Air Raid

Air Raid is an optional story mission in GTA San Andreas, given by Zero RC Shop and Zero.

This mission is unlocked once Carl buys the Zero RC store for $30,000

It's the 44° GTA San Andreas mission in chronological order, and it takes place in San Fierro.

While this is an optional mission, it is still required for 100% completion of the game.

Zero needs Carl's help with defending his transmitters from Berkley.

Air Raid: Mission Objectives

• Use the minigun to eliminate the enemy threat.

GTA San Andreas: "Air Raid" Walkthrough

After purchasing Zero's RC Shop in San Fierro, a series of missions becomes available, all of which involve a bubbling rivalry between a stereotypical nerd and his arch nemesis.

Air Raid, the first mission given by Zero, is considered one of the hardest missions in the entire Grand Theft Auto series. This mission strand isn't required to further the plot by any means, though it's essential to anyone seeking the elusive 100% completion.

Zero's arch nemesis, Berkley, is about to attack a few of his transmitters with RC planes carrying bombs. The concept of the mission is simple: use a mounted gun to protect the transmitters from damage. At least one has to be left standing when the timer runs out.

Get Accustomed to Manual Aim

Manual aiming in San Andreas takes some time to get used to. If this is your first time playing a Grand Theft Auto title, this particