Unlock your base first
Follow the opening Grove Street missions until CJ can save at the Johnson House. Keep one slot for normal progression and use another slot for experiments. Before a longer mission, restore health and check the ammunition you actually carry.
Spend on progress
The early story introduces food, clothing, targeting and lowrider controls. During Cesar Vialpando, cosmetic vehicle upgrades are optional: leaving the modification menu without buying extras preserves your cash. Practice the rhythm prompts before committing a large wager.
- Use the radar to follow the active mission marker.
- Save between completed missions instead of relying on a long uninterrupted session.
- If one mission blocks you, check whether another available contact offers a route forward.