Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Running Dog

Tackle the on-foot drive-by in the Running Dog mission of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Prepare for intense close-quarters combat and a thrilling chase.

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Running Dog

This mission sees you assisting Ryder in a drive-by shooting, but with a twist – you're on foot! Prepare for some intense close-quarters combat and a chase sequence. Ensure your health and armor are topped off before starting.

Mission Briefing

Head to Ryder's house in Ganton, Los Santos, marked by a "R" on your radar. After a brief, somewhat awkward exchange, Ryder will inform you of the plan: a drive-by on the Vagos. You'll be riding shotgun, but the real action begins when you dismount.

Walkthrough Steps

  1. Meet Ryder: Drive to Ryder's house. A short cutscene will play where Ryder explains the mission.
  2. Drive to the Target Location: Get into Ryder's car, a green Picador. Ryder will drive you to the Vagos territory in East Los Santos. Pay attention to the route, as you'll be returning on foot.
  3. Initial Drive-By: As Ryder pulls up to the Vagos, he'll initiate a drive-by. You'll automatically lean out and start shooting. Focus your fire on the Vagos gang members marked with red arrows above their heads. Aim for headshots to conserve ammunition and take them down quickly.
  4. On Foot Pursuit: After a few moments, Ryder will stop the car and you'll automatically exit. This is where the "Running Dog" aspect comes in. You'll need to chase down the remaining Vagos on foot.
    • Target Priority: Your primary target is the Vagos member who attempts to flee. He's usually the one furthest away or actively running. Don't let him get too far.
    • Weapon Choice: Your 9mm Pistol or Micro SMG (if you have one) are excellent choices for this section due to their accuracy and rate of fire. If you're low on ammo, the Knife can be surprisingly effective in close combat, but carries more risk.
    • Movement: Utilize CJ's sprint ability (hold down the sprint button) to keep up with the fleeing Vagos. strafe (move sideways) to avoid incoming fire from other Vagos members.
    • Cover: Use environmental cover like walls, cars, and dumpsters to shield yourself from enemy fire. Pop out, shoot, and duck back in.
  5. Eliminate Remaining Vagos: Once the initial fleeing Vagos member is dealt with, mop up any other Vagos members in the immediate vicinity. There might be a few stragglers who were part of the initial group or who emerge from nearby alleys.
  6. Return to Ryder: After all the Vagos are eliminated, Ryder will call you back to his car. Get back into the Picador.
  7. Drive Back to Ryder's House: Ryder will then drive you back to his house in Ganton, completing the mission.

Tips and Strategies

  • Ammo Check: Before starting, make sure you have ample ammunition for your preferred weapons, especially the 9mm or SMG. You can purchase ammo at Ammu-Nation stores.
  • Health and Armor: Grab any Health Pickups or Armor Vests you see in the area before initiating the mission. A full health bar and armor will make a significant difference.
  • Headshots are Key: Especially during the on-foot chase, aiming for headshots will drop enemies much faster, saving you time and health.
  • Don't Be Afraid to Retreat: If you're taking too much damage during the on-foot section, temporarily retreat behind cover to let your health regenerate slightly or to find a better firing position.
  • Mini-Map Awareness: Keep an eye on your mini-map for red blips indicating enemy positions. This will help you anticipate where Vagos members might be coming from.