Achievements/Trophies Guide

Welcome to Liberty City, cousin! This comprehensive guide will help you unlock every Achievement and Trophy in Grand Theft Auto IV. Whether you're a seasoned criminal or a fresh arrival from Eastern Europe, follow these detailed steps to maximize your Gamerscore or Platinum your PlayStation experience.

Story-Related Achievements/Trophies

Many achievements and trophies are unlocked simply by progressing through the main storyline. These are generally unmissable, but we'll highlight a few key missions and considerations.

"Wanted" (10G/Bronze): Complete the mission "Bleed Out." This is one of the earliest missions in the game, introducing you to combat mechanics.
"Lowest Point" (5G/Bronze): Complete the mission "Roman's Sorrow." This mission marks a significant turning point in the story, forcing Roman and Niko to relocate.
"That Special Someone" (10G/Bronze): Complete the mission "That Special Someone." This mission involves a difficult choice that impacts later story events.
"Endangered Species" (50G/Silver): Complete the main story. This will unlock regardless of your final choices.

Exploration and Collectible Achievements/Trophies

Liberty City is vast, and there's plenty to discover beyond the main narrative. These achievements require a keen eye and a willingness to explore every nook and cranny.

"Key to the City" (100G/Gold) - 100% Completion

This is the big one! To achieve 100% completion, you'll need to tick off a long list of activities. Here's a breakdown:

Complete all Main Story Missions: This is the foundation.
Complete all Side Missions:
- Assassination Contracts (9 total): After meeting Phil Bell, these missions become available via phone calls from a mysterious contact. Look for the target icon on your radar.
- Vehicle Thefts (10 total): These are given by Stevie via text message after completing "No. 1." He'll send you pictures of vehicles to steal and deliver to his garage in Bohan.
- Most Wanted Missions (30 total): These are accessible from police computers. Select "View Most Wanted" and take down the targets across the city. There are 10 per island.
- Vigilante Missions (20 total): Similar to Most Wanted, but you'll be responding to active crimes. Access these from a police computer.
Complete all Friend Activities with all Friends:
- Roman: Bowling, Darts, Pool, Drinking, Eating, Strip Club.
- Little Jacob: Darts, Pool, Drinking, Eating, Strip Club.
- Brucie: Bowling, Darts, Pool, Drinking, Eating, Heli Tour, Boating.
- Packie: Bowling, Darts, Pool, Drinking, Eating, Strip Club.
Strategy: Regularly call your friends and accept their activity invitations. Ensure you complete each unique activity with each friend at least once.
Win all Races (9 total): Brucie will introduce you to street racing. Win all nine races he offers.
Complete all Exotic Exports (10 total): Offered by Brucie after "Logging On." Deliver the requested vehicles to the docks.
Complete all Pigeon Collectibles (200 total): These are scattered throughout Liberty City. There are 50 pigeons on each of the four main islands.
- Strategy: This is arguably the most time-consuming collectible. Use an online map or a dedicated guide to pinpoint their exact locations. They often perch on ledges, rooftops, and signs. You'll need a firearm to shoot them down.
Complete all Unique Stunt Jumps (50 total): These are specific ramps or elevated areas designed for spectacular jumps.
- Strategy: Look for ramps, broken bridges, and natural inclines. You need to land cleanly for the jump to count. A fast car or motorcycle is recommended.
Win a game of Darts, Pool, and Bowling against a friend.
Beat the computer at a game of Darts, Pool, and Bowling.
Complete a game of QUB3D.

"Genetically Superior" (25G/Bronze) - Come first in 20 different multiplayer races

This achievement requires you to dominate the online racing scene. Focus on learning the tracks and finding a vehicle you're comfortable with. Practice makes perfect!

"Liberty City Minute" (30G/Silver) - Complete the story in less than 30 hours

This is a speedrun achievement. To achieve this, you'll need to:

Skip all cutscenes.
Avoid side activities and exploration. Focus solely on main story missions.
Use taxis frequently: They are the fastest way to get to mission markers.
Don't waste time on customization or dating.
Be efficient in combat: Aim for headshots to quickly dispatch enemies.

Combat and Skill-Based Achievements/Trophies

Prove your prowess in combat and master various skills to earn these accolades.

"One Man Army" (40G/Silver) - Survive 5 minutes with a 6-star wanted level

This is a challenging achievement that requires careful planning and execution. Here's a strategy:

Acquire a 6-star wanted level: The easiest way is to go on a rampage in a high-traffic area, like Times Square (Star Junction) or near a police station. Use powerful weapons like the RPG or Assault Rifle.
Find a safe haven:
- Subway Tunnels: Drive a car into the subway entrance and head down into the tunnels. The police often struggle to follow, and you can drive around until the timer runs out.
- Underground Parking Garages: Some parking garages offer multiple levels and cover, making it difficult for police to corner you.
- Specific buildings: The interior of the Cluckin' Bell in Algonquin (near Middle Park) or the Burger Shot in Broker can sometimes offer temporary respite, but police will eventually breach.
Stock up on health and armor: Before attempting, ensure you have full health and body armor.
Be prepared to fight: Even in a safe spot, police will eventually find you. Have plenty of ammunition for your best weapons.

"Cleaned the Mean Streets" (20G/Bronze) - Complete 20 Vigilante missions

Access these missions from any police vehicle's computer. Select "Vigilante" and respond to the reported crimes. You'll need to apprehend or eliminate the suspects. Completing 20 will unlock this achievement.

"Wheelman" (30G/Silver) - Perform 100 stunt jumps

While "Key to the City" requires 50 *unique* stunt jumps, this achievement simply asks for 100 successful stunt jumps, unique or not. You can repeat the same jump multiple times if it's convenient. Find a good ramp and keep hitting it!

Miscellaneous Achievements/Trophies

These achievements cover a range of activities, from social interactions to quirky challenges.

"Driving Mr. Bellic" (10G/Bronze) - Complete a taxi fare without any damage to the vehicle

This requires a steady hand and patience. Take a taxi fare from a pedestrian (honk your horn near them) and drive carefully to their destination. Avoid collisions and don't speed excessively. If you hit anything, the fare will likely be damaged, and you'll need to try again.

"Gobble Gobble" (10G/Bronze) - Get a turkey in 10-pin bowling

A "turkey" in bowling means three consecutive strikes. This can be tricky, but practice makes perfect. Aim for the center pin with a slight curve. Play against a friend or by yourself at a bowling alley.

"Auf Wiedersehen Petrovic" (10G/Bronze) - Complete all 10 car thefts for Stevie

After completing "No. 1," Stevie will start sending you text messages with pictures of cars to steal. Locate the car, steal it, and deliver it to his garage in Bohan. Some cars are parked, others are being driven. Be prepared for a chase if you steal a moving vehicle.

"Under the Radar" (20G/Bronze) - Fly under all 14 bridges in the game

This is a challenging aerial feat. You'll need a helicopter (available from Brucie's Heli Tours or found at various helipads after unlocking the later islands). Fly low and carefully under each of the bridges connecting the islands and within the islands themselves. Some bridges are very low, requiring precise control. Use an online map to identify all 14 locations.

Good luck, and remember to enjoy your time in Liberty City!