Tips & tricks

Free up about 230 GB now

The download is up to 212 GB. Leave headroom for a day-one patch so you're not deleting games at midnight.

Pre-order before Nov 20 for the Vintage Vice City Pack

The '55 Stanier, the Shore Court garage and the retro outfits are only for purchases made before the deadline. Digital buyers also get a month of GTA+.

Redeem code-in-box copies right away

The box holds a download code, not a game disc. Redeem it as soon as it arrives so it can pre-load.

Check your unlock time the night before

Some US storefronts reportedly unlock at Eastern midnight, so West Coast players may get in at 9 PM on Nov 18.

No witnesses, no stars

Police only react if a witness reports you, a camera catches you, or an alarm or tracker goes off. Look for CCTV cameras and bystanders before you act.

Change your outfit, not just your hat

A new outfit or hairstyle clears your description. Accessories like hats and glasses don't. Keep a spare outfit in your trunk.

Split up to shake a manhunt

Send one character away. The duo icon disappears and the police divide their attention.

Don't go back to the scene

The area around a crime stays an active police zone for a while after you escape.

Outlined stars mean they can't see you

Use that moment to get out of sight, swap cars or change clothes before they get a description.

Crack the safe instead of blowing it

Explosives are fast but damage the cash. If nobody has called the police, take the time to find the combination.

Keep stolen cars clean

Fences pay less for damaged cars. Drive carefully on the way to the fence.

Ask fences for leads

Fences can point you to high-value cars and even give you impound lot access codes.

Save for story gates

Some story progress reportedly needs a certain amount of cash. Don't spend everything on cars early.

Go for limbs to keep your profile clean

Arm and leg shots incapacitate instead of kill. Unnecessary deaths hurt your Criminal Profile.

Use Focus before a firefight

Focus highlights escape routes, useful items and points of interest. Scan before you go loud.

Shoot tires in chases

Shooting a pursuing cruiser's tires can flip it, often faster than trying to outrun it.

Scan with WAINK before stealing

The app shows a car's lock, alarm and GPS tracker. Skip anything with a tracker unless you're ready for a chase.

Start with older cars

Slim jims work on older models. Luxury cars need key cloners, and those unlock later in the story.

Your trunk is your armory

Weapons and spare outfits live in your car. Park close before a job.

Answer your partner's texts

Ignoring Jason or Lucia's messages hurts your bond. Shared activities like the gym, shopping and hikes build it.

Hit the gym together

A joint workout reportedly gives a 2-for-1 stat boost.

Explore between missions

Rockstar rewards time in the open world. Clues you find can start new missions, and random encounters tie into the story.

Fill the animal compendium

170+ species. Zoos are an easy start, and Grassrivers and Mount Kalaga are best for wild species.

Look through the accessibility options first

Players on GTAForums are asking about inverted Y-axis and other controls. Check the settings before your first mission.