Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is an action-adventure game played from a third-person perspective.[2] In the game, players control criminal Carl "CJ" Johnson and complete missions—linear scenarios with specific objectives—to progress through the story. In addition to missions, players can freely roam the game's open world and complete optional side missions.[4][5] The multiplayer mode allows players to explore the world.[6] The fictional state of San Andreas, which forms the open world, consists of three major cities: Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.[7] Cities are unlocked as the story progresses;[8] airports allow teleportation between cities via fast travel.[9]:1 are scattered throughout the map, and bunkers can be purchased to save the game and store vehicles.[9]:20 Players can run, swim, and use vehicles to traverse the world,[3] and use melee attacks, firearms, and explosives to combat enemies, including the ability to dual-wield firearms and engage in firefights while running.[10][11] Weapons are purchased from local firearms dealers, looted from fallen enemies, and found scattered throughout the world.[12] In combat, auto-targeting is used to acquire targets.[9]:42 If players take damage, their health bar can be fully replenished through health pickups, and protective shields can be used to absorb gunfire and explosive damage.[10][13] Players respawn at hospitals when their health is depleted.[14]:100 If players commit crimes, law enforcement may respond, as indicated by the Wanted bar on the HUD. The stars on the bar indicate the current wanted level; when the wanted level reaches the maximum of six stars, police helicopters and military units are sent in pursuit of players.[9]1 Officers will search for players who leave the wanted zone.
