Expanding the empire in Grand Theft Auto III involves taking over territories and establishing businesses that generate passive income. This is a core mechanic of the game, allowing players to progress beyond the main storyline and build a criminal enterprise. By completing missions for various gangs and eliminating rival operations, you can claim valuable properties and increase your wealth.
The Concept of Empire Building
Once you have completed a certain number of missions for a specific gang or faction, you will unlock the ability to purchase their businesses. These businesses, such as chop shops, taxi companies, or strip clubs, generate money over time. The more businesses you own, the more income you receive.
Taking Over Territories
To gain control of a territory and unlock its associated businesses, you typically need to complete a series of missions for the dominant gang in that area. For example, completing Salvatore Leone's missions in Portland will eventually allow you to purchase businesses there. Similarly, missions for the Yakuza on Staunton Island and the Cartel in Shoreside Vale will unlock their respective territories.
Key Businesses and Their Benefits
| Business Type | Location | Income Potential | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chop Shop | Portland | Moderate | Allows you to steal and sell cars for cash. |
| Taxi Company | Portland | Moderate | Complete taxi missions for extra income. |
| Strip Club | Portland | High | Generates sificant passive income. |
| Car Showroom | Staunton Island | High | Showcases and allows purchase of various vehicles. |
| Movie Studio | Staunton Island | High | Generates sificant passive income. |
| Fish Factory | Shoreside Vale | High | Generates sificant passive income. |
Eliminating Rival Operations
In some cases, you may need to directly confront and eliminate rival gangs to gain control of a territory. This often involves missions where you must destroy their vehicles, assassinate their leaders, or disrupt their operations. Successfully completing these tasks weakens the rival faction and paves the way for your own empire.
Strategies for Empire Building
- Prioritize Income: Focus on acquiring businesses that offer the highest passive income first.
- Complete Side Missions: Many businesses offer their own side missions (e.g., taxi missions, vigilante missions) that provide additional income and can help you save up for more expensive properties.
- Save Regularly: Empire building takes time and money. Save your progress frequently to avoid losing your hard-earned assets.
- Diversify: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Owning several businesses across different islands provides a more stable income stream.
The Ultimate Goal
The ultimate goal of empire building is to amass a fortune and become the most powerful criminal in Liberty City. By systematically acquiring and upgrading businesses, you can achieve financial independence and unlock the full potential of the game world.