What is the Key for the Helicopter in GTA Vice City?
The simple answer is that there isn’t one single key to activate a helicopter in GTA Vice City. Instead, you summon a helicopter using a cheat code, and then you use a combination of keys for control. The cheat code to spawn a helicopter is ‘AMERICAHELICOPTER’. Once spawned, various keyboard controls are used for different functions like ascent, descent, and directional movement. Understanding this distinction is critical for effectively navigating the skies of Vice City.
Activating and Spawning a Helicopter
Using the Cheat Code
To get a helicopter in GTA Vice City, the primary method involves using a cheat code. As mentioned, typing ‘AMERICAHELICOPTER’ while playing the game will cause a helicopter to spawn in front of you, dropping from the sky. It’s important to exercise caution when using this cheat code in narrow areas or confined spaces, as the spawning vehicle can cause unexpected problems and might even block you in. Once spawned, you are free to enter the helicopter and begin piloting.
Controlling the Helicopter
Basic Movement
Once inside the helicopter, the controls are relatively straightforward:
- Ascent: Pressing Up (or W on PC) will make the helicopter rise. On an Xbox Controller, press the B button for ascent.
- Descent: Pressing Down (or S on PC) will cause the helicopter to descend. The corresponding Xbox Controller button is X.
- Forward Tilt (Nose Down): On PC, the number 9 key is used to tilt the helicopter forward, allowing it to move horizontally and gain speed.
- Backward Tilt (Nose Up): The number 6 key on PC tilts the helicopter backward and can be used for lift-off from water surfaces.
Takeoff from Water
To take off from water, you’ll need to combine multiple inputs. Start by positioning the helicopter in the water. Then, hold down the number 6 key to tilt the nose up and simultaneously apply forward thrust, which in most cases you will be doing by holding down ‘W’ or ‘Up’. This will allow the helicopter to gain speed and lift off.
Navigating with a Non-Numpad Setup
Many players, particularly those on laptops, might not have a numerical keypad. Don’t worry; you can still control the helicopter. In the absence of the numpad, use the mouse for directional control. The arrow keys or ‘W’ and ‘S’ keys can be used to control the helicopter’s altitude. You can also use the ‘A’ and ‘D’ keys to tilt the helicopter left and right, and ‘Q’ and ‘E’ keys to turn the helicopter left and right. Adjusting mouse sensitivity might also be needed for optimal control.
Helicopter Types
Keep in mind that different helicopters in Vice City have slightly different handling characteristics. Some, like the Hunter, also possess weapons. However, most civilian variants will primarily be used for travel and exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I activate the helicopter cheat in GTA Vice City?
To activate the helicopter cheat, simply type ‘AMERICAHELICOPTER’ while playing the game. A helicopter will immediately spawn in front of you.
2. Can I save the helicopters I find?
Unfortunately, you cannot save helicopters directly on the helipads. Helicopters can only be saved in garages, just like other vehicles. Note that only a Maverick will appear on the designated helipad.
3. Is there a way to skip the RC helicopter mission in Vice City?
Yes, there is a workaround. Instead of picking up the bomb right away, first fly the RC helicopter to the building and kill all the guards by flying the copter into them. Once they are all eliminated, then pick up the bomb and drop it in the designated bin.
4. What are the basic control keys for a helicopter in GTA Vice City PC?
The main control keys are: Up/W for ascent, Down/S for descent, 9 for forward tilt (nose down), and 6 for backward tilt (nose up).
5. How do I take off from water in a helicopter in GTA Vice City?
Hold the 6 key (nose up) while simultaneously holding down the key for acceleration. This combination of inputs will allow the helicopter to lift off.
6. What if I don’t have a numpad to control the helicopter?
Use your mouse for directional control, the arrow keys or ‘W’ and ‘S’ keys for altitude, and the ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘Q’, and ‘E’ keys to control tilting and turning.
7. Are there any other useful cheat codes for GTA Vice City?
Yes, there are many. For example, ‘NUTTERTOOLS’ gives you all heavy weapons, ‘THUGSTOOLS’ gives you all light weapons, ‘LEAVEMEALONE’ decreases your wanted level, and ‘ASPIRINE’ refills your health.
8. How do I get a better helicopter like the Hunter in Vice City?
The Hunter and other advanced helicopters become more readily available as you progress through the game’s story. These advanced vehicles are usually found at specific locations once you have advanced far enough in the main storyline.
9. Is it possible to skip missions in GTA Vice City using cheats?
No, there is no official cheat code to directly skip missions in GTA Vice City. Workarounds, like the one for the RC helicopter mission, may exist for specific cases.
10. Where can I find helicopters in GTA Vice City Stories?
Helicopters can frequently be found on the roof of the hospital in downtown Little Haiti and also at the stadium, where there is a helipad.
11. How do I unlock all missions in GTA Vice City?
You must complete all missions for all of your asset properties including Boatyard, Print Works, Sun Autos, The Malibu, Kaufman Cabs, and Film Studio.
12. What does 100% completion get you in GTA Vice City?
Completing the game to 100% unlocks 200 health and armor, infinite ammo, the ability to recruit 3 bodyguards, and double vehicle strength for any vehicle you enter.
13. How many cheat codes are there in GTA Vice City?
There are 46 cheat codes in GTA Vice City Definitive Edition, all of which are the same as the original game.
14. How do I switch to first-person perspective in GTA on PC?
You can switch to first-person using the V key on PC if you are playing GTA 5. This is not a feature of GTA Vice City, but is available in later games like GTA V.
15. What should I do if my controls don’t feel comfortable?
If you’re having trouble controlling vehicles, including helicopters, you may find adjusting mouse sensitivity and vehicle auto-centering in the settings menus can greatly enhance the experience. Experiment to find what works best for you.
By understanding the control mechanisms and the use of the cheat code, you can become an expert helicopter pilot in Vice City and explore the city from a unique perspective.