Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto IV

Multiplayer Modes & Objectives — Grand Theft Auto IV Guide

Master Grand Theft Auto IV's multiplayer modes and objectives. Learn how to dominate Liberty City with friends and earn in-game cash and reputation.

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Multiplayer Modes & Objectives

Grand Theft Auto IV's multiplayer offers a robust online experience, allowing players to roam Liberty City with friends or compete in various structured game modes. Understanding the objectives and strategies for each mode is key to dominating the streets and earning that coveted in-game cash and reputation.

Accessing Multiplayer

To jump into multiplayer, simply pull out your in-game mobile phone (up on the D-pad), navigate to the "Multiplayer" option, and select it. From there, you can choose to join a Quick Match, browse custom games, or set up your own session.

Team-Based Modes

Teamwork is paramount in these modes. Coordinating with your crew, utilizing vehicle advantages, and understanding the map layouts will give you a significant edge.

Team Deathmatch

Objective: Eliminate opposing players to reach a target score or have the highest score when the timer runs out. The team with the most kills wins.

  • Strategy:
    • Stick Together: Avoid lone wolf tactics. A coordinated push with multiple players is far more effective than individual skirmishes.
    • Vehicle Use: Utilize vehicles like the Patriot or Armored Car for protection and mobile firepower. Designate a driver and a gunner.
    • Weapon Spawns: Learn the locations of powerful weapons such as the Rocket Launcher, Combat Shotgun, and Assault Rifle. These often spawn in high-traffic areas or on rooftops.
    • Cover: Always use environmental cover. Duck behind cars, walls, or dumpsters to avoid incoming fire.

Cops N' Crooks

Objective: This mode pits two teams against each other: the Cops and the Crooks. The objectives vary depending on the sub-mode chosen:

  • Cash Grab: Crooks must retrieve bags of cash from designated locations and deliver them to a getaway vehicle. Cops must prevent this.
    • Crooks Strategy: Prioritize getting to the cash quickly. Use fast vehicles like the Comet or Banshee. Have one player focus on driving the getaway car while others provide cover.
    • Cops Strategy: Set up roadblocks with police cruisers. Use the Carbine Rifle for medium-range engagements. Focus fire on the cash carrier.
  • Bomb Defuse: Crooks must plant a bomb at a target location, and Cops must defuse it.
    • Crooks Strategy: Create diversions. While one player plants the bomb, others should engage the Cops to draw their attention.
    • Cops Strategy: Secure the bomb site. Use grenades (Frag Grenade) to flush out planting Crooks.

Turf War

Objective: Capture and hold designated territories across the map. Points are awarded for controlling zones. The team with the most points at the end of the round wins.

  • Strategy:
    • Area Control: Focus on capturing zones strategically. Don't spread your team too thin.
    • Defensive Positions: Once a zone is captured, establish defensive positions. Use elevated areas or buildings for sniper nests with the Sniper Rifle.
    • Vehicle Blocking: Use larger vehicles like the Pounder or Flatbed to block access points to your controlled zones.

Free-For-All Modes

These modes are every player for themselves. Adaptability and quick reflexes are crucial.

Deathmatch

Objective: Be You with the most kills when the timer expires or reach the kill limit first.

  • Strategy:
    • Situational Awareness: Constantly check your radar for enemy player locations.
    • Power Weapon Control: Prioritize securing powerful weapons like the Minigun (if available on the map) or RPG.
    • Exploit Chaos: Let other players fight, then swoop in to finish off weakened opponents.
    • Health & Armor: Always be on the lookout for Health Packs and Body Armor spawns, often found in alleys, under bridges, or inside certain buildings.

Race

Objective: Be the first to cross the finish line. Races can be standard, GTA (with weapons), or stunt races.

  • Strategy:
    • Vehicle Choice: Select a vehicle that suits the track. For speed, consider the Infernus or Turismo. For off-road, the Patriot or Sanchez.
    • GTA Race Tactics: In GTA races, use weapons like the SMG or Shotgun to disable opponents. Aim for tires or the engine block.
    • Cornering: Master the handbrake turn (A/X button) for sharp corners to maintain speed.
    • Drafting: Stick close behind opponents to gain a speed boost on straights.

Co-op Modes

Work together with other players to achieve common goals against AI opponents.

Free Mode

Objective: Explore Liberty City with up to 15 other players. There are no specific objectives, but You can create their own fun, engage in impromptu car chases, or just cruise around.

  • Strategy:
    • Meet Up: Use the map to find your friends. Common meeting spots include the Statue of Happiness or Star Junction.
    • Vehicle Sharing: Pick up friends in multi-passenger vehicles like the Stretch or Bus.
    • Experiment: Try out different stunts, explore hidden areas, or engage in friendly competition.

Co-op Missions

Objective: Complete specific story-driven missions with a team of players, similar to the single-player campaign but designed for cooperation.

  • Strategy:
    • Communication: Use voice chat to coordinate attacks, cover, and objective progression.
    • Role Assignment: Designate roles such as driver, sniper, or close-quarters combatant.
    • Cover & Suppression: Always provide cover for teammates, especially when they are moving to an objective or reviving a downed player.
    • Weapon Loadout: Ensure your team has a balanced weapon loadout, including long-range (Sniper Rifle), medium-range (Carbine Rifle), and close-quarters (Combat Shotgun) options.

General Multiplayer Tips

  • Customization: Personalize your character's appearance and vehicle to stand out.
  • Reputation & Money: Performing well in multiplayer modes earns you reputation points (RP) and in-game cash, which can be used to unlock new clothing and vehicle options.
  • Minimap Awareness: Always keep an eye on your minimap for enemy players, objectives, and weapon/health pickups.
  • Exploit the Environment: Use ramps for stunts, hide in bushes, or drive through alleys to escape pursuers.
  • Practice: The more you play, the better you'll become at navigating Liberty City and mastering the various game mechanics.