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/////////////////////////////GTA IV: WEAPON GUIDE\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
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By Chris_Spades
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=======================++++++TABLE OF CONTENTS++++++=========================
>
This guide isn't really that long, but if you want to jump to a specific
section, press Ctrl and F on your keyboard, then select the "Match Case"
option, and search for the keyword (all in caps).
1. +FOREWORD+
2. +THE WEAPONS+
(I've arranged the weapons categories as the weapon slots are sorted in-
game.)
=MELEE=
=HANDGUNS=
=SHOTGUNS=
=SMGS=
=ASSAULT RIFLES=
=SNIPER RIFLES=
=RPG=
=THROWN EXPLOSIVES=
2. +COMBAT TIPS+
=HAND-TO-HAND TIPS=
=ALL-AROUND TIPS+
=OFFLINE TIPS=
=ONLINE TIPS=
=VEHICLE TIPS=
3. +CREDITS AND THANKS+
4. +VERSION HISTORY+
5. +LEGAL+
>
============================++++++FOREWORD++++++=============================
>
I decided to write this guide because there wasn't one out there already
(that I know of), and being a bit of a firearms enthusiast (not one of
those crazy gun nuts, though :D) I thought it could be fun.  I was a bit
disappointed with the selection of weapons in GTA IV, but I guess there is
enough to keep most happy, and certainly enough to conquer most of the games
fighting-based challenges.  In addition to the standard weapons, I've
included a basic list of environmental hazards that you'll be encountering
during your play that you might be able to use to an advantage.  I've also
written up a few basic and fairly obvious combat tips.
The weapons' categories are listed in this guide as they as they are in your
inventory, and they are listed in the category with the weaker weapon
first.  Most weapons will appear like this:
Weapon: (The name of the weapon in the game)
Real name: (The name of the weapon's real life counterpart)
Power: (The power of the weapon.  This stat was calculated by subtracting
the number of shots it took to make a Sanchez to catch fire, from 100.
The higher the number, the more powerful the weapon.)
Approximate fire rate: (how many rounds can be fired in one second.
Calculated by using a stopwatch and some basic math, so this stat may not
be completely accurate.)
Accuracy: (A number that I gave to the gun after testing how long it takes
for the reticle to expand and how big the reticle was in the first place.
The closer the number is to 10, the more accurate the gun is.)
Auto-aim maximum range: (How far the auto-aim will work.  Bullets don't seem
to travel past the max auto-aim range, so this could be thought of as the
maximum effective range of the weapon as well.)
Mag Capacity: (How many shots the weapon will fire before needing to stop for
a reload.)
Price: (The price of the weapon in the average gun store is listed first,
followed by the price at Little Jacob's.)
Description: (A brief description of the weapon.)
Who uses them: (A paragraph describing who you can expect to be using this
gun.)
If you spot something wrong with this guide, or know something that I don't,
email me at chrisspadesfaqs(AT)aol.com.  It might be several weeks before I
respond, so please be patient.
>
=========================++++++THE WEAPONS++++++=============================
>
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++======MELEE======++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hand-to-hand combat is rarely used in GTA IV, usually because everyone has a
gun.  In multiplayer, if firearms are disabled or if you ran out of ammo
you'd be better off running enemies down with a car.  See the "Combat Tips"
section for more info on fighting.
Weapon: Debris
Description: Scraps or trash around the city that can be picked up using the
action button and carried a short distance and then thrown like a
grenade or molotov.  After a certain walking distance, Niko will
automatically drop whatever he is carrying.  They don't do any
significant damage to peds, but can knock them down.  I haven't found any
real use for them other than entertainment, though they seem to be able to
bust open windows on certain cars.  AI enemies can't use these.
Where to find: Almost everywhere.  Around docks, construction sites, and
in alleyways are the most common.
Weapon: None
Description: Niko can certainly handle himself, but the chance of getting
killed in a fistfight is still relatively high when dealing with more than 3
people in a row or at the same time.  Your chance of survival is nearly zero
if anyone has fire arm.
Weapon: Baseball Bat
Description: A standard aluminium baseball bat usually used by little
leaguers and non-professional baseball players, but is also great for
busting limbs and cracking skulls.  It seems to cause about an equal amount
of damage as the Knife, but with more reach and less speed.
Weapon: Knife
Description: A basic knife that looks like it was designed for combat.
You'll usually start out with this weapon in multiplayer matches in addition
to a Pistol.  It seems to be able to attack faster than a bat, but with less
reach and equal power.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++======HANDGUNS======++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Handguns are the most common weapons, especially earlier in the game.  They
can work just as well as an SMG if you've planned your fight, but won't do as
much damage as a shotgun or reach as far as an assault rifle.  There is a
very small zoom, which is just enough to help with making shots to enemies'
heads from behind cover.
Weapon: Pistol
Real name: Glock 17
Power: 80
Approximate fire rate: 2.8 RPS
Accuracy: 2
Auto-aim maximum range: Good
Mag Capacity: 17
Price: $600, $420
Description: Probably the first gun you'll use regularly in the game and the
gun you'll usually start out with in multiplayer matches, the pistol works
well when nothing else is available and can still hold its own even when more
powerful weapons become available.  After the first three shots, accuracy
becomes atrocious, so fire carefully placed shots rather than running and
gunning people down.  I'm actually really glad that the Glock was featured in
the game as a standard handgun, since more police and civilians own Glocks in
the US than any other handgun.
Who uses them: Almost everywhere you have to fight some one is bound to have
one of these.  Police carry it standard, most other enemies will be packing
one, and a lot of everyday civilians will carry one of these.  Since they are
so popular, ammo is plentiful.
Weapon: Combat Pistol
Real name: Desert Eagle MK. XIX .357
Power: 86
Approximate fire rate: 2.88 RPS
Accuracy: 2
Auto-aim maximum range: Good
Mag Capacity: 9
Price: $1500
Description: The much over-used Desert Eagle pistol.  Technically never
designed to be used as a combat handgun cause it's too heavy and powerful,
for some reason movie-makers think it looks good in films and since you don't
need to be practical in fiction, it is seen in a lot of video games as well.
I wish Rockstar would have been original and used a 1911 or revolver
instead.  Regardless, the Combat Pistol does work well in this game as a more
powerful option to the Pistol.  It uses the same ammo, and is matches the
pistol in fire rate, accuracy, and range, while being more powerful.  It
holds less, but you should be doing less shooting.  Other than price or
availability, there's no reason not to go with it.
Who uses them: The only people I've seen use these guns are well-funded
mobsters.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++======SHOTGUNS======+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
No video game is complete without shotguns, although they do have a bit of a
niche in GTA IV that usually doesn't arise often, especially out of the main
story missions.  The shotguns' short range power and point-and-shoot nature
allows them to destroy most targets at close range, but they're not precise
weapons and lack the range to be of much use outside of buildings.
Weapon: Pump Shotgun
Real name:  Mossberg 500 Cruiser
Power: 97
Approximate fire rate: .88 RPS
Accuracy: 0
Auto-aim maximum range:
Mag Capacity: 8
Price: $1400
Description:  Best to leave using this gun to enemies and cops.  Although it
is quite powerful, very little of that power ever reaches its target, and the
pump action makes follow up shots difficult.  Take anyone outside of
multiplayer using this shotty seriously though, as one blast from an enemy
that snuck up close can remove up to two-thirds of your health.
Who uses them: If your wanted level is high enough, the passenger cops will
pack these, and can put them to deadly use.  They usually won't do much, but
it's not impossible to have a blast through the windshield of you car kill
you or a tire shot off as you attempt to escape.  I have also seen a
pedestrian pull one of these out once, after pulling his mini-van up to me
pissed off about something.
Weapon: Combat shotgun
Real name:  Looks like a Remington M1100
Power: 96
Approximate fire rate: 2 RPS
Accuracy: 1
Auto-aim maximum range: Short
Mag Capacity: 10
Price: $2500, $1500
Description:  I'm unsure of this shotty's real life counterpart, but it seems
to be a strictly semi-auto shotgun by the way the hangguard looks, although
when blind firing it Niko does pump it.  Best guess is that it's an M1100 by
the reciever and handguard shape.  Whatever the case, this semi-auto shotgun
is a much better choice than the pump gun.  Though it possesses less power,
it more than makes up for it in it's effective range.  The pump shotgun might
take 2-3 shots taking some one down from anything further than a few feet,
where as this will have no problem taking some out with two shots from double
the distance.  This gun is great for knocking enemies down and disrupting
their attack, but you will most likely need to follow it up with another shot
or two for a kill.
Who uses them: You can get this gun inside of any police car with 5 rounds.
Oddly enough, I've never seen a cop use this shotgun.
+++++++++++++++++++++++======SUB MACHINE GUNS======+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SMGs don't really shine in anything other than their high fire rate and
ability to be fired from a vehicle.  They are a bit cheaper and a lot more
common than assault rifles, and have a much better range than a shotgun,
while still having a much higher fire rate than a pistol.  Though they aren't
really good for any specific job, they do well as an all purpose weapon,
bridging the gaps, and allowing you to keep fighting without having to
constantly change weapons to suit the situation.  They can zoom a bit more
than pistols, but less than assault rifles.
Weapon: Micro SMG
Real name: Micro Uzi (though probably closer to an Uzi pistol)
Power: 74
Approximate fire rate: 10 RPS
Accuracy: 3
Auto-aim maximum range: Fair
Mag Capacity: 50
Price: $1200, $840
Description:  Probably what most people think of when they hear the words
"sub machine gun," the Micro Uzi probably isn't the best choice to represent
the ghetto blaster in GTA IV, but it's not a bad one.  The SMG (MP5) just
edges out the  Uzi in power, accuracy, and range.  The standard pistol
actually beats out this (and the other) SMG in most ways, with the exception
of it's full-auto capability.  If you're on foot I wouldn't recommend using
this unless you're firing "on the go" and need to take out a target that
blocks your path quickly, in which case keep it to short bursts.  This weapon
does however makes firing from a vehicle with a lot easier; since you don't
really have the option to take carefully aimed shots, a spray of bullets
increases your hit probability.
Who uses them: If you hear a burst of full-auto fire on the street, chances
are you pissed off a "good samaritan" that's packing one of these.  As long
as you can figure out who's shooting, removing him/her from the gene pool is
no big task as no one really knows how to hit anything in this game.
Weapon: SMG
Real name: SW MP10 (MP5 derivative)
Power: 75
Approximate fire rate: 10 RPS
Accuracy: 4
Auto-aim maximum range: Good
Mag Capacity: 30
Price: $2500, $1750
Description:  The SW MP10 appears to be a run of upgraded H&K MP5
clones/derivatives.  It appears that the majority of differences are external
and allow for a more modular weapon.  The MP10 is just slightly better than
the Uzi, but enough to make a difference.  Remember to keep it to short bursts
or single shots when doing anything other than clearing a passage way on the
run or shooting a single target as it comes through a tight space, and even
then let up off the trigger after burst of more than 10-15 rounds.  As with
the Uzi, I recommend you restrict the use of the SMG to drive-bys, and go
with a shotgun, handgun (if behind cover), or assault rifle.
Thanks to Rivermouth93 and rbhardware_05 for pointing out the correct
identification of the SMG.  Go here for info:
http://www.specialweaponsinc.com/swmp10.htm
+++++++++++++++++++++++++======ASSAULT RIFLES======++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The assault rifles are probably the most practical and deadly of the weapons
you'll be able to use.  Fully automatic, accurate, and powerful, once you get
a hold of them, the only reason you'll want to use anything else is because
of a special circumstance, or a lack of ammo.  Assault rifles can be zoomed
in the greatest of all non-scoped rifles, which can allow you to easily pick
off attackers (or defenders) with carefully placed shots to the head.  Make
no mistake though, these are no sniper rifles.
Weapon: Assault Rifle
Real name: AK-47
Power: 83
Approximate fire rate: 7.5 RPS
Accuracy: 7
Auto-aim maximum range: Far
Mag capacity: 30
Price: $3500, $2450 (A little unrealistic...)
Description:  The world's most popular assault rifle, due to its low price
and availability, as well as its effectiveness and reliability.  A game
centered around crime almost needs to have this rifle in it.  Though not
easily comparable to the other assault rifle in the game, the M4, the gun
does have a few definite disadvantages.  Most notable is it's large decrease
in accuracy during anything other than intermittent single shot fire, which
means that full-auto use should be kept to short bursts for the weapon to be
most effective.  Firing more than ten rounds in rapid succession will usually
only net you about 2 or 3 hits on a human target at the AK's maximum auto-aim
range, where as a burst of three rounds will probably land about the same.
The other, slightly less noticeable disadvantage to the Carbine Rifle is the
slightly shorter auto-aim range, which although barely noticeable, is still
significant.  Interestingly, the fire rate seems to be about the same, at
around 420 - 480 Rounds per minute, which is significantly slower than the
real AK's 600 RPM.
Who uses them: I haven't seen anyone outside of missions and multiplayer use
one of these.  When one is being used against you, be sure to get down and
take cover.
Weapon: Carbine Rifle
Real name: M4A1
Power: 83
Approximate fire rate: 7.5 RPS
Accuracy: 9
Auto-aim maximum range: Very far
Mag capacity: 30
Price:  $5000, $3500
Description:  Your basic M4A1 carbine, with the carrying handle removed and
replaced with an LMT BUIS.  Not really surprising that it would
be in this game, though it would probably be easier to get a full length M16
in real life (though I don't browse the black market for illegal
firearms...).  The Carbine Rifle is superior to the Assault Rifle (AK) in
accuracy and range, but is matched by power and fire rate, and at a
disadvantage when it comes to price.  The Carbine Rifle can easily pick off
target from a distance with carefully placed shots to the head.  Although the
M4's accuracy won't degrade as quickly as the AK's, I still recommend keeping
it to burst fire or careful semi-auto shots when dealing with human targets.
Who uses them: One thing to be wary of is the LEOs (Law Enforcement Officers)
that carry these, as they can be more dangerous than shotguns since they can
hit you at a greater distance.  Most police that guard the subway and airport
carry these, but getting the appropriate wanted levels will attract the NOOSE
(SWAT) and FIB (FBI) armed with these effective rifles.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++======SNIPER RIFLES======++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sniper rifles really only have one practical use in offline GTA IV, and that
is to shoot people without them being able to return fire effectively.  In
multiplayer, lag makes these rifles a little less practical, but since the
enemy players are human, they have little chance of figuring out where the
shot is coming from before you can shoot them or get away, which is the
actual idea of sniping.  Both rifles have a scope with adjustable zoom, and
realistically Niko's aim is steadiest when crouched.
Weapon: Sniper Rifle
Real name: M24A2 (loose designation, basically a customized Remington 700)
Power: 93
Approximate fire rate: 1.2 RPS
Accuracy: 10
Max range: Infinite
Mag Capacity: 5
Price: $6000
Description: A standard bolt-action rifle with a scope attached.  It is a
good rifle for basic sniping/sharpshooting, but choose the PSG-1 if you are
given the choice.  The in-game model looks to be customized Remington 700
with a detachable box magazine.  The US Army designation for a similar weapon
is "M24A2," but the in-game model has a few small differences.
Who uses them: A few bad guys in missions use these, but seeing anyone with
one of these is pretty rare.
Thanks to Greg Johnson and anonymous for help with identifying the rifle.
Weapon: Combat Sniper Rifle
Real name: PSG-1
Power: 93
Approximate fire rate: 2.5 RPS
Accuracy: 10
Max range: Infinite
Mag Capacity: 10
Price: $8500, $5000
Description: A semi-automatic sniper rifle with a large magazine capacity.
Not much better than the standard rifle, but enough to make a difference.
The fire rate especially makes it better since you can't always guarantee a
kill with one shot, especially in multiplayer games.
Who uses them:  No enemies in the main game.
+++++++++++++++++++++======ROCKET PROPELLED GRENADES======+++++++++++++++++++
There is only one RPG in the game, so I'm just going to describe that intead
of mentioning anything more here.
Weapon: RPG
Real name: RPG-7
Power: 100
Approximate fire rate: .33 RPS (3 second reload time)
Mag Capacity: 1
Price: 15,000
Description:  Very cool, but very expensive and hard to find.  The RPG can
dish out damage like no other and can destroy anything within one shot, but
can be difficult to use and some what unpredictable.  Firing a rocket at the
ground at a shallow angle will cause it to skip off and follow the ground or
bounce away.  For a guaranteed kill, you'll need to hit your target, or
something close to your target at a 90 degree angle.  Remember to take the
RPG's travel time into account and aim ahead when dealing with moving
targets, and don't forget that the RPG has a small zoom feature.
+++++++++++++++++++++++======THROWN EXPLOSIVES======+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thrown weapons are among the most lethal and difficult to use in the game.
They can be extremely effective when dropped from a moving vehicle, thrown at
a large group of people, or tossed behind an enemy's cover.  Though they are
extremely effective, care must be taken to ensure that you do not blow
yourself up or burn everything down in the process.
Weapon: Grenade
Real name: Looks like an M61
Price: $1000, $700
Description: The more powerful and practical of the two thrown weapons,
though it is also the more dangerous as well, since it can bounce off of
walls and explode.  If you're going to bother with explosives I recommend you
use these, as their effective blast range is a lot bigger than the Molotov's,
and the grenade also takes out vehicles a lot more often and quickly.  You do
need a bit more practice in order to use these without killing yourself
though.  The grenades have a 5 second fuse, which can be cooked (held in your
hand for longer to shorten the fuse) to prevent enemies from having a chance
to move away from the grenade or to have the grenade explode a certain time
after being thrown out of your car.  If you're still holding on to the
grenade after 3 seconds, the fuse will beep, signaling you to get rid of it
quickly.  Don't forget that it takes Niko a few moments to do the actual
throwing of the grenade.
Weapon: Molotov
Real name: Molotov Cocktail
Price: $500, $350
Description:  Generally a lot less effective and lethal than the grenade, but
still able to kill and destroy stuff easily.  Almost all people caught on
fire as a result of the Molotov will burn to death, and a direct hit on a car
will often result in a tire catching on fire and exploding, but usually
won't completely destroy the vehicle.  You can light yourself on fire with
one of these things, but in single player you have to have reduced health
already for it to kill you.  Because the Molotov explodes as soon as it hits
something, it requires a bit less skill to use effectively on foot, but makes
it a lot harder to use in a vehicle.  Really, grenades are just so superior
that I can't recommend Molotovs.
+++++++++++++++++++++++======ENVIRONMENT HAZARDS======++++++++++++++++++++++++
This section is for those that need pull off some sort of James Bond stunt
to get out of a situation, as well as providing other helpful info on things
related to firefights and other combat, such as why you shouldn't take cover
behind hot dog stands.
Hazard: Propane tank
Danger: High
Description: Pretty much a basic 17lb propane tank commonly hooked up to
residential grills, but red in color.  The explosion they create is
tremendous, and possibly more powerful than a grenade's.  Shooting them will
usually blow them up in 1-2 shots, and fire will take some time to cause them
to rupture and pop.  Running over them with a car will cause them to explode
instantly, as will an explosion from an outside source (such as a grenade).
Where to find:  Loose tanks are pretty rare, but can still be found,
especially in missions.  The easiest place to find a tank of propane is
inside or on a food vendor's stand.  Not all have them, and some of the ones
that do will have them hidden in a compartment where the vendor stands.
Mostly, you just have to be careful about not crashing into the stand, as
that will almost always destroy your car.
Hazard: Large propane canister
Danger: High
Description: Tanks filled with flammable gas, probably propane.  One of the
tanks I've seen is tall (looked a lot like a helium tank, for those that have
seen one) and gray, and the other is a huge tank like you might normally find
at gas stations or places that refill the small tanks.  The tall ones are
slightly tougher than the standard red propane tank (described above) and
take a few more shots to destroy, where as the huge ones are a lot tougher
and require a lot of firepower to cause an explosion.  Despite their size, I
Have not noticed any difference in strength of the explosion they generate.
Where to find: The only place that I've seen either is at gas stations, but
I've only recently discovered their existance.  Be aware that the tall ones
look exactly like tanks found in the bins labelled "empty," which are not
explosive.
Hazard: Gasoline pump
Danger:  Medium
Description: Your everyday gas (or petrol, to some) pump.  They're not too
dangerous to you or your enemies, since they require a few shots to destroy
and the resulting explosion isn't too powerful.  They're also protected by
bars, so it's pretty hard to accidentally crash into them.  Usually one tank
exploding will not cause another to explode.
Where to find: Erm, can only be found at re-fueling stations.  Gas stations
are usually found at car washes, but there are plenty of exceptions.
Hazard: Exploding cars
Danger: High
Description: Exploding vehicles need no introduction when it comes to GTA
games.  Vehicles in this game luckily enough don't explode when flipped on
their rooves, but will still explode because of damage caused by fire,
gunshots, explosives, or just general bad driving and abuse.  At first there
will be a small fire in the engine area, which means that you should be
ready to ditch your car within the next minute (unless further damage is
caused, reducing your time), followed by a larger fire from the gas tank, and
then finally a not un-substantial explosion.  The first fire will not hurt
you, but standing close to the second fire will cause the person to ignite,
and then he/she will roll around on the ground, and generally not get up
quickly enough to outrun the explosion.
Where to find: I don't know what to say if you haven't guessed by the game's
title that cars are going to be everywhere.
Hazard: Fire
Danger: Medium
Description: Like in San Andreas, fire will spread around and continue to
burn most of the times one is started.  Even though the fire department
doesn't won't show up and you can't extinguish fires yourself, a raging
inferno is very uncommon, and usually any small fires aren't dangerous.
People will ignite if they stand in the flames and roll around uncontrollably
("Stop, Drop, Roll!" does help a bit...), but usually can run through small
fires unharmed.  A car driving through a fire will also usually suffer no
damage, but occasionally a tire might catch fire and pop.  As long as you
keep your distance or don't hang around in the fire, you should have nothing
to worry about.
Where to find:  No where, or any where.  I haven't seen an actual damaging
fire that was already burning, and fires can be started everywhere except the
ocean with the proper equipment.  Burning barrels won't harm your (or anyone
else's) character.
Hazard: Fire hydrant
Danger: Medium
Description: Meant to have a fire hose hooked up to it for dousing a fire in
water, kids can open one up for some relief on hot summer days.  Since there
are no kids in GTA, and the firefighters usually don't show up for fires let
alone do anything to put them out, these have no other use than to be
annoying in Liberty.  Knocking one over with a car or explosives allows a
high-pressure stream of water to be sprayed out from the ground which will
knock anyone over that stands above it, as well as having the capability to
flip unusually light cars.  The main hazard from these is upsetting your
combat ability during a firefight.
Where to find: Easily found on the edge of most sidewalks, these can be a bit
hard to spot amongst all of the trash and stuff there.
Hazard: Gas lines or canisters
Danger: Medium
Description: Pipes or canisters that carry some sort of pressurized gas.
Shooting one will put a hole in it, and cause the flammable gas to shoot out
and ignite, creating a small flame.  Standing directly in the flame, as you
may have guessed, will cause your character to ignite.  I haven't seen AI
characters get harmed from the flames.
Where to find: You can mostly find the pipes around industrial areas.  The
only place I've seen the canisters is on the back of forklifts.  There are
also gas tankers that will spit fire out.
>
===========================++++++COMBAT TIPS++++++===========================
>
These are just some observations that I've made and strategies that I've
developed after playing GTA IV both on and offline.  Fighting online is a lot
different than fighting offline, and even then fighting differs depending on
(in the case of offline) enemies and game types (in the case of online).
+++++++++++++++++++++++======HAND-TO-HAND TIPS======+++++++++++++++++++++++++
*Press the left trigger in to lock on to your target and go into combat mode.
*Press the X button (A on X360) to block, which allows only a small amount of
damage to take effect.  Tapping it right before an opponent strikes you will
allow your character to dodge the attack completely.
*Pressing an attack button after dodging an attack will cause your character
to counter-attack, which allows you to inflict damage on a defenseless enemy.
If your enemy has a melee weapon, your character will disarm him/her and
allow you to use his/her weapon.
*Press Triangle and Circle (Y and B on X360) to punch or use your melee
weapon, and Square (X on X360) to kick.
*If at all possible, never attack anyone using hand-to-hand combat.  It's
almost always much easier and safer to use a firearm or vehicle.
++++++++++++++++++++++++======ALL-AROUND TIPS======++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*Stay away from "Classic" control setup.  It might be easier to use at first,
but it will limit your combat effectiveness.
*Press the left trigger in halfway for free aim, and all the way for
auto-aim.  You can hold the trigger halfway in to be able to use auto-aim more
quickly.
*While locked on to a target in auto-aim, a faded reticle indicates that your
target is not in your sights, where as a bright white reticle means you can
hit the target.
*While in free-aim, press the right trigger in halfway to shrink the target
reticle a bit and allow for a more accurate shot.
