Weapons in GTA III: appearance, range and practical use

Each category has its own detail view and practical description. The illustrations reflect the period without copying original game models or textures.

Weapons, appearance and use

Each entry has its own detail view

Pistol

A precise basic weapon for short to medium range.

Range: medium
Risk: normal

Submachine gun

A high rate of fire that quickly consumes ammunition.

Range: medium
Risk: normal

Shotgun

Powerful at close range, but markedly weaker at distance.

Range: short
Risk: normal

Assault rifle

Suitable for controlling medium distances and groups of enemies.

Range: medium
Risk: normal

Sniper rifle

A slow, precise choice for a safe opening shot.

Range: long
Risk: normal

Heavy weapon

Specialised equipment with high impact and limited versatility.

Range: short
Risk: high

Rocket launcher

Destroys vehicles and groups, but requires a safe distance.

Range: medium
Risk: very high

Grenade

An explosive for areas and cover; a poor throw also endangers the player.

Range: medium
Risk: very high

The illustrations were created by GTA HUB and only reflect the period, category and function. They are not sprite sheets or copies of the original models.

How weapons work in GTA III

GTA III introduced 3D aiming to the series, and its weapons made it a different kind of game. Besides the pistol and submachine gun, it includes shotguns, assault rifles, a sniper rifle with a zoom, a rocket launcher, a flamethrower, Molotov cocktails and grenades.

Weapons are bought from Ammu-Nation, and every ten hidden packages found add a new weapon to your safehouses. Collect from the start and you will have good equipment before missions require it.

Choosing the right weapon for the mission matters: the sniper rifle can deal with a rooftop target without a chase, the rocket launcher can stop a car that would otherwise escape, and an ordinary shotgun often wins out in the narrow streets of Liberty City.