Stamina
Running, cycling and swimming.
How long CJ can sprint and swim before tiring.
A character who genuinely changes
No later game in the series returned to this system. CJ grows stronger, gains and loses weight, and learns — with practical effects. A weak CJ tires after fifty metres and aims less accurately.
Six stats
What raises them and what they affect
| Stat | How to raise it | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Stamina | Running, cycling and swimming. | How long CJ can sprint and swim before tiring. |
| Muscle | Gym training and melee combat. | More unarmed damage. Melee is ineffective without muscle. |
| Body fat | Fast food versus exercise. | Affects appearance, speed and people's reactions. CJ can gain or lose extreme amounts. |
| Weapon skill | Shooting, separately for every weapon. | At the highest level, some weapons can be dual-wielded and CJ moves freely while aiming. |
| Driving and flying | Driving and flying; flying unlocks after flight school. | Better control and less vehicle damage. A jet is difficult to control without flight school. |
| Respect | Story progress and taking territories. | How many gang members can join CJ. Without respect, he goes alone. |
What you need to know about each one
Muscle
Gym training and melee combat.
More unarmed damage. Melee is ineffective without muscle.
Body fat
Fast food versus exercise.
Affects appearance, speed and people's reactions. CJ can gain or lose extreme amounts.
Weapon skill
Shooting, separately for every weapon.
At the highest level, some weapons can be dual-wielded and CJ moves freely while aiming.
Driving and flying
Driving and flying; flying unlocks after flight school.
Better control and less vehicle damage. A jet is difficult to control without flight school.
Respect
Story progress and taking territories.
How many gang members can join CJ. Without respect, he goes alone.
What to focus on at the start
Two things save considerable effort. First is stamina: without it, the opening hours involve waiting for CJ to recover his breath. It rises naturally when you cycle instead of driving.
Second is flight school. It unlocks in Las Venturas and many players postpone it. Without it, the jet is difficult to control and some later missions become unnecessarily hard.
The other stats rise naturally through play. Deliberate gym sessions are only worthwhile when focusing on melee combat.
Want to rebuild the game?
Mods are still released for San Andreas. The guide begins where it must: with the game version.