Basics part 1 | Basics
Controller

1 - left analog stick, press for L3.
2 - D-pad.
3 - right analog stick, press for R3.
4 - LT (Left Trigger).
5 - LB (Left Bumper).
6 - RT (Right Trigger).
7 - RB (Right Bumper).
Camera controls and aiming system
On foot
![]() | To control camera use right analog stick. You can change the distance between Niko and the camera by pressing the Back button. Additionally, you can use R3 to look behind. |
Pressing LT while on foot engages aiming mode. You can target any person in the game. Armed with a gun you are able to lock on a target. To aim manually - press LT only a little bit. For auto-aiming press LT to the end.
![]() | ![]() |
While auto-locked on a person, you can target different places on his body by adjusting your aim using right analog stick.
![]() | ![]() |
Some weapons, like sniper rifle, allows you to zoom your view by pressing R3 button.
![]() | ![]() |
It's important to crouch (L3). Crouching increases Niko's accuracy. Additionally you can perform roll left or roll right maneuver. To do so: raise your weapon (LT), press X and move left analog stick left or right (you can roll while standing and crouching - L3).
In car
![]() First person view.
| ![]() TV view.
|
![]() Standard view.
| ![]() Look behind view (R3). |
While in a car you can change your view by pressing the Back button. In the same fashion as on foot - you can use right analog stick to look around and press R3 to look behind. Pressing B engages TV camera, but if you do it while a car chase sequence it will focus view on a car you are chasing. During TV view press L3 to slow down time (Matrix-style).
![]() | You can perform a drive-by shooting by pressing LB. But remember that only certain weapon types are allowed to be used in a car. To change your currently equipped weapon press X. You can also throw grenades - it is important to keep in mind, that Niko throws them behind. The longer you hold down the RT button, the sooner it will explode after throwing it. |
Walking and running
![]() | To walk move the left analog button you want Niko to follow. |
![]() | While using left analog stick press the A button - Niko will start running. Pressing A repeatedly will make Niko run faster. |
![]() | Press left analog stick to crouch. It improves you accuracy and makes Niko harder to spot and hit. |
Jumping and climbing
![]() | Press the X button to jump. |
Press X nearby a wall to make Niko climb it. If it is small enough - Niko will jump over it. But if it is higher - he will hand on it's edge. While hanging, you can use left analog stick to move sideways. To climb and edge press X button again or Y - if you want Niko to drop.
![]() | ![]() |
Niko can also use other means of getting to higher places, like ladders. To use a ladder press the Y button. You can speed up climbing by holding down the A button.
Swimming
Swimming was simplified when compared to San Andreas. In GTA4 Niko can only float on water. Controls are similar to walking - use left analog stick to point a direction you want Niko to swim and press A to make Niko swim faster.
You are not permitted to copy any image, text or info from this page. This site is not associated with and/or endorsed by the Rockstar Games or Rockstar North. All logos and images are copyrighted by their respective owners.
Copyright © 2000 - 2025 Webedia Polska SA for gamepressure.com, unofficial game guides, walkthroughs, secrets, game tips, maps & strategies for top games.