Wrong Side of the Tracks

This mission, given by Big Smoke, is notorious for being one of the most frustrating early game challenges. Success hinges on precise driving and effective communication with your Grove Street homies. Prepare for a high-speed chase across the railway lines of Los Santos.

Preparation is Key

While not strictly necessary, a few preparations can ease the difficulty:

Max out your Driving Skill: The better your driving, the more control you'll have over the Sanchez dirt bike, which is crucial for maintaining speed and avoiding obstacles. Practice by driving around Los Santos or completing Driving School challenges.
Improve your Cycling Skill: Although you'll be on a motorbike, a higher cycling skill can subtly improve your handling of two-wheeled vehicles.
Full Health and Armor: Always a good idea before any mission, especially one involving gunfire. Grab a full armor vest from any Ammu-Nation or pick one up from a gang territory.

Mission Walkthrough

Meet Big Smoke: Head to Big Smoke's house in Idlewood, marked by a "BS" on your radar. After the cutscene, you'll automatically be on a Sanchez dirt bike with Smoke as your passenger.
The Chase Begins: Follow the marked route to the railway tracks. Once you're on the tracks, the chase will begin. Four Vagos gang members on a train will be your targets.
Positioning is Paramount: This is the most critical part of the mission. You need to drive the Sanchez alongside the train, keeping Big Smoke in a clear line of sight to the Vagos.
- Stay Close: Don't fall too far behind or get too far ahead. Smoke's aim isn't perfect, and he needs to be within a reasonable range to hit the Vagos.
- Maintain Speed: The train moves at a consistent speed. You need to match it. Use the accelerator (X/A on console, W on PC) to keep up.
- Avoid Obstacles: The tracks are not always clear. Watch out for oncoming trains, signal posts, and other trackside debris. A collision can cost you valuable time and potentially fail the mission.
- The Right Side: Generally, staying on the right side of the train (from your perspective, looking forward) gives Smoke the best angle. However, be prepared to adjust your position if Smoke isn't firing or hitting his targets.
Big Smoke's Role: Your job is purely to drive. Big Smoke will handle the shooting. You'll hear his dialogue indicating his frustration or success. If he says "All we had to do was follow the damn train, CJ!", you're likely too far away or poorly positioned.
The Tunnel Section: There's a tunnel section where the tracks narrow. This can be tricky. Try to maintain your position as best as possible. If you get stuck, try to quickly reverse and reposition.
Persistence Pays Off: This mission often takes multiple attempts. Don't get discouraged. Focus on smooth driving and maintaining that optimal position for Smoke. The Vagos will eventually be eliminated.
Mission Completion: Once all four Vagos are dead, the mission will conclude successfully.

Troubleshooting & Tips

"All we had to do was follow the damn train, CJ!": This iconic line means you're failing. Either you're too far from the train, or you're not giving Smoke a clear shot. Adjust your position immediately.
Restarting: If you're struggling, don't hesitate to restart the mission. Sometimes a fresh attempt with a clear head is all you need.
Camera Angle: Experiment with different camera angles. Some players find the cinematic camera helpful for judging distance, while others prefer the standard third-person view for better control.
Practice Driving: If your driving skill is low, take some time to practice. The better you are at controlling the bike, the easier this mission becomes.