GTA 3 Ransom Walkthrough

Ransom follows the S.A.M. delivery and sets up GTA III's finale. Find out why the next mission needs $500,000 and where to prepare for The Exchange.

Mission walkthrough

Finish the S.A.M. delivery

Recover all eight packages and return them to the construction site. Ransom is the scene that follows that return, rather than another independent shooting or driving assignment. If you are still carrying the cargo, complete the destination objective first.
Read Catalina's demand

The scene reveals that Asuka and Miguel have been killed and Maria has been taken hostage. Catalina leaves instructions for a meeting. There is no chance to rescue the dead characters by replaying a fight at the site, and no additional package search is required here.
Prepare the payment

The Exchange requires $500,000 to start. Check your cash before travelling to the Cartel mansion in Cedar Grove. If you are short, earn the difference from remaining available missions or activities. Do not spend your last reserves on a large ammunition purchase immediately before trying to enter the finale.
Save before going to the mansion

Restore health and armour, make a manual save, and then follow the final mission marker. The next job is a timed rescue with a weapon confiscation at its opening. Treat this quiet interval as preparation time rather than expecting another construction-site combat objective.

Ransom is a story transition. The practical next step is to have the $500,000 entry payment ready and approach The Exchange with a separate save.