If you own an Xbox 360, chances are you own GTA IV and have been playing the heck out of it, both online and off. You’re also probably looking for any advantage you can get when combing the mean streets of Liberty City Version 2.0.

Side Missions are a Side Splitting Good Time
If you’re anything like me, you love accomplishing everything the game has to offer, doing all the side quests, challenges, etc. If not and you typically avoid stuff like this, boy, you’re really missing out. While it can be tempting to run straight through to game’s missions to experience everything the story has to offer, and/or spend your free time engaging in random hijinks, those side missions are both awfully fun and awfully rewarding.

Many of them give you cash or items, and also give you achievement points. From assassinating random blokes, to delivering drugs, to taking on vigilante missions, there’s plenty to see and do outside of the main missions.

Armor Wasn’t Just Useful in the Middle Ages
Yes, it’s a dangerous world out there. While you might feel like more of a tough guy going into a brawl with nothing but a stylish shirt on, they don’t take bullets too well. Always make sure you’re outfitted with full armor, especially before any missions.

Cabbies are Like Smelly Chauffeurs
These guys can quickly take you anywhere in Liberty City you like with fast travel, Hop in, drop down a waypoint on your map and off you go. This can save you plenty of time, and might save you from those 15 minute detours where you wind up beating up a woman cause she looked at you the wrong way, stealing her boyfriend’s car, ramming it into a few people and having the cops chase you halfway around town while listening to Kanye West on the radio. Suppress your violent urges by taking a nice relaxing cab ride. And hey, you can always get out of paying the fare by killing the driver if you must.

These three tips will hopefully save you just a bit of time and wasted effort while enjoying Liberty City. See you on the mean streets.