Los Santos
Based on: Los Angeles
Gangs, palms, dry weather and Grove Street. The first third focuses most strongly on family and neighbourhood.
What everyone remembers
Grove Street, a cul-de-sac in Ganton and home of the Grove Street Families.
Three cities and the desert between them
The state of San Andreas covered 38.2 km², a remarkable scale for its time. More important was how each third looks, sounds and plays differently.
San Fierro
Based on: San Francisco
Hills, fog, a bridge and the garage CJ takes over. The tone shifts from street war to building a business.
What everyone remembers
Steep streets that turn cars into jumps from old films.
Las Venturas
Based on: Las Vegas
Casinos, desert and Mafia. The richest area and the one with most opportunities to spend money.
What everyone remembers
The Four Dragons casino and a robbery that anticipated later heists in the series.
Countryside and desert
Based on: California and Nevada between the cities
Villages, farms, mountains, the Area 69 military base and the highest point, Mount Chiliad.
What everyone remembers
Mount Chiliad: cycling from summit to foot remains one of the game's most memorable activities.
Travelling between cities has a cost
CJ runs out of breath when badly out of shape, and flight school is essential for travelling efficiently. Six stats determine how the game plays.