How to Get a Job in GTA 4: A Comprehensive Guide

Getting a job in Grand Theft Auto IV isn’t about filling out applications or attending interviews in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s about engaging with the game world and characters to access different work opportunities. Unlike some later GTA titles, GTA IV doesn’t offer a formal job system where you work fixed hours for a boss. Instead, work is intertwined with the game’s narrative and available as side missions or mini-games. To clarify, the opportunities for ‘jobs’ in GTA IV fall into these main categories: story missions, side missions, mini-games, and vigilante tasks.

Let’s break down how you can access each of these opportunities:

How to Engage in “Work” in GTA IV

Story Missions

The primary way you “work” in GTA IV is through the story missions. These are the main narrative quests that advance the plot and introduce you to new characters and locations. Completing these missions will reward you with money and unlock further opportunities. Niko Bellic, the protagonist, takes on tasks ranging from driving to theft to assassination, which effectively serve as his jobs in the city.

Side Missions

Side missions are tasks that are not essential to the main story but provide additional gameplay, rewards, and insights into the world. Here are some notable side missions that function as “jobs” in GTA IV:

• Taxi Driver: You can become a taxi driver by calling Roman. Roman will dispatch a taxi call to your phone, and you must then go pick up a passenger. From here, you will be able to drop off passengers all around the city for money. This is not something you can do constantly, it is something you do when Roman calls to offer a fare.
• Little Jacob’s Missions: Little Jacob offers ten randomly ordered jobs. These are typically drug deals gone wrong, leading to firefights. These missions are accessed via your phone by selecting “Job” under Little Jacob’s contact.
• Vigilante Missions: After stealing a police car, you can access its computer and engage in vigilante missions. These tasks involve stopping criminals and can be quite lucrative.
• Stevie’s Car Thefts: After you meet Stevie, he will send you texts with images of different cars that he wants you to steal. You are given a location, you must steal the car without damage and take it to his lockup.

Mini-Games

While not traditional jobs, certain mini-games can also be considered as ways of earning money through work in GTA IV:

• Street Racing: Participate in street races and win money by competing against other drivers.
• Pool & Darts: Go to the local pool hall or bar and engage in a game of pool or darts with NPCs to earn some cash. These are primarily side activities, but provide a way to ‘work’ for money.

Vigilante and Law Enforcement Activities

• Police Computer Activities: As mentioned before, stealing a police car will give you access to police computer activities. You will have various crimes pop up on the computer, and you can choose which ones you want to pursue. This includes vehicle theft, drug deals, etc.
• Emergency Response: While you can’t officially be a cop in GTA 4, you can also assist emergency response teams. For example, during police pursuits, you can help them apprehend suspects for some extra money, or you can steal the police car and complete those tasks yourself.

Key Points

• No Traditional Employment: There aren’t any traditional “office jobs” or regular shifts. Niko’s work is mainly illegal or grey area.
• Phone is Key: Many of the side jobs are accessed through your in-game phone via specific contacts. Make sure you check messages and your phone contact list.
• Location is Important: Side missions often become available at specific locations and after completing certain story missions. Pay attention to your in-game map and text messages.
• Repetition: Some side missions, like taxi work, can be repeated multiple times for consistent earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I work as a police officer in GTA 4?

No, you cannot become a police officer in GTA 4 in the traditional sense. However, you can access vigilante missions by stealing a police car and using its computer. This allows you to take on crime-fighting tasks as a side activity.

2. Where do I go to start taxi missions in GTA 4?

To start taxi work, you must call Roman on your phone. He will then send you a message about taking a fare. You will then need to pick up a passenger from their location and deliver them to their destination. This is a repeatable side activity for money.

3. How do I start Little Jacob’s missions?

Open your in-game phone and select “Job” under Little Jacob’s contact. This will provide you with 1 of 10 random missions. These missions usually involve drug deals and shootouts.

4. What is the best way to make money through “jobs” in GTA 4?

Story missions are the most lucrative but if you are looking for more consistent “jobs”, Little Jacob’s missions are a good place to start. The most consistent is taxi work, and is very easy and straight-forward. The vigilante missions are also a very good way to earn money.

5. Can I lose my job in GTA 4?

Since the “jobs” are not traditional employment, you cannot lose them. Once unlocked, these missions, side activities, and mini-games remain available for you to engage with at your leisure.

6. What types of vehicles does Michelle like in GTA 4?

Michelle prefers Russian clothes and likes almost any vehicle excluding police cars, trucks, and beaters.

7. What kind of venues does Michelle like in GTA 4?

Michelle likes almost all venues, though she has preferences for bowling, darts, pool, Burger Shot, diners, and Cluckin’ Bell.

8. How do I lose the cops in GTA 4?

To lose the cops, avoid their line of sight and find alleys or secluded areas to hide. If you can enter a Pay ‘n’ Spray while not being directly pursued, you will lose the wanted level as long as the police do not see you.

9. Can I date in GTA 4?

Yes, you can date in GTA 4. You need to go to an internet café and use the in-game websites LoveMeet and Craplist to try to meet and date different women.

10. Who is Jeff in GTA 4 and what is his mission?

Jeff is a jealous husband who suspects his wife is cheating. You first encounter him in East Holland, where you have to take photos of his wife. You will then meet him again in a parking garage where he tells you that he killed his wife.

11. How can I get a police car in GTA 4?

You can get a police car by simply stealing it. Look for parked police cars or those engaged in police chases. You can also wait until they have come to a stop and pull them out of the car.

12. How do I access the police computer missions?

Once you’ve stolen a police car, press the interaction button. This will bring up the police computer menu, and allow you to engage in various vigilante missions.

13. How do I use cheat codes in GTA 4?

GTA 4 uses the in-game mobile phone for cheat codes. Open the phone menu, enter the cheat code as a phone number, and press call.

14. Is GTA 4 suitable for younger players?

No, GTA 4 is not suitable for younger players. It is rated M (Mature 17+) due to its violent content, strong language, and mature themes.

15. What happens to Niko Bellic after the end of GTA 4?

An Easter egg reveals that Niko still works for Roman’s taxi company. An in-game social media post also indicates that Roman is still alive, confirming that Niko and Roman are still connected.