Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Exploration & Discoveries — Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Guide

Find secrets and hidden opportunities throughout Liberty City in Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. Investigate key areas for valuable rewards.

Exploration & Discoveries

Beyond the main story missions, Liberty City in Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is brimming with secrets, collectibles, and hidden opportunities for the intrepid player. Mastering the art of exploration will not only net you valuable rewards but also deepen your understanding of the city's gritty underbelly. This section details key areas to investigate and the treasures they hold.

Hidden Packages (Drug Stashes)

Scattered across Liberty City are 100 hidden packages, disguised as small, white drug stashes. Collecting these is crucial for unlocking powerful weapons and increasing your overall income. Each package you find contributes to a cumulative reward system.

  • Reward Tiers:
    • 10 Packages: Pistol available at your Safehouse.
    • 20 Packages: Micro SMG available at your Safehouse.
    • 30 Packages: Shotgun available at your Safehouse.
    • 40 Packages: Assault Rifle available at your Safehouse.
    • 50 Packages: Carbine available at your Safehouse.
    • 60 Packages: Flamethrower available at your Safehouse.
    • 70 Packages: Minigun available at your Safehouse.
    • 80 Packages: RPG available at your Safehouse.
    • 90 Packages: Grenades available at your Safehouse.
    • 100 Packages: Body Armor available at your Safehouse, and a significant cash bonus.
  • Strategy:

    While some packages are in plain sight, many are tucked away in alleys, on rooftops, or behind buildings. Utilize the in-game map and the top-down perspective to meticulously comb through each district. Pay close attention to dead ends, elevated platforms, and areas that seem unusually quiet. A good strategy is to systematically clear one island at a time.

    Pro-Tip: Keep an ear out for a faint, high-pitched hum. This sound intensifies as you get closer to a hidden package, acting as an audio cue to guide your search.

Rampages

Rampages are timed challenges that task you with eliminating a certain number of gang members or destroying vehicles within a specific time limit, using a predetermined weapon. There are 30 Rampages in total, marked by a skull icon on your map once discovered.

  • Activation: Drive or walk over the skull icon to begin a Rampage.
  • Rewards: Completing Rampages earns you cash rewards and contributes to your overall game completion. Successfully completing all 30 Rampages unlocks the "Rampage Master" achievement/trophy.
  • Strategy:
    • Know Your Weapon: Each Rampage provides a specific weapon. Adapt your tactics to its strengths and weaknesses. For example, a Flamethrower Rampage requires close-quarters combat, while an RPG Rampage demands careful aiming and splash damage utilization.
    • Vehicle Advantage: If the Rampage allows, using a vehicle for hit-and-run tactics or as cover can be highly effective.
    • Environmental Awareness: Use the environment to your advantage. Exploding barrels, narrow choke points, and elevated positions can turn the tide in your favor.
    • Practice Makes Perfect: Don't get discouraged if you fail. Learn the spawn points of enemies and optimize your route for maximum efficiency.

Stunt Jumps

Liberty City features 30 unique Stunt Jumps, marked by ramps, natural inclines, or strategically placed objects. Successfully completing a Stunt Jump requires hitting the jump at sufficient speed and landing cleanly.

  • Activation: Simply drive over a designated Stunt Jump location at high speed.
  • Rewards: Each successful Stunt Jump awards you a cash bonus. Completing all 30 Stunt Jumps contributes to 100% game completion and unlocks the "Stuntman" achievement/trophy.
  • Strategy:
    • Vehicle Choice: Opt for fast, durable vehicles like sports cars or motorcycles. The Infernus, Banshee, or PCJ-600 are excellent choices.
    • Approach Speed: Maintain maximum speed leading up to the jump. Use nitro boosts if available.
    • Landing: Aim for a clean landing on all four wheels (or two for motorcycles). Avoid hitting obstacles or landing in water.
    • Experimentation: Some jumps require precise angles or specific vehicle types. Don't be afraid to try different approaches.

Security Cameras

There are 100 Security Cameras hidden throughout Liberty City. Destroying these cameras is a side activity that offers unique rewards and contributes to your completion percentage.

  • Destruction: To destroy a camera, you must shoot it with a firearm. A single shot from most weapons will suffice.
  • Rewards: For every 10 cameras destroyed, you will unlock a new weapon for purchase at Ammu-Nation at a discounted price. Destroying all 100 cameras will unlock all weapons at Ammu-Nation for free.
  • Strategy:

    Cameras are often mounted on walls, poles, or buildings, typically overlooking streets or alleys. They are small and can be difficult to spot, especially at night. Use a sniper rifle for distant cameras or a pistol/SMG for closer targets. The game's mini-map will often highlight a camera's general vicinity once you are close enough, making them easier to pinpoint.

    Pro-Tip: Some cameras are positioned high up, requiring you to find an elevated vantage point or use a vehicle to get a clear shot.

Races

Participate in various street races across Liberty City to earn cash and unlock new vehicles. There are several types of races, each with different entry requirements and rewards.

  • Location: Race markers appear on your map as checkered flags.
  • Types of Races:
    • Street Races: Standard circuit races against AI opponents.
    • Time Trials: Race against the clock to beat a target time.
    • Delivery Races: Deliver a package to a destination within a time limit, often while being pursued.
  • Rewards: Winning races earns you significant cash. Completing all races can unlock rare vehicles for purchase or use.
  • Strategy:
    • Vehicle Upgrade: Invest in vehicle upgrades at the Chop Shop to improve speed, handling, and durability.
    • Master the Mini-Map: Pay close attention to the mini-map for upcoming turns and shortcuts.
    • Aggressive Driving: Don't be afraid to ram opponents or use shortcuts, but be mindful of damaging your vehicle.
    • Nitro Boosts: Utilize nitro boosts strategically on straightaways or to gain an advantage out of turns.

While Chinatown Wars utilizes a top-down perspective, its rendition of Liberty City retains many iconic landmarks and hidden packages established in Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories.