Game Progression & Unlockables — Grand Theft Auto IV Guide

Game Progression & Unlockables

Welcome to Liberty City, fresh off the boat! Grand Theft Auto IV offers a deep narrative experience intertwined with a vast open world. This section will guide you through the primary progression path and detail the various unlockables you'll encounter, from new areas to essential services and powerful weapons.

I. Early Game: Broker & Dukes (Tutorial & Introduction)

Your journey begins in Broker, the easternmost borough, and quickly expands into Dukes. This initial phase serves as a tutorial, introducing you to core mechanics, key characters, and the harsh realities of Niko Bellic's new life.

• Initial Missions: You'll start with missions from Roman Bellic, your cousin, including "The Cousins Bellic" and "It's Your Call." These missions are crucial for understanding the game's controls, driving, and basic combat.
• Safehouses: Your first safehouse is Roman's apartment in Hove Beach, Broker. This is where you can save your game, change clothes, and access the internet.
• Weapon Unlocks:
  • Pistol: Unlocked early in the storyline, often provided during missions.
  • Micro SMG: Becomes available for purchase at Ammu-Nation after completing missions for Little Jacob, such as "Concrete Jungle."
• Friendship Perks: Building relationships with characters like Roman and Little Jacob is vital.
  • Roman Bellic: Once his friendship level is high enough (around 60-70%), he can send a taxi to pick you up anywhere in the city, free of charge. This is incredibly useful for quick travel.
  • Little Jacob: With a good friendship level, Jacob can offer discounted weapons and even deliver them to your location. Aim for at least 75% friendship to unlock his weapon delivery service.
• Activities Unlocked:
  • Darts, Pool, Bowling: These activities become available as you progress and meet new friends. They are excellent ways to boost friendship levels.
  • Internet Cafe: "TW@ Internet Cafe" locations are available from the start, allowing you to check emails and browse the in-game internet.

II. Middle Game: Bohan & Algonquin (Expanding Horizons)

As you delve deeper into the criminal underworld, you'll gain access to Bohan and eventually the bustling island of Algonquin, significantly expanding your playable area and introducing more complex missions and characters.

• Bohan Bridge Unlock: Access to Bohan is granted after completing the mission "Ivan the Not So Terrible" for Roman. This opens up new mission strands from characters like Manny Escuela and Elizabeta Torres.
• Algonquin Bridge Unlock: The Algonquin bridges (Broker Bridge, Algonquin Bridge, and Manhattan Bridge) become accessible after completing the mission "Blow Your Cover" for Elizabeta Torres. This is a major progression point, opening up the majority of the city.
• New Safehouses:
  • Bohan Safehouse: Acquired during the storyline in Bohan.
  • Algonquin Safehouse: Several safehouses become available in Algonquin as you progress through the storyline, often provided by new contacts.
• Weapon Unlocks:
  • Assault Rifle (AK-47): Becomes available for purchase at Ammu-Nation after completing missions for Mikhail Faustin, such as "Crime and Punishment."
  • Combat Shotgun: Unlocked through storyline progression, often after missions involving heavier combat.
  • Sniper Rifle: Available later in Algonquin, usually after missions for characters like Dimitri Rascalov or Pegorino.
• New Contacts & Services:
  • Brucie Kibbutz: Completing his missions unlocks his "Chopper Ride" service, allowing you to travel across the city via helicopter for a fee.
  • Packie McReary: Developing a strong friendship with Packie (around 75%) grants you the ability to call him for a car bomb, which can be strategically placed on a vehicle.
  • Dwayne Forge: A high friendship with Dwayne (around 75%) allows him to send two armed gang members to assist you in combat.

III. Late Game: Alderney (Climax & Resolution)

The final borough, Alderney, becomes available as the story reaches its climax, bringing with it the most dangerous missions and the ultimate choices for Niko.

• Alderney Bridge Unlock: Access to Alderney is granted after completing the mission "A Long Way to Fall" for Ray Boccino. This opens up the final major area of the game.
• Alderney Safehouse: You will acquire a safehouse in Alderney as part of the main storyline.
• Advanced Weaponry:
  • Rocket Launcher: Becomes available for purchase at Ammu-Nation during the later stages of the game, particularly after missions involving heavy firepower.
  • Combat Pistol: A more powerful variant of the standard pistol, often found or unlocked in the later missions.
• Storyline Choices: Be aware that towards the end of the game, you will be presented with critical choices that impact the ending of the game. These choices are clearly signposted and will have lasting consequences.

IV. Post-Game & 100% Completion Unlockables

Even after completing the main storyline, Liberty City still has much to offer. Achieving 100% completion unlocks several rewards and ensures you've experienced everything the game has to offer.

• Unlimited Ammo: Upon reaching 100% completion, all weapons you own will have unlimited ammunition. This is a significant advantage for replayability and free-roam mayhem.
• "Key to the City" Trophy/Achievement: This is the ultimate reward for 100% completion, signifying mastery of the game.
• New Outfits: While not directly tied to 100% completion, certain outfits become available at clothing stores as you progress through the story and complete specific side activities.
• Hidden Package (Pigeon) Locations Revealed: While you can find the 200 pigeons throughout the game, completing the main story and exploring thoroughly will make finding the last few easier. There's no in-game map marker for these until you complete the "Pigeon Hunt" side activity.
• Stunt Jumps: All 50 unique stunt jumps are available from the start, but completing them all contributes to 100% completion.
• Side Activities & Random Characters: Many side activities and encounters with "Random Characters" become available progressively throughout the game. Completing all of these is essential for 100% completion.

By following this progression guide, you'll navigate Liberty City effectively, unlock its secrets, and make the most of your time as Niko Bellic.