Embark on your criminal career in Liberty City with these essential beginner tips for Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. Mastering the fundamentals will ensure Huang Lee's survival and pave the way for his rise to power.
Get Familiar with the Controls
Chinatown Wars uses the Nintendo DS's dual screens and touch screen extensively. Take time to understand how to navigate menus, aim weapons, drive vehicles, and interact with the environment using both the buttons and the touch screen. Practice makes perfect, especially with the touch-based mini-games.
Master the Mini-Map
The mini-map is your most crucial tool. It displays mission objectives, enemy locations, police presence, and available services like Pay 'n' Sprays and Ammu-Nation. Learn to read it quickly to plan your routes and avoid unnecessary confrontations.
Prioritize Safehouses and Saving
Safehouses are marked on your map and allow you to save your game progress. Make it a priority to reach and activate safehouses as you unlock new areas. This prevents losing sificant progress if you fail a mission or get caught by the police.
Understand the Wanted System
Committing crimes will attract the attention of the Liberty City Police Department (LCPD). The more stars you accumulate, the more aggressive the police response. use Pay 'n' Sprays to reduce your wanted level. These are marked on the map and will repaint your vehicle, removing one wanted star.
Effective Driving Techniques
Driving is central to Chinatown Wars. Learn to use the handbrake for sharp turns and to navigate traffic effectively. Pay attention to one-way streets and alleys for quick escapes. Motorcycles are excellent for their speed and maneuverability in tight spaces.
Weapon Management
Visit Ammu-Nation stores to purchase several weapons. Always try to have a decent handgun and perhaps an SMG or shotgun for combat. Ammunition can be scarce, so aim for headshots to conserve bullets.
Drug Trafficking Basics
Drug deals are a primary source of income. When a drug deal is available, a notification will appear. Head to the pickup location, grab the drugs, and deliver them to the buyer as quickly as possible, avoiding police and rival gangs.
Mission Structure
Missions are initiated by approaching specific characters marked with an icon on the map. Pay attention to the dialogue and objectives, as they will guide you through the story and introduce new gameplay mechanics.
Health and Armor
Keep an eye on your health bar. If it gets low, find health packs or food items to replenish it. Armor provides an extra layer of protection against damage.