Xbox360 Achievements
This guide was made by SpudI
Single-Player Achievements
Liberty City Minute: Complete the story missions in less than 30 hours. - 30G
If you're gunning for Achievements, this is probably the most important one to focus on. Why? Well, unless you're planning to play through the storyline multiple times, it's the hardest to get since it's time-sensitive. Just put your nose to the grindstone and focus on story missions (that is, don't spend time driving a cab for Roman or delivering packages for Jacob during the early part of the game) and you should be able to get it with no problem. Cash isn't as much of an issue as it was in the previous games, so you won't even have to bother with odd jobs if you don't want to.
Off The Boat: Complete the first mission. - 5G
Lowest Point: Complete mission "Roman's Sorrow". - 5G
Fed The Fish: Complete the mission "Uncle Vlad". - 5G
Full Exploration: Unlock all the islands. - 20G
Impossible Trinity: Complete mission "Museum Piece". - 10G
Gracefully Taken: Complete mission "I'll Take Her". - 10G
That Special Someone: Complete mission "That Special Someone". - 10G
You Won!: Complete the final mission. - 60G
All of these will be unlocked as you progress through the game, as each one of them is related to the main storyline. So, even if you don't care about Achievements, you'll be getting a bunch of them just for playing!
One Man Army: Survive five minutes on six-star wanted level. - 40G
I was one of the first to find an easy (that is, cheap) way to get this Achievement, and it appears that the method has quickly spread across the net. Basically, all you really need to know is that attempting to enter one of the locked boroughs early in the game will instantly give Niko a six-star wanted level. Of course, that will also get you killed pretty quickly. However, if you cross into the territory while underground, you'll be able to trigger the six-star wanted level while staying out of harm's way.
All you really need to do is get a car on the subway (or elevated train) tracks that are all over the city. This is most easily accomplished right near the corner of Grand Boulevard and Leavenworth Ave. in North Bohan, not too far from the police station. From Leavenworth, take a left onto Grand and head up the little hill. When you reach the crest, look to your left and you'll see a very short wall above a subway tunnel. All you need to do is drive a car over that short wall, then drive underground toward North Algonquin. As soon as you see the wanted level appear, just stop your car and sit there for 5 minutes. No pain, all gain!
Walk Free: Lose a four-star wanted rating by outrunning the cops. - 50G
Although you'll get this one by playing through the campaign (the Three Leaf Clover mission will give you a wanted level above four stars), you can use a method similar to the one above if you absolutely, positively want to get it earlier. Get on the train tracks in the same manner as above, then start picking off cops one by one. As more and more come (and you kill them), your wanted level will go up. Once it hits four stars, hop in your ride and take off into the tunnel. Once you're out of the flashing area and your wanted level disappears, the Achievement will unlock. You can also trigger it by entering the restricted area in the airport, but you'll need to use those driving skills to get away!
Warm Coffee: Successfully date a girl to be invited into her house. - 5G
Take Michelle out on a few dates, then ask to be invited up. Let the lovin' begin!
Under The Radar: Fly underneath the main bridges in the game that cross water with a helicopter. - 40G
This one is fairly straightforward, although it can be tough to miss the small bridges in Western Alderny. Beware if you haven't unlocked all of the islands, as you'll attract a lot of attention (and a 6-star wanted level) that can make it tough to keep the chopper steady under the really short bridges. Also, when you hop in a chopper, you can check out the map to see the trophy icons at each bridge. Those should help you figure out if you've missed any.
Chain Reaction: You must blow up 10 vehicles in 10 seconds. - 20G
This one might seem pretty obvious at first, but it pays to plan your course of action before you just go off and start shooting rockets at passing cars (those things are expensive!). The best way to do this is to create a traffic jam in a relatively enclosed area (the Booth tunnel works particularly well) by blocking off the two lanes with two cars. Once the cars are backed up, jack a few of them and squeeze them in between the others so there are three or four right next to each other. It definitely pays to have a couple of extras in there, just in case the chain reaction doesn't happen. Rather than simply firing one rocket, it's a good idea to toss a grenade at the cars in front, then switch to your rocket launcher to clean up the leftovers.
