing to change your habits, but you really need to make a conscious effort to scale back your aggressive driving in the early going.

Remember too, that the cheaper looking the car, the worse it will typically handle. If you're looking for a sweet, easy to drive car, keep your eyes peeled for the most expensive ride you can find.

Cautionary Action

Firefights in GTA IV take on a whole new dimension with the addition of cover (tap RB when next to an object to use it as cover), so you must abandon the classic run-and-gun style of previous games. This is especially true during missions, where the end of a cutscene will often place you directly in harm's way.

Roman's not the sharpest tool in the shed, but he's family.

Rather than starting to shoot in such situations, instead rush to the nearest cover to take refuge, then carefully examine the situation, identifying enemies and different cover options. Once you're confident you understand the situation, begin firing in earnest.

Lock On?

If you prefer the classic lock-on mechanic found in previous GTA games, you can toggle the option on by selecting Auto Aiming in the Controls menu. Once activated, lock onto enemies by holding down the Left Trigger. However, you can still utilize the analog free aiming by pressing Left Trigger down halfway and using the right analog stick to aim.

Try using these mechanics in tandem for the best possible effect. For example, if you spot an enemy hiding around a corner, hold the Left Trigger down halfway, and use analog aiming to position the targeting reticle near the enemy. Then, pull the trigger down all the way to lock on. This tactic is great for making sure you lock onto exactly the target you desire.

Run 'em Down

Running down a pack of enemies is often much safer than engaging them in a firefight. If your car is nearby and you've got room to maneuver, give serious consideration to flattening your opponents rather than shooting them.

Take the train to travel fast between islands.

Pace Your Progression

If you find yourself tempted to keep plugging away at story line missions, one after another, I urge you to reconsider. While they may begin simply enough, they will ratchet up in difficulty in short order. When they do, you'll want access to some of your contacts' special abilities, such as Little Jacob's discount weapons.

Take the time to complete side-missions, such as Little Jacob's deliveries, as well as take your new friends out on the town until you earn their special ability. You can check your progress toward unlocking these benefits on the Stats menu under the General heading.

Up or Down

If you find yourself right on top of an objective marker but you're unable to see the item or person you're looking for, check to see if the marker contains an arrow pointing up or down. This will let you know whether the objective is above or below you.

Never Surrender

Though it may go against your natural instincts, you would be wise to choose death over arrest in most circumstances. While it may cost you a pretty penny in healthcare to get patched up and sent on your merry way, the cops will take not only your money, but more importantly, your weapons when you're arrested.

Hailing a Cab

Provided there's one nearby, you can hail a cab at any time if you want to travel instantly to any marked location on your map. This includes mission-specific locations, so take advantage of this when you don't feel like driving all the way across town. Also, to clear up a common confusion, you must hold down the Y button in order to enter a cab as a passenger. If you just tap Y, you'll jack the cabbie out of the taxi instead.

Stop staring and find cover!

Getaway

Having trouble outrunning the police? Try bringing your car to a standstill and waiting for the cops to drive up, park, and get out of their squad cars. Once they're out from behind the wheel, hit the gas and tear away as fast as you can.

Enjoy the Freeform

If you want to give the core story line a break and simply enjoy the freeform fun Liberty City offers, you can choose "Turn Sleep Mode On" in the options menu on your cell phone. This will discontinue any story-related missions (provided you're not in the middle of one) and allow you to enjoy the city at your own pace.

Liberty City is rife with challenge, but with the preceding tips and your own fine-tuned tactics developed during your adventures, you should find yourself equipped to meet anything GTA IV dares to throw at you.

Article by Ryan Treit