Grand Theft Auto III (GTA 3) follows the events of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas as Catalina and her boyfriend Claude flee to Liberty City. The game kicks off with a high-octane bank heist involving Catalina, Claude, Miguel (a member of the Colombian Cartel), and another unnamed accomplice. Amidst the chaos, Catalina reveals her ambition, shoots Claude, kills the unnamed man, and escapes with Miguel and the money. Claude survives, only to be arrested for the robbery.
Betrayal and Revenge
During a police convoy, the Colombian Cartel ambushes and isolates Portland Island by destroying the Callahan Bridge, kidnapping an Old Oriental Gentleman. Claude and another prisoner, 8-Ball, manage to escape during the commotion. 8-Ball introduces Claude to Luigi Goterelli, for whom Claude begins working to prove his worth. Luigi then connects Claude with Joey Leone, who trusts Claude after he escorts Misty, Joey’s favorite prostitute.
Gaining Trust
Joey introduces Claude to Toni Cipriani, who tasks Claude with missions to take down the Triads. Proving his capabilities, Claude earns the trust of the Leone Family boss, Salvatore Leone. Claude becomes an asset in Salvatore’s operations, even helping to blow up the Cartel’s SPANK supply ship with 8-Ball’s assistance.
Danger and Deception
Salvatore’s final request for Claude to dispose of a car filled with murder evidence turns out to be a trap, warned by Maria. She admits her lies about an affair with Claude, introducing him to Yakuza leader Asuka Kasen, leading them to escape to Staunton Island.
Working for the Yakuza
Asuka wants Claude to sever all ties with the Leone Family by assassinating Salvatore. Claude then works for Asuka and her brother Kenji Kasen, as well as the corrupt cop Ray Machowski. This builds Claude’s connections and influence within the city.
Power Struggles
Ray introduces Claude to billionaire mogul Donald Love. Claude helps in rescuing the Oriental Gentleman held hostage by the Cartel. Claude instigates a war between the Yakuza and the Cartel, lowering real estate prices, and killing Kenji disguised as the Cartel. At their headquarters, Claude finds Miguel and Catalina. After a confrontation, Asuka arrives and tortures Miguel for information.
The Final Showdown
The plot thickens as Claude returns to find Asuka and Miguel dead, with a note from Catalina demanding $500,000 to save Maria. At the Cartel Mansion, the exchange reveals an ambush. Claude chases Catalina to the dam, kills her men, and shoots down her helicopter, ending her reign. As Claude leaves with Maria, a final gunshot is heard, leaving her fate ambiguous.