Wheelie Rider: Do a wheelie lasting at least 500 feet on a motorbike. - 30G
Since the streets of Liberty City can be a dangerous place for someone on a motorcycle, it's important to go somewhere that doesn't have any traffic at all (well, aside from some jumbo jets). Francis International Airport is by far the easiest place to get this Achievement, but you have to make sure you get the right mode of transportation first. Since I don't know the names of the bikes off the top of my head, I'll just say that the motorbike and/or the crotch-rocket are the best choices here, with the Harley being the worst (you won't even be able to get the front wheel off the ground!). Once you've got a full head of steam, pull back on the left analog stick to bring the front wheel up, but don't pull back too far or you'll lose control. It might take a couple of tries, but you'll get it eventually.
Liberty City (5): After meeting all possible friends, the ones left alive all like you above 90%. - 20G
Although you can go for this Achievement during your initial playthrough, your best bet is to wait until the story's over to focus on your friendships. All you really need to do is make the rounds with your surviving friends (no spoilers here!) to build up your "like" scores. It shouldn't take too long if you make a concerted effort to be a good friend. Speaking of friends...
Driving Mr. Bellic: Unlock the special ability of taxi. - 10G
Retail Therapy: Unlock the special ability of buying guns from a friend. - 10G
That's How We Roll!: Unlock the special ability of helicopter. - 10G
Dial B For Bomb: Unlock the special ability of phoning for a bomb to be placed. - 10G
These special abilities will be given to you by your friends once they like you enough. The first one, given to you by Roman, should be the easiest since you become close during the story. The rest require a bit of work, but aren't too tough.
No More Strangers: Meet all random characters. - 5G
As you explore the game world, you'll notice green, human-shaped icons on the map. If you go to them, you'll meet a random character who will give you a mission. All you need to do is keep an eye on the map and cruise around the city to find them.
Assassin's Greed: Complete all nine assassin missions. - 20G
Toward the end of the game, one of the characters will inform you that they have a nameless, faceless friend that needs some help taking out some targets. A bullseye will appear on your map, and visiting the area will allow Niko to use a payphone to call the man in need. Most of the missions are fairly standard for the game, as you'll be tasked with either killing a group of enemies or a target in a vehicle. The toughest is probably the bullet-proof limo, as your rockets will just glance off of it!
You Got The Message: Deliver all 30 cars ordered through text message. - 20G
This is probably the most time-consuming single-player Achievement in the game (well, aside from finishing it), since you have to wait about 6 hours for another text message after you deliver a car. Brucie's friend Stevie will text you a location and an image of the car he wants, and you'll have to grab it and bring it back to his garage in Bohan (this will appear on the map once you're in the car). Finding the car can be a bit challenging at times, as it won't show up on your map like the ones Brucie requests from you. Just do a thorough search in the general area and you'll find it.
Half Million: Reach a balance of $500,000. - 55G
There's a pretty good chance that you'll get this one right near the end of the game, especially if you make a particular choice at a particular moment (again, no spoilers!). If you finish the game and you're still short, do as many odd jobs as you can. The car-delivery missions pay very well, so that should push you over the top.
Finish Him: Complete 10 melee counters in four minutes. - 15G
This one may seem pretty daunting at first, but it's actually quite easy once you get the hang of it. Lock on to a pedestrian (or, even better, pull someone out of a car) to engage in fisticuffs, then perform counters by pressing the A button when they swing for you and hitting B to pound them with a combo. Some enemies are better fighters than others, but it actually doesn't matter if you die. The four-minute limit is continuous, so even if you die you'll be able to continue the string. You can usually hit each opponent with two counters before they die, so it shouldn't take you too long to get this Achievement.
