Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas isn’t just a game you pick up and play—it feels more like entering a whole city where anything can happen. You’re not locked into one mission or storyline. You play as CJ, a guy returning home to Los Santos after years away, and from the moment you land, things spiral fast. Gangs, crooked cops, street politics—it’s all packed in.

The world is big. Really big. You’re not stuck in one place—you move between cities, each with its own feel. There's a desert, countryside, busy towns, and even a spot that feels like Las Vegas. Whether you’re stealing cars, riding a bike, or jumping off planes, everything connects to your choices.

Visually, it's a bit dated compared to newer games. The characters are a little stiff, and textures don't pop the way modern titles do. Still, it holds up in charm. The radio stations are a highlight, full of songs, fake ads, and DJ commentary that make just driving around fun on its own.

There's a lot to do. You can train at the gym to bulk up, CJ, or hit a fast-food place and watch him gain weight. Want to change your haircut or grab new clothes? Go ahead. It feels like you're living his life, not just playing a mission list.

It’s not for younger players, though. There's swearing, fighting, and parts of the story that are pretty rough. But if you're old enough and into open-world games where you set your own pace, San Andreas still delivers a lot of playtime and freedom, even years after it came out.

Step 1: Start the game and let the intro roll. It sets the story and introduces CJ. When it’s done, you’re dropped into Los Santos. Follow the on-screen instructions to hop on a bike and head home. That’s your first taste of the world.

Step 2: Missions are marked on the map with letters like "R" or "C." These are where you meet characters and take on tasks. Some are simple, like driving someone across town. Others get messy—car chases, shootouts, the works. Just walk into the market to begin.

Step 3: Use the controls to move, drive, and fight. On PC, it's mostly WASD to move and the mouse to aim or look around. Driving uses the same keys but takes a bit of getting used to. Cars handle differently—some are slow, others zip around corners.

Step 4: Check your stats and inventory in the pause menu. You can see CJ’s fitness, skills with weapons, and even his respect level. These go up as you play. For example, running or biking more often increases stamina.

Step 5: Save your game by visiting a safe house. You’ll get one early on. Just walk into the floppy disk icon. Saving often is smart, especially after a tough mission.

Step 6: Try side stuff. There are driving schools, deliveries, and even burglaries at night. These aren’t required, but they help earn cash and keep the game feeling fresh.