Editing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (section)

== Gameplay ==
[[File:Gta-sa-screen1.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|The game is played from a [[third-person view]] and its [[open world]] can be navigated using cars and other vehicles.<ref name="Eurogamer Preview"/><ref name="GameSpot Review"/>]]

''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' is an [[action-adventure game]] played from a [[third-person view]].<ref name="Eurogamer Preview"/> In the game, players control criminal [[Carl "CJ" Johnson]] and complete missions—linear scenarios with set objectives—to progress through the story. Outside of missions, players can [[Nonlinear gameplay|freely roam]] the game's [[open world]] and complete optional side missions.<ref name="GamesRadar Stealth"/><ref name="PSM2 Review 1"/> A [[multiplayer]] mode allows two players to roam the world.<ref name="Eurogamer Preview 2"/> The fictional state of San Andreas, which makes up the open world, comprises three metropolitan cities: Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.<ref name="Eurogamer Las Venturas"/> The cities are unlocked as the story progresses;<ref name="Eurogamer Map"/> airports allow teleportation between each city using [[fast travel]].<ref name="BradyGames"/>{{rp|p=1}} Scattered throughout the map, safehouses can be purchased to [[save the game]] and store vehicles.<ref name="BradyGames"/>{{rp|p=20}}

Players may run, swim, and use vehicles to navigate the world,<ref name="GameSpot Review"/> and use [[Melee#Use in gaming|melee]] attacks, firearms and explosives to fight enemies, including the ability to [[dual wield]] firearms and commit [[drive-by shooting]]s.<ref name="IGN Review"/><ref name="GameSpot Review PC"/> Weapons are purchased from local [[firearms dealer]]s, retrieved from dead enemies, and found scattered through the world.<ref name="VG247 Weapons"/> In combat, [[auto-aim]] is used to lock on to targets.<ref name="BradyGames"/>{{rp|p=42}} Should players take damage, their health meter can be fully regenerated through health pick-ups, and [[body armour]] can be used to absorb gunshots and explosive damage.<ref name="IGN Review"/><ref name="CNET Review"/> Players [[respawn]] at hospitals when their health depletes.<ref name="Annandale"/>{{rp|100}} If players commit crimes, law enforcement may respond as indicated by a "[[Fugitive|wanted]]" meter in the [[HUD (video gaming)|head-up display]]. Stars displayed on the meter indicate the current wanted level; at the maximum six-star level, police helicopters and military are sent after players.<ref name="BradyGames"/>{{rp|p=1}} Officers will search for players who leave the wanted vicinity. The meter enters a cool-down mode and eventually recedes when players are hidden from the officers' line of sight.<ref name="BradyGames"/>{{rp|p=29}} The game features more than 180 vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, aircraft, boats, and [[remote-control vehicle]]s,<ref name="BradyGames"/>{{rp|pp=6–11}} and most can be accessorised with modifications like [[Car hydraulics|hydraulics]], [[nitrous oxide engine]]s, and [[Car stereo|stereo systems]].<ref name="BradyGames"/>{{rp|pp=201–204}}

[[File:Gta-sa-screen2.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Players can fight members from enemy gangs to earn their territory.<ref name="BradyGames"/>{{rp|p=196}}]]

In the world, players can fight for territory by attacking rival gang members; the territory is won when players survive three waves of responding enemy attacks. Won territories are subject to periodic enemy gang attacks—they must be successfully defended or else lost.<ref name="BradyGames"/>{{rp|p=196}} While free roaming the world, players may engage in activities such as [[burglary]], [[fire fighting]], [[pimping]], [[taxi]], and [[vigilante]] missions;<ref name="BradyGames"/>{{rp|pp=176–180}} completion rewards players with cash, which can be spent on CJ's accessories, clothing, hairstyles, and tattoos—new [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]] elements for the series.<ref name="IGN Review"/><ref name="IGN Style"/> Balancing food and physical activity impacts CJ's appearance and physical attributes; eating and exercising maintains health, while losing muscle lessens combat effectiveness.<ref name="IGN Diets"/> Three styles of [[hand-to-hand combat]]—[[boxing]], [[kickboxing]], and [[mixed martial arts]]—are taught at gyms in each city.<ref name="BradyGames"/>{{rp|pp=144–145}}<ref name="PSM2 Preview"/>{{rp|p=31}} The game tracks respect among CJ's friends, which varies according to his actions and appearance.<ref name="BradyGames"/>{{rp|p=1}} Acquired skills are also tracked, such as driving, firearms handling, lung capacity, muscles, and stamina, which unlock additional game mechanics.<ref name="GameSpot Review"/><ref name="BradyGames"/>{{rp|p=4}} Players can date six different girls and take them to dinner, drinks, or dancing.<ref name="BradyGames"/>{{rp|pp=200–201}}