How many missions are there?
The story walkthrough lists 104: the story missions from In the Beginning to End of the Line, Catalina’s four robberies, the six heist missions, and the seven asset missions for Zero RC and Wang Cars. All of them count toward 100%.
What counts toward 100%?
Missions, the vehicle side jobs, couriers, trucking, valet, quarry, every race, the stadium events, the BMX, Chiliad and NRG-500 challenges, bronze in every school, the Ammu-Nation challenge, all three gym fighting styles, Import/Export, the four collectibles and every property. The 100% checklist has the full list.
Can I miss anything?
Two optional side jobs are only open for part of the story: Big Smoke‘s Cash and Yay Courier run from Gone Courting until Yay Ka-Boom-Boom. Girlfriends Denise and Millie cannot be dated again if they dump you or die.
When do San Fierro and Las Venturas open?
At the start only Los Santos and Red County are open, and crossing into other areas earns a four-star wanted level. Finishing The Green Sabre opens Flint County, Whetstone and San Fierro, though the story only moves to San Fierro with Are You Going to San Fierro?. Yay Ka-Boom-Boom opens the desert and Las Venturas.
How do I save?
Walk into the spinning floppy disk icon at any safehouse you own. The Johnson house in Ganton is open from the start, the story gives you more along the way, and the rest can be bought, see properties.
Do I need to take over every gang territory?
No. The story needs you to hold at least 35% of Los Santos for Grove Street before the last missions, but full control is optional. See gang warfare.
What is the best way to make money?
Finish the asset businesses early so they pay an income, collect the snapshots, oysters and horseshoes for $105,000 each, and do Breaking the Bank at Caligula’s for $100,000. Betting on the Inside Track horse races and casino games can pay well too, but it can also lose everything.
Do cheats stop 100%?
Cheats do not block 100% progress, but they lower your criminal rating by 10 each time, some break missions, and the pedestrian riot and hate cheats become permanent if you save while they are on. Save on a separate slot before you try any. See cheats.