1. The lost deal
Sonny Forelli sends Tommy south from Liberty City. The ambushed deal starts the search for the money, the goods and the people who knew about the meeting.
The story of GTA Vice City: from errand runner to ruler of the city
The year is 1986. Tommy Vercetti arrives after fifteen years in prison and loses both the money and the goods during his first deal. The game follows both the search for a traitor and the building of his own empire.
This page summarises the plot with spoilers. It is more than a mission list: it explains why the factions turn against each other and when working for other bosses becomes Tommy's own war for Vice City.
Three stages of the story
How Tommy's position changes
2. Working for the powerful
Tommy makes contact with Ken Rosenberg, Colonel Cortez, Avery Carrington and others. Each job opens another part of the city or another relationship.
3. His own empire
After confronting Ricardo Diaz, Tommy takes over the mansion and buys businesses. Profitable assets are not a diversion: completing them moves the game towards its conclusion.
The characters who decide the outcome
Motivations without unnecessary retelling
Tommy Vercetti
A practical and volatile protagonist who refuses to work again as an easily replaced Forelli soldier.
Lance Vance
Tommy's partner has a personal reason to find those responsible for the ambush. His need for recognition gradually undermines their alliance.
Sonny Forelli
The Mafia boss expects his investment back. The more independent Tommy becomes, the more Sonny sees Vice City as stolen property.
Ken Rosenberg
The nervous lawyer is the first contact in the city. He is not a fighter, but he connects Tommy with the people without whom the search could not begin.
What the ending means
Spoilers for the final mission
Keep Your Friends Close…
The finale resolves both conflicts: the betrayal within Tommy's circle and Sonny Forelli's claim to the proceeds from Vice City.
Tommy's victory
Tommy does more than take Diaz's house. After the finale, he is no longer a dispatched member of another family; he and Ken lead their own organisation.
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers
What year is GTA Vice City set in?
The story takes place in 1986 in the fictional Vice City, inspired by Miami.
Who betrayed Tommy in the finale?
In the final section, Lance Vance turns against Tommy and joins Sonny Forelli.
Why has the final mission not unlocked?
After taking over the mansion, you need to buy and complete enough profitable businesses; completing Print Works is essential.
Sources and verification
Primary sources take priority
Content checked on 20 August 2026. Differences between Classic and Definitive Edition are identified where they change the procedure.