CJ possesses several stats and skills that influence his performance in different aspects of the game. These include:
- Stamina: Affects how long CJ can sprint, swim, or cycle. Increased by running, swimming, and cycling.
- Muscle: Increases melee damage and sex appeal. Increased by working out at gyms.
- Fat: Affects appearance and can be gained by eating too much. Can be lost by exercising.
- Driving Skill: Improves vehicle handling and control. Increased by driving vehicles.
- Cycling Skill: Improves bike handling and speed. Increased by cycling.
- Flying Skill: Improves aircraft handling. Increased by flying planes and helicopters.
- Lung Capacity: Determines how long CJ can stay underwater. Increased by swimming underwater.
- Weapon Skills: Each weapon category (Pistol, Shotgun, SMG, Assault Rifle, etc.) has its own skill level, from 'Poor' to 'Hitman'. Higher skill reduces recoil, improves accuracy, and allows dual-wielding for some weapons. Increased by using weapons.
- Respect: Influences the number of gang members you can recruit and their effectiveness. Increased by completing missions, taking over gang territory, and wearing certain clothes.
- Sex Appeal: Affects how attractive CJ is to girlfriends. Influenced by clothes, haircut, body shape, and vehicles.
- Gambling Skill: Improves your chances at casino games. Increased by gambling.
Focus on improving stats relevant to your current objectives or preferred playstyle. For example, maxing out weapon skills early makes combat significantly easier, while high stamina is crucial for certain missions and activities.