Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto IV

Side Missions Overview

Master Grand Theft Auto IV's side missions. Learn how Niko Bellic takes on lucrative activities, builds relationships, and earns cash with our strategies.

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Side Missions Overview

While the main storyline of Grand Theft Auto IV offers a compelling narrative, Liberty City is brimming with opportunities for Niko Bellic to earn extra cash, build relationships, and experience the city's darker underbelly through various side missions. This section details the most lucrative and engaging side activities, providing actionable strategies to maximize your rewards and ensure 100% completion.

Car Thefts for Stevie

Stevie, a contact unlocked after completing the main mission "No. 1," offers a series of car theft missions that are crucial for earning significant income and contributing to your completion percentage. These missions become available via text message on Niko's phone.

  • Activation: After receiving a text from Stevie, a car icon will appear on your radar. Drive to this location to find the target vehicle.
  • Strategy:
    • Preparation: Before heading to the car, ensure you have a full health bar and some body armor. A fast, durable vehicle for your escape is also recommended.
    • Retrieval: Some cars are simply parked and can be driven away. Others are guarded by gang members or located in restricted areas. For guarded vehicles, a stealthy approach (e.g., using a silenced pistol for headshots if available) can prevent large-scale shootouts, saving you health and armor. Alternatively, a direct assault with an assault rifle or shotgun is effective.
    • Damage Control: Stevie pays more for cars delivered in pristine condition. Drive carefully back to the designated garage in Bohan. If the car takes too much damage, consider ditching it and waiting for Stevie to text you about the same car again, or a different one.
    • Police Evasion: If you acquire a wanted level, prioritize losing the cops before driving to the drop-off point. Using Pay 'n' Spray locations is the quickest method.
  • Rewards: Successful delivery earns you a cash reward, which varies based on the car's condition and rarity. Completing all 30 car thefts is mandatory for 100% completion.

Vigilante Missions

As a former soldier, Niko can take justice into his own hands by pursuing criminals across Liberty City. These missions are a reliable source of income and a fun way to engage in combat.

  • Activation: Enter any police vehicle (Patrol Car, Enforcer, FBI Buffalo) and press the left analog stick (L3 on PlayStation, LS on Xbox) to access the police computer. Select "View Current Crimes."
  • Strategy:
    • Target Selection: The police computer will display various crimes in progress. Prioritize missions that involve a single target or a small group of easily accessible suspects to minimize risk.
    • Pursuit and Engagement: Drive to the crime scene. Suspects will often attempt to flee. Ramming their vehicle to disable it or shooting out their tires is an effective way to stop them. Once they are on foot, engage them with firearms. Aim for headshots to conserve ammunition and health.
    • Weaponry: Ensure you have a good supply of ammunition for your assault rifle, carbine, and shotgun. Body armor is highly recommended as you will often face armed resistance.
    • Evasion: Be mindful of your wanted level. If it escalates too high, you may need to abandon the mission temporarily to lose the police before returning to the pursuit.
  • Rewards: Each successful apprehension or elimination of a criminal group grants a cash reward. Completing 20 Vigilante missions (10 from each borough) is required for 100% completion.

Assassination Contracts for the Fixer

These contracts, offered by a mysterious "Fixer" via payphone, involve eliminating specific targets. They are generally more challenging than other side missions but offer substantial payouts.

  • Activation: After completing the main mission "Paper Trail," payphone icons will appear on your map. Answer the ringing payphone to receive a contract.
  • Strategy:
    • Intel Gathering: The Fixer provides a brief description of the target and their last known location. Sometimes, you'll need to follow a target, observe their routine, or infiltrate a guarded area.
    • Execution: Each contract requires a different approach. Some targets are in public, allowing for a quick drive-by or sniper shot. Others are heavily guarded, necessitating a full-frontal assault or a more tactical, stealth-based approach. Always have a full arsenal and body armor before attempting these.
    • Vehicle Choice: For missions requiring pursuit or a quick getaway, a fast and durable car is essential. For stealth, an unmarked vehicle might be preferable.
    • Escape: After eliminating the target, immediately focus on losing any pursuing police or gang members.
  • Rewards: These missions offer some of the highest cash rewards among side activities. Completing all 9 assassination contracts is necessary for 100% completion.