*While walking and equipped with a weapon, press the right trigger in halfway
to go into free-aim.
*Press the right button (R1 on PS3) to go into cover.  If you're a few feet
away from any cover, your character will slide in the direction he/she is
moving in to take cover.
*When in cover mode, firing without aiming will cause your character to blind
fire (fire without looking), which leaves only a small part of his/her body
exposed, though it is much less accurate than traditional shooting.
*While behind cover, pressing the right trigger in halfway will allow you to
free aim without having your character stick their head out from behind the
wall.  You can even zoom with non-scoped weaponary.
*While aiming, pressing square (on PS3) or X (on X360) while pressing the left
analog stick left or right will cause your player to do a roll.
*Press the left analog stick in to crouch.  Crouching makes fire more
accurate, and also makes your character a harder target to hit.
*Press in the right analog stick to zoom non-scoped weapons.  Zooming
generally makes it easier to see your target and allows for more precise
shots.
*While locked on in auto-aim, you can use the right analog stick to aim at a
specific part of the target while the aimbot follows their movements.
*Never fire continuously for more than 5-or-so rounds.  After that most of
your shots will miss their target.
*Although you can shoot out tires, it is generally more trouble than it's
worth.  The driver is usually easier to hit, and even if you can easily hit
the tire, it will take some time to shred off of its rim and cause the driver
to easily lose control.
*By pressing L1 (or LB on X360) and a D-pad button, you can quickly select a
weapon. Press up once for assault rifles, twice for the SMG, left for
handguns, right for thrown weapons, and down for shotguns.
*Reload whenever you get the chance.  Any left over ammo in the mag will be
recycled.
*When moving, your aim becomes less precise, so whenever you're firing at a
target that doesn't see you, it is usually more effective to fire from one
spot.
*When aiming, you can press the run button (X on PS3, A on X360) to move
faster.  This will make your aim even less precise, but will make it
easier to move away from fire and into position with a lower chance of
getting hit.  Online, your character automatically moves at the highest
speed.
*Although you can sometimes hit enemies by firing when stumbling or knocked
down, I highly recommend against it, since more often than not you'll end up
literally shooting yourself in the foot (or face).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++======OFFLINE TIPS======+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*Unless you're making an escape or trying to move to a different area, always
stay behind cover while firing a gun.
*Tossing a grenade into a crowded room from behind cover is a great way to
get rid of a group of enemies.
*When fighting against police forces, it is almost always better to fight off
just enough of them to get by.  Going toe-to-toe with all of them will just
attract more of them, usually the more powerful NOOSE or FIB.
*You can dial 911 on your cell phone by pressing up on the D-Pad twice.
After you are connected, press 1 for police, 2 for ambulance, and 3 for the
fire department.  The police will attack anyone seen commiting a crime
(including Niko), which can aid you in your fight.  Medics will heal you
(usually at a hefty price), and the FDLC will bring you a cool truck.
*Never point a gun or kill the guy at the illegal gun stores.  He usually
won't be difficult to kill, but his death will cause a group of others to
take vengeance on you, and even if you defeat them you will not be allowed
at that shop again for some time.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++======ONLINE TIPS======++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*Rolling at the last minute will allow you to dodge enemy vehicles while
being able to maintain fire on the driver for the maximum amount of time.
*Going into cover mode is usually not the best route to take when fighting
against human players online.  Usually they can still hit you, and it will
take your character a while to draw his/her weapon out to fire.  It is still
a great idea to stand behind a wall or crouch behind a car when making an
assault, but not if they already know you're there.
*It is almost always better to go for a head shot than a body shot when
fighting an enemy player head on.  Usually they will be going for the center
of mass, which will usually kill slower.  Countering with the same strategy
will almost always end up with both of you dying.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++======VEHICLE TIPS======+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*Using your vehicle as a weapon can usually work out in your favor, as it
usually kills faster and more efficiently than shooting from your car.  Be
sure that you can kill your target, otherwise he/she may get up and start
firing at you, or be able to dodge your car and kill you.
*While driving, it is always a great idea to press L1 (LB for X360) to break
out the window and prepare for shooting as soon as you enter a vehicle.  It
saves a precious second when you do need to shoot.
