Begin GTA III by escaping the damaged bridge with 8-Ball, visiting the Portland hideout and driving to Luigi's club. This opening introduces the basic travel and save routine.
- Mission type
- Introduction / story scene
- Contact
- 8-Ball
- Starting location
- Callahan Bridge
Mission walkthrough
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Leave the bridge with 8-Ball
Enter the nearby car and wait for 8-Ball to get in. Follow the radar marker towards the hideout instead of trying to cross the destroyed section of Callahan Bridge. There is no benefit in damaging the car or provoking the police during this introductory drive.
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Visit the Portland hideout
Stop in the marked area and let the hideout scene explain saving and vehicle storage. Claude changes out of his prison clothes here. Remember the entrance: this is your base for the early missions and a useful place to keep a reliable car.
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Drive to Luigi's club
Return to the car with 8-Ball and follow the new marker into the Red Light District. Stop at the destination to finish the introduction and meet your first regular contact. Avoid driving onto the waterfront; Claude cannot swim.
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Keep a manual save
Save when the game allows it and keep separate slots as the story progresses. GTA III contains mission chains that can disappear after later story events, so one repeatedly overwritten slot is a poor foundation for a 100% run.
Key point
The bridge is closed by the story. Go to the hideout and Luigi rather than attempting to force your way onto the next island.