Courier Service: Complete all 10 package delivery jobs. - 10G
The ability to put in work for Little Jacob will unlock once you do some missions for him, and all you've got to do is call him up when you need some cash or have some free time. These missions all begin with Niko grabbing a car from behind the bar with the pool table, then driving to make the delivery. There are three types of missions, and you'll either need to get from point A to point B before the timer reaches zero, fight (or drive) your way out of a police trap, or kill some rival gang members who want Little Jacob's precious kali. Once you finish the last mission, you'll earn a sweet SUV painted like the Jamaican flag!
Cleaned the Mean Streets: Capture 20 criminals through the police computer. - 20G
The word "capture" is a bit misleading here, as you'll actually be required to kill any enemies you encounter. To start these missions, you need to grab a cop car (try dialing 911 on your cell phone if there aren't any around!) and access the police computer by pressing the left bumper while parked. Just select "View Current Crimes" to see a list of what's going on in the immediate area. Select a crime ("Criminal on Foot" is the easiest) and head to the location marked on your map. Repeat as needed.Rolled Over: Do five car rolls in a row from one crash. - 30G
You might have to try this one over and over again, or you might be able to get it on your first try, as it's kind of a crapshoot. Your best bet is to launch your chosen vehicle off of one of the unique stunt jumps scattered around Liberty City and just hope that the ball (well, car) bounces in your favor. One area to try is on the Algonquin Bridge that leads from Dukes to Algonquin. There is a part where the lanes split (right at the bridge) when you're going westbound, and at that split is a small ramp that you can hit at high speed to make your car roll over several times. Try to land in the lower area to give yourself more room to roll over.
Order Fulfilled: Complete all 10 Exotic Export orders. - 10G
After you spend some time getting to know Brucie, check your email for a message from him. He'll ask you to find and steal a specific car, then deliver it to him. If you accept the mission by replying to his email, it'll show up on your map and you can just grab it and run. Deliver to the garage near his apartment, then head online to get another request.
Manhunt: Complete the most-wanted side missions from the police computer. - 15G
As was the case with the "Mean Streets" Achievement, you'll need a police car to begin doing these missions. Once you access the computer, view the Most Wanted list and choose your target. Each of the three areas has 10 targets, and you'll need to access the computer while in those locations to see the criminals that are hiding there. Simply go through the list one by one and eliminate all of the targets. Most of them are being protected by their henchman, so this Achievement isn't nearly as easy as the "Mean Streets" one.
It'll Cost Ya: Complete a taxi ride without skipping from one island to another. - 5G
Once you've got Algonquin unlocked, hop in a cab on one island and enjoy the ride to the other one. It's pretty quick if you start near a bridge and just head to a waypoint right on the other side, but it'll work with longer rides as well.
Genetically Superior: Come first in 20 single-player street races. - 25G
To gain access to these races, you'll need to call Brucie for the starting location. Of course, starting a race is a lot easier than finishing in first, so this Achievement will probably take a little while to complete.
Sightseer: Fly on all helicopter tours of Liberty City. - 5G
Once you've unlocked Algonquin, you'll be able to visit the helitour company near the water in the southern part of the island. When you're there, just take each of the six different tours (indicated by the six landing circles on the pier). If not all of them are there, simply come back until you've taken all of them. Thankfully, you can skip through them so you don't have to spend too much time on this one (although it should be noted that some of the pilots have amusing dialogue).
One Hundred and Eighty: In a darts game score 180 with 3 darts. - 10G
You'll need to hit the triple zone (the inner one) in the 20-point area three times in a row to get this one, but it's not too hard at all. Just take your time and aim carefully and you'll get it in no time.
Pool Shark: Beat a friend at pool. - 10G
Just invite a friend over to play a game, and beat him. It takes a little while to get used to the way the balls carom off the walls, but you should get the hang of it after a game or two.
Gobble Gobble: Score three strikes in a row, a turkey, in 10-pin bowling. - 10G
Amazingly, this might be one of the toughest Achievements in the game, mainly due to the fact that the bowling mini-game just isn't very good. The best way to get strikes seems to be choosing the leftmost lane, moving two steps to the left, then aiming and rolling the ball as straight as humanly possible. It actually works very well as long as you're careful and take your time.
