Grand Theft Auto 3 (GTA 3) marked the revolutionary leap of the GTA series into 3D open-world gameplay. Released on October 22, 2001, by Rockstar Games, and developed by DMA Design, GTA 3 became the blueprint for modern open-world games. It launched on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, and later on Xbox and mobile platforms.
Set in the gritty fictional city of Liberty City, the game follows the silent protagonist Claude, betrayed by his girlfriend and thrust into a life of crime. GTA 3 redefined the gaming industry, achieving over 14.5 million copies sold globally and becoming a cult classic in the action-adventure genre.
Grand Theft Auto 3 Gameplay
Setting and Story
- Location: Liberty City (inspired by New York City).
- Protagonist: Claude, a silent criminal seeking revenge.
- Tone: Gritty, dark crime underworld filled with gangs and betrayal.
Open-World Exploration
- Players can explore three islands: Portland, Staunton Island, and Shoreside Vale.
- The world is fully open, allowing free roaming on foot or in vehicles.
- Unlock new areas by completing main story missions.
Mission Structure
- Story Missions: Drive the narrative forward with tasks like theft, assassination, and escorts.
- Side Missions: Optional activities including:
- Taxi driving
- Vigilante missions
- Firefighting
- Ambulance services
Vehicles and Driving
- Wide range of vehicles: cars, vans, trucks, and boats.
- Vehicles can be hijacked from civilians at any time.
- Driving is arcade-style with simple, responsive controls.
Weapons and Combat
- A variety of weapons: pistols, shotguns, assault rifles, flamethrowers, and grenades.
- Engage in shootouts, drive-by shootings, or melee combat.
- Armor and health pickups available throughout the city.
Wanted Level System
- A 6-star wanted level that increases with criminal activity:
- 1–2 stars: Police officers pursue.
- 3–4 stars: SWAT teams join the chase.
- 5–6 stars: FBI and military engage with heavier firepower.
Side Activities and Collectibles
- Rampages: Timed challenges involving mass destruction.
- Hidden Packages: 100 collectibles hidden throughout Liberty City.
- Stunt Jumps: Perform insane jumps at specific locations for bonuses.
Radio and Atmosphere
The atmosphere is dynamic, with pedestrians reacting to your actions and random street crime.
Every car features radio stations with music, talk shows, and parodies.
Grand Theft Auto 3 Game Features
Fully 3D Open World
Explore Liberty City’s three boroughs: Portland, Staunton Island, and Shoreside Vale—all fully explorable with no loading screens.
Voice Acting & Cutscenes
Featuring professional voice actors, including Michael Madsen and Joe Pantoliano, for immersive storytelling.
Radio Stations
Listen to a variety of in-game radio stations like Flashback FM, Chatterbox, and Head Radio with licensed tracks and fake ads.
Varied Vehicles & Weapons
Drive over 50 vehicles (sports cars, taxis, trucks, boats) and use firearms like pistols, SMGs, rocket launchers, and molotovs.
Mission Diversity
Take on story missions, side quests, vigilante jobs, and hidden packages.
Grand Theft Auto 3 Game Modes
Story Mode
Main campaign missions help Claude rise through the criminal ranks of Liberty City.
Free Roam
No pressure gameplay, steal cars, explore, or engage in chaos with police.
Side Missions Grand Theft Auto 3
Taxi Missions
Ambulance Missions
Vigilante Missions
Hidden Package Collecting
Grand Theft Auto 3 Tips and Tricks
Complete Ambulance Missions to unlock infinite sprint in Grand Theft Auto III.
Use alleys and garages to escape police when wanted.
Always keep body armor equipped before major missions.
Save often—GTA 3 lacks auto-save.
Collect all 100 hidden packages to unlock powerful weapons at your safehouse.
Cheat Codes & Hacks (PC)
Cheat Effect
GESUNDHEIT Full health
TURTOISE Full armor
GUNSGUNSGUNS All weapons
IFIWEREARICHMAN Money bonus
ANICESETOFWHEELS Invisible cars
MOREPOLICEPLEASE Increase wanted level
NOPOLICEPLEASE Remove wanted level
Cheats must be typed during gameplay. Cheats disable achievements and save games—use cautiously.
System Requirements
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 (compatibility mode) |
| CPU | Pentium III 700 MHz+ |
| RAM | 128 MB or higher |
| GPU | 32 MB+ DirectX 8 card |
| Storage | 1 GB |
| DirectX | Version 9.0c+ |
Best Settings for Performance (Recommended)
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1280×720 or 1366×768 |
| Draw Distance | Medium |
| Visual FX Quality | Medium or High (if supported) |
| Frame Limiter | Off |
| Compatibility Mode | Windows XP SP2/SP3 |
| Controller Support | Enabled (if using USB gamepad) |
Download and Install
- Scroll down and click the Download Now button.
- Choose Direct Link or Torrent on the download page.
- Download the compressed Grand Theft Auto 3 file.
- Extract it using WinRAR or 7-Zip.
- Run LaunchEFLC.exe to install or play.
- Launch the game from the desktop shortcut.
- Enjoy!
Grand Theft Auto 3 Compressed Download Links
Conclusion
Grand Theft Auto 3 PC Game is more than just nostalgia—it’s a defining moment in gaming history. Its 3D cityscape, open-ended gameplay, and immersive story continue to inspire gamers and developers alike. Whether you’re revisiting Liberty City or playing it for the first time, GTA 3 promises hours of gritty crime-fueled fun.
FAQs
1. What platforms is Grand Theft Auto III available on?
Grand Theft Auto III was originally released for PlayStation 2, Windows PC, and Xbox. It has since been re-released on mobile platforms (iOS, Android) and included in remastered collections for modern consoles like the PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
2. Is there a multiplayer mode in GTA 3?
No, GTA III does not include a multiplayer mode. It is a single-player-only game focused on story-driven missions and open-world exploration.
3. How do I lose my wanted level in the game?
You can reduce or eliminate your wanted level by:
- Driving into a Pay ‘n’ Spray to repaint your car.
- Collecting police bribe icons scattered around the map.
- Completing certain missions that automatically reset your wanted level.
4. Can you swim in GTA 3?
No, in GTA III, the protagonist cannot swim. Falling into water results in immediate death. This was changed in later games like GTA: San Andreas and GTA IV.