*Press Square (X on X360) to switch between weapons while in a vehicle.  You
can only use thrown weapons, handguns, or SMGs while in a car or on a bike,
but you can also use assault rifles if you're a passenger in a helicopter or
boat.
*While riding as a passenger, you can press the left trigger to aim out of
the window to get ready to shoot, and the right trigger to fire.  This
usually makes it easier to hit targets that just pressing L1 when needed.
*As a passenger, you can still press the right analog stick in to to zoom,
though it will affect the speed you can turn.
*When flying a helicopter, if you can keep the chopper steady, it is usually
more effective to have a passenger with an assault rifle to shoot at ground
targets than to try to get them yourself with the heli's miniguns (if it has
them).
*If you are a skilled helicopter pilot and have targets out in an open
area, it may be most effective to hit your target with the heli's main
rotor.  I've seen this used to great effect on vehicles, and to a
somewhat lesser extent, people on foot.  I would not use this
technique offline where health is not available.
*Holding Square (X on X360) while in a vehicle will turn on the vehicle's
high-beams, which may allow you to see a bit better.
*Vehicles shot in gas tanks will catch fire and explode much faster than if
they were shot at any where else.  Shooting the tank will cause if to catch
fire without having the engine ignite first, which usually saves 60 seconds.
*Though no where near as durable as the Rhino tank from previous games, the
Enforcer is the closest thing you can get ion GTAIV.  It is highly resistant
to standard weapon fire, and the windshield is bulletproof.  However, it is
just as vulnerable to fire and explosives as any other vehicle, and all seats
offer only a limited area where you can fire.  It's also relativel slow and
large, and tends to roll over easily.  It is easy to recover from most flips,
however.
>
=======================++++++CREDITS AND THANKS++++++========================
>
98% of the information used in this guide was either already in my brain or
discovered through testing in-game by myself.  This section if for that other
2% (and in case some one contributes in the future).
Thanks to:
en.wikipedia.org, for having info that helped me positively identify the type
of AK, MP5 and grenade in the game.
world.guns.ru, for helping identify the type of MP5, AK, and shotgun, as well
as being a great and reliable source of info since I first discovered it two
years ago.
aluding fox, for helping to identify the Combat Shotgun.
Greg Johnson, for help with identifying the Sniper Rifle.
Anonymous, for help with identifying the Sniper Rifle.
Rivermouth93, for pointing out a more accurate name for the SMG.
rbhardware_05, for helping with the SMG's real name.
GameFaqs.com, for hosting this guide and providing info about how to write
this guide.
Super Cheats.com, for hosting this guide.
neoseeker.com, for hosting this guide.
All of the people that helped create GTA IV, without them I would have alot
more spare time.
And of course, you the reader and fellow player, for no reason other than
giving this guide purpose.  I hope you play on the X-Box 360 so I can
continue to massacre all of the PS3 players with my techniques. :D
>
========================++++++VERSION HISTORY++++++==========================
>
****VERSION 1****
(Release Version)
****VERSION 1.01****
(Small mistake corrected, copyright info expanded and updated and thanks
updated)
****VERSION 1.1****
(Small mistakes corrected, updated gas lines info, added large propane tanks
as a hazard, updated fire hydrant info, updated debris info, updated combat
shotgun info, updated SMG info, updated sniper rifle info, updated thanks,
added 2 tips to "all-around section, added one tip to vehicle section.)
****VERSION 1.2****
(Added one tip to vehicle section, updated thanks.)
****VERSION 1.3****
(Added vehicle tip on Enforcer, updated sniper rifle name, updated SMG name
and description, updated info on M4, updated contact info, updated info on
Molotov.)
>
==============================++++++LEGAL++++++==============================
>
This may be not be reproduced under any circumstances without my permission
except for personal, private use. It may not be placed on any web site or
otherwise distributed publicly without advance written permission. Use of
this guide on any other web site or as a part of any public display is
strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright.
Copyright 2008 Christopher Nordt
The only sites that have permission to use this guide are:
Super Cheats (http://www.supercheats.com/index.htm)
GameFAQs (http://www.gamefaqs.com/)
Neoseeker (http://www.neoseeker.com/)
For permission to use this guide email at chrisspadesfaqs(AT)aol.com.  If
this guide is being hosted at any place other than the ones listed, please
notify me.