In the Beginning

Overview

In the Beginning is the opening mission of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Carl Johnson flies home from Liberty City after learning that his mother has been killed. On the way from the airport to Grove Street his taxi is stopped by C.R.A.S.H. officers Frank Tenpenny, Eddie Pulaski and Jimmy Hernandez, who take his money, threaten to pin a police officer's murder on him and dump him in Ballas territory in Idlewood. The mission teaches basic movement and cycling as CJ rides back to Grove Street.

The mission sets up the central conflict of the game. Tenpenny makes it clear that he can pin the death of Officer Ralph Pendelbury on CJ whenever he likes, which keeps CJ under his thumb for most of the story. It also establishes the state of Grove Street, where CJ arrives to find his family's neighbourhood shrinking under pressure from the Ballas.

Walkthrough

1. Watch the opening cutscenes at Los Santos International Airport and in the police car.
2. Once CJ is thrown out in Ballas territory, get on the BMX parked nearby.
3. Pedal toward Grove Street, following the marker on the radar. Tap the accelerate button repeatedly to build speed.
4. Ignore the Ballas who shout at you and keep riding; they are only a threat if you stop.
5. Ride into the Grove Street cul-de-sac to finish the mission and trigger the next cutscene.

Tips

• Hold the bike steady on corners; rapid tapping on straights gives the best speed.
• There is no time limit, so take it slowly if you are new to the controls.

Rewards and unlocks

The mission unlocks Big Smoke, which follows immediately. Several safehouses in Los Santos also become purchasable from this point.