S.A.M.

S.A.M. is a main story mission in GTA 3, given to Claude by Asuka Kasen.

It's the 65° mission in GTA III in chronological order, and it takes place in Staunton Island. It becomes available after completing Espresso-2-Go!.

Asuka tasks Claude with blowing up a DeadDodo containing SPANK.

S.A.M.: Mission Objectives

Find the boat and get to the marker buoy!
Get to the runway marker buoys! The plane is on its final approach!!
Collect the cargo!
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Stash the SPANK back at the construction site!

GTA III: "S.A.M." Walkthrough

s a m intro

S.A.M. is the penultimate story mission in Grand Theft Auto III, and the final mission given to the player by Asuka. A plane loaded with SPANK is set to land at Francis International in three hours. You need to shoot from the sky, steal the cargo, and stash it back at the construction site.

Before Starting S.A.M.

s a m construction site

This mission can be completed in multiple ways. We'll walk you through each one and recommend the easiest option available. Here's a list of recommended essentials to obtain before walking into the blue marker at the construction site.

Assault Rifle Ammo
Full Health and Armor
Access to the Bulletproof Patriot (Complete Ray's Marked Man Mission)
Rocket Launcher Ammo (Purchase from Phil's Army Surplus)

Method #1: Using the Bulletproof Patriot

The Patriot, gifted to the player after Marked Man, is a useful tool in the final missions. Being impervious to bullets, the Patriot can be driven through the airport without the risk of being destroyed by gunfire. Two things to consider before utilizing this method:

Not Invincible

This special vehicle is not explosion-proof. It can still be destroyed with a rocket launcher. If you utilize this method, make sure you park far enough away from the path of destruction when shooting the plane out of the sky. The vehicle can also be toppled over by police vehicles looking to ram you off the road. You'll need to exercise extreme caution with this method, as losing the Patriot will make the final mission much more difficult.

Risk vs. Reward

Using the Patriot Ray presents another challenge. If a gang member manages to pull you out of the vehicle, you risk being killed on the spot by their heavy weaponry. After shooting down the plane, you'll also need to worry about getting stuck on the way back to the construction site, allowing ample time for the police to drag you out of the car and arrest you.

Method #2: Use a Boat

The game strongly urges the player to grab a rocket launcher and a boat from the pier marked on the map. You'll then be tasked with stopping at the marked buoys and shooting the plane down on its approach.

Friendly Fire

Using this method, you run the risk of blowing up the boat with the rocket launcher, causing your death and a mission failure. Even though the game strongly suggests you complete the mission this way, there is a third option that makes the mission almost easy.

Method #3: Hybrid of Methods 1&2 (Preferred)

The most effective and efficient way to complete this mission is to utilize a unique mixture of the two previous suggestions. Once you gain control, race over to the pier. If you want to make the mission even easier, park the bulletproof Patriot on the pier before taking the boat. You'll be returning to it momentarily, and it won't despawn. Traverse across the water to the airport tarmac.

Dock the Boat

s a m secret

The most difficult part of this method is getting out of the boat unscathed. Seeing as Claude can't swim, you'll drown if you fall into the water. Upon reaching the buoys, keep going and drive the boat onto the ramp on the left. Jump out onto land and make your way towards the runway on foot.

Exterminate Nearby Colombians

s a m mission failed

Time isn't on your side. Run up the ramp and take out the Colombians who are meant to ensure the plane lands safely. Leaving any behind risks mission failure. You'll only have a few seconds left to hotfoot it to the end of the tarmac and pull out your rocket launcher. Shoot the plane down on its approach and collect the cargo that's spilled all over the runway.

Take the Boat Back

s a m collect cargo

Once you collect all the packages, you'll be instructed to stash the cargo at the construction site. Instead of driving out of the airport, there's a much easier method. Shoot down any nearby police helicopters and head back down the ramp from which you came.

Your boat will still be there waiting as long as you didn't leave it in the water to go adrift. Press yourself against the boat and spam the run button. This will move the vessel toward the water, and you'll be able to drive it back to the pier. Your vehicle will still be there waiting for you to drive back to the construction site.

Ransom

ransom

Head to the marker to trigger the final cutscene of the mission. Asuka and Miguel will be dead, and you'll find a letter left by Catalina, who has taken Maria hostage. She will offer a trade: $500,000 for her freedom.

Completing S.A.M. unlocks The Exchange, the final story mission.