King of QUB3D: Beat the High Score in QUB3D. - 15G
This is the arcade machine that's in the same bar as the pool table. It's a fairly simple game, as all you've got to do is group like colors together. The easiest way to build up your score is to create four-block cubes, which will gradually give you the power to destroy the blocks in the center if they get too high. Just spend a little time getting to know the nuances and strategy behind the game and you should be able to top the high score pretty easily.
Dare Devil: Complete 100% of the unique stunt jumps. - 30G
There are a total of 50 stunt jumps scattered around Liberty City, many of which begin with a ramp as a launching pad. You'll not only need to hit the ramp at the right angle, but also travel far enough and stick your landing to get credit. The best way to do this is generally to grab a fast motorcycle, as this is the easiest way to guarantee that you'll build up enough speed. Once you land, you'll be informed of your success.
Endangered Species: Collect every hidden package in the game. - 50G
Although the previous games in the series actually had hidden packages, the folks at Rockstar decided to include a much more appropriate homage to New York City in GTA4: pigeons. Yes, you'll have to shoot each of the 200 "flying rats" that are scattered about Liberty City to get this Achievement, and we're not about to list the location of each of them.
Key To The City: Achieve 100% in "Game progress" statistic. - 100G - see tips section for details.
Multiplayer Achievements
Teamplayer: Kill five players who are not in your team in any ranked multiplayer team game. - 10G
This one is pretty self-explanatory, with Team Deathmatch (don't forget it has to be ranked!) being your best bet for getting this one.
Cut Your Teeth: Earn a personal rank promotion in multiplayer. - 5G
Just play a few matches of ranked multiplayer and you should rank up to Level 1.
Wanted: Achieve the highest personal rank in multiplayer. - 20G
The highest rank is 10, but we have a feeling it'll take a looooong time to reach it. Just keep playing and (hopefully) you'll get it eventually!
Join The Midnight Club: Win a ranked multiplayer race without damaging your vehicle too much and with damage enabled. - 10G
You can either keep trying over and over to get this Achievement, or keep joining and quitting matches until you're the host (yes, I know how sketchy this is). Once you are, set the lap number to one and start it as a helicopter race. This will make it much, much easier to avoid damage! You can also try to start the race with just one or two other people in the match, as this increases the chance that you'll win.
Taking It For the Team: Be on the winning team in all ranked multiplayer team games. - 10G
Just keep on playing the game in each of the ranked team games and you'll get this one eventually.
Top The Midnight Club: Come first in 20 different ranked standard multiplayer races. - 20G
Again, just spend a bunch of time playing the game (this one should take a while) to unlock this Achievement. You can probably use the tricks listed in the other Midnight Club Achievement to make it a bit easier.
Top Of The Food Chain: Kill 20 players with a pistol in a ranked multiplayer deathmatch. - 10G
Try to either find or set up a game that's limited to pistols, then work on getting those headshots!
Auf Wiedersehen Petrovic: Win all ranked multiplayer variations, all races and "Cops 'n Crooks", as both sides. - 30G
This is yet another case of spending as much time as humanly possible playing the multiplayer!
Fly The Co-op: Beat Rockstar's times in ranked versions of "Deal Breaker", "Hangman's NOOSE" and "Bomb da Base II". - 15G
These are the times for this Achievement:
"Deal Breaker": 7:04
"Hangman's NOOSE": 2:32
"Bomb da Base II": 5:56
To beat these times, well, you're going to need a lot of luck and skill.
Let Sleeping Rockstars Lie: Kill a Rockstar developer in a ranked multiplayer match. - 10G
This Achievement will be viral, so you'll just need to kill someone who killed a Rockstar developer (or kill someone who killed someone who killed someone who killed someone...). Last we heard, it had not been enabled yet, so you might have to wait a little while for this one!
