Map & Navigation — Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories Guide

Map & Navigation

Navigating the sprawling, dangerous streets of Liberty City is crucial for survival and success in Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. This section will guide you through understanding your map, setting waypoints, and utilizing the in-game navigation systems to your advantage.

Understanding Your Map

The map in Liberty City Stories is your most vital tool for orientation. It can be accessed at any time by pressing the Start button and selecting "Map" from the pause menu. Alternatively, a mini-map is always visible in the bottom-left corner of your screen during gameplay.

• Mini-Map: Provides a real-time, zoomed-in view of your immediate surroundings. It displays your current location (represented by a white arrow), nearby vehicles, pedestrians, mission objectives (various colored icons), and important landmarks.
• Full Map: Offers a complete overview of the entire Liberty City archipelago. Initially, only Portland Island is accessible. As you progress through the storyline, Staunton Island and Shoreside Vale will unlock.

Map Icons Explained

Familiarizing yourself with the various icons on your map will significantly improve your efficiency:

• Player Icon (White Arrow): Your current position and direction.
• Mission Objective (Yellow/Orange Icon): Marks the start point of the next story mission.
• Side Mission/Activity (Various Colors): Icons like the "P" for Pay 'n' Spray (car repair/repaint), "Ammu-Nation" gun icon (weapon shop), "Heart" icon (health pick-up), and "Dollar Sign" icon (safe house/save point) are crucial for maintaining your resources and progressing.
• Rampage Icon (Skull): Initiates a timed rampage challenge.
• Unique Jump Icon (Blue Star): Marks locations for stunt jumps.
• Hidden Package Icon (Green Package): Indicates the general area of a hidden package.
• Taxi Icon (Yellow Taxi): Marks available taxis for quick travel (once unlocked).

Setting Waypoints

One of the most useful navigation features is the ability to set custom waypoints. This creates a clear path on your mini-map, guiding you directly to your chosen destination.

1. Open the Full Map: Press Start and select "Map".
2. Locate Your Destination: Scroll around the map using the directional pad or analog stick to find where you want to go.
3. Place the Waypoint: Press the Action button (usually X or A) over your desired location. A red marker will appear on the map.
4. Follow the Path: Exit the map. A clear red line will now be visible on your mini-map, indicating the most efficient route to your waypoint.

Strategy Tip: Always set a waypoint for mission objectives or important locations like Pay 'n' Spray or your Safe House. This prevents aimless wandering and saves valuable time, especially during timed missions or when evading the police.

Utilizing Taxis for Fast Travel

Once you've progressed a bit into the game, taxis become an invaluable tool for quick travel across the city. This is particularly useful for reaching distant mission objectives or escaping high-pursuit situations.

1. Locate a Taxi: Look for yellow taxi cabs driving on the streets or parked at designated taxi stands (marked with a yellow taxi icon on your map).
2. Hail a Taxi: Stand near a taxi and press the Horn button (usually L3 or R3, or a specific button depending on your control scheme). The taxi will stop for you.
3. Enter the Taxi: Press the Enter Vehicle button (usually Triangle or Y).
4. Select Destination: A menu will appear, allowing you to choose from various unlocked locations, including your safe house, mission start points, or even custom waypoints you've set.
5. Confirm Travel: Select your destination, and the taxi will quickly transport you there for a small fee.

Important Note: Taxis cannot be used during active missions or if you have a high wanted level. Clear any immediate threats or complete your current objective before attempting to hail a cab.