GTA Vice City weapons: the right loadout for every mission

Tommy can carry one weapon in each slot. Picking up another weapon from the same category can therefore discard equipment you meant to keep.

Choose equipment based on distance and movement. A shotgun handles a confined space, an automatic rifle controls a street, and a sniper rifle lets you remove a threat before chaos begins.

Weapons, appearance and use

Each entry has its own detailed view

Original illustration of a Revolver weapon
01

Revolver

A reliable basic weapon for short to medium range.

Range
medium
Risk
normal
Original illustration of a Compact submachine gun weapon
02

Compact submachine gun

A high rate of fire that consumes ammunition quickly.

Range
medium
Risk
normal
Original illustration of a Shotgun weapon
03

Shotgun

High power at close range, with a clear drop at distance.

Range
short
Risk
normal
Original illustration of a Assault rifle weapon
04

Assault rifle

Useful for holding enemies at medium range and dealing with groups.

Range
medium
Risk
normal
Original illustration of a Sniper rifle weapon
05

Sniper rifle

A slow, precise choice for landing the first shot from safety.

Range
long
Risk
normal
Original illustration of a Chainsaw weapon
06

Chainsaw

A specialised weapon with high power and limited versatility.

Range
short
Risk
high
Original illustration of a Rocket launcher weapon
07

Rocket launcher

Destroys vehicles and groups, but must be fired from a safe distance.

Range
medium
Risk
very high
Original illustration of a Grenade weapon
08

Grenade

An explosive for an area or targets behind cover; poor judgement also endangers the player.

Range
medium
Risk
very high

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

Categories and uses

What is worth carrying

Melee weapons

They are quiet and need no ammunition, but are risky against several armed enemies. The chainsaw is powerful, but forces you to remain close to the target.

Pistols and submachine guns

Versatile equipment for ordinary missions. Some light weapons can be used while driving, which is essential during pursuits.

Shotguns

High stopping power at close range. Indoors, allow for the slower rate of fire and reload before moving between cover.

Assault rifles

Powerful at medium range and against groups. Fire in shorter bursts to avoid wasting expensive ammunition.

Sniper rifles

Use them before entering an area. Once you move closer or land a hit, the situation may change and the safe angle may disappear.

Heavy weapons and explosives

They deal with vehicles quickly, but an explosion near Tommy is a common cause of failure. Do not fire across a nearby obstacle.

Preparing for a difficult mission

A simple procedure

Armour, health, then weapons

Restore protection first, then buy ammunition. Restarting a mission may remove some equipment, so do not spend all your money on one attempt.

Use package rewards

Every ten hidden packages unlock another permanent weapon, protection or vehicle spawn at specified locations.

Monitor wanted stars

A more powerful weapon often makes the problem worse. Sometimes it is quicker to change clothes, use Pay 'n' Spray or leave the area.

Frequently asked questions

Direct answers

Is there a money cheat in GTA Vice City?

The standard PC cheat set does not include a direct money cheat. Money comes from missions, businesses and other activities.

Why did I lose another weapon after picking one up?

The inventory uses slots. A new weapon from the same category replaces the weapon currently carried in that slot.

Sources and verification

Primary sources take priority

Content checked on 20 August 2026. Differences between Classic and Definitive Edition are identified where they change the procedure.

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