The GPS - Pay close attention to the GPS in the bottom-left corner of the screen. This is your in-game guide to the world. During a mission, objectives will appear on the GPS as different coloured shapes. Squares denote targets at your elevation, triangles denote targets above you, and upside-down triangles denote targets below you. Furthermore, a marked trail accompanies location target markers and will lead you to the target if you follow it. Keep in mind, however, that this trail only marks the fastest, legal route to the target. You can likely find a quicker way around if you take some time to study the map. GPS shortcuts are unlocked when you pass over them, and the marked trail will from then on be amended to include this shortcut if applicable.
Waypoints - You can place a waypoint on any location on the map screen. Press back/select to call up the map. Set waypoints appear on the GPS, along with a marked trail. You can also place numbered “bookmarks” to mark locations you wish to remember.
Easy Respect - The “Septic Avenger” and “Fuzz” activities are the easiest to complete, and they both offer some helpful rewards. Complete both instances of each of these activities to earn a decent amount of cash and the all-important Respect, enough to allow you to play through a good number of missions. See each activity’s respective section in this guide for strategies and tips.
Cash Stash - Money is added to the stash in your crib each day. The amount added depends on the number of territories you control, as well as the number of stores you own. The stash is denoted by a bundle of bills icon in the world; it’s near your wardrobe and weapon cache.
Health Matters - Although your character’s health regenerates slowly over time, it’s a good idea to keep some food in your inventory for occasions when you need to quickly replenish lost health. Food can be bought at restaurants, which are denoted by hamburger icons on the GPS and map. The more expensive the food, the more health it will replenish when consumed. To consume a food item, pull up your inventory and use the D-pad to select from the available items.
Forgive and Forget - Money solves all problems in Stilwater. If the police are after you, you can get them off your back by visiting one of the “Forgive and Forget” drive-throughs scattered around the city. Drive through the Forgive and Forget and for a modest fee ($100 per star), your notoriety level will be completely diminished. If you’re being tailed during a mission, make your way to one of these drive-throughs to rid yourself of your pursuers, allowing you to complete the objective unhindered.
Cruise Control - Saints Row 2’s cruise control feature can make things a bit easier when you’re tasked with taking out a target in a vehicle. When you’re traveling at a fast enough speed, press the LB button on the Xbox 360 version or the L1 button on the PS3 version to activate cruise control. While cruise control is active, your vehicle will remain accelerated at that set speed, leaving you to only have to concentrate on steering and shooting. Cruise control is best used on long stretches of road, as it can be difficult to turn corners if you’re traveling too fast.
Needs Improvement - Most vehicles can be taken to a mechanics, where they can then be customised aesthetically and upgraded with reinforced parts. After you’ve customised a vehicle, be sure to store it in one of your crib garages for later use. Mechanic shops are denoted by wrench icons on the map and GPS.
Fast Travel - Dial 555-455-8008 on your mobile phone to call a taxi over to your location. The taxi is marked by a blue blip on the GPS. When the taxi arrives, you can get in and then select any marker to instantly travel there for a modest fee (a maximum of $100). The driver can’t take you to either of the islands on the west side of the map however, but it is a good way to quickly get to the other side of the city. TNA Taxis can be called via the Phonebook menu after the initial call.
Perks - Many of the game’s optional activities offer up some nice rewards when completed. An example of this is unlimited ammo for a certain weapon type, which definitely comes in handy during the main storyline. Check out the list of abilities under the “Unlockables” section of this guide for more information.
Ground Support - When you gain a territory after completing a mission or capturing an enemy stronghold, Saints will begin to populate that area from then on. Saints are denoted by purple blips on the GPS. Nearby Saints will provide support if you are attacked or if you are attacking. If you’re being tailed by the police or an enemy gang, lead them into Saints territory and seek some allies to help you out.
Hitch a Ride - If you need some wheels and you’re in Saints territory, you can take an ally’s vehicle by recruiting them as they drive by. Press up on the D-pad when one of your gang cars is near and the driver should get out, allowing you to take the vehicle. You can hold up on the D-pad to disband your followers afterwards, or simply leave them in the dust.
Home Sweet Home - When you load your save file, you’ll be transported to the nearest Saints crib. You can make use of this fact by saving and then loading your game to get quick access to your weapons, money, wardrobe, and garage. Just be sure to save your game before loading, and that you load the most recent save file.
Gray Matter - As is the case with most any gun-heavy action game, delivering a shot to your target’s head will deal severe to lethal damage.
