Finish GTA III in The Exchange. Survive Catalina's betrayal, reach Cochrane Dam, rescue Maria and destroy the escaping helicopter.
- Mission type
- Story mission
- Contact
- Catalina
- Starting location
- Cartel Mansion, Cedar Grove
- Available after
- Ransom
Mission walkthrough
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Prepare the $500,000 payment and save
Go to the Cartel mansion in Cedar Grove with the required cash, full health and armour. Save separately beforehand. Your carried weapons are taken during the opening, so buying a huge arsenal immediately before entering is not a substitute for learning where to rearm during the escape.
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Escape the mansion and rearm
After the betrayal, move immediately and deal with the nearby guards. Collect usable weapons and ammunition from the area instead of standing in the open with an empty loadout. Take a vehicle and follow the helicopter's route toward Cochrane Dam while watching the mission countdown.
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Advance through the dam defenders
Use cover and controlled shots as you work along the dam. Clear enemies ahead before running into their firing lanes, and watch the elevated positions and close-range defenders near the final stairs. Pick up useful ammunition as you move, but do not search every corner while the rescue timer is running.
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Protect Maria and bring down the helicopter
Clear the guards around Maria without firing explosives into her position. Obtain the rocket launcher near the final combat area and use a clear, steady shot against Catalina's helicopter. Keep distance from walls and railings that could catch a rocket at launch. Destroy the aircraft and let the ending sequence finish.
Key point
The opening removes your stored weapons, but it does not require a special imported vehicle or a cheat. A saved bulletproof Patriot can help with gunfire on the approach; it is optional and still vulnerable to explosions and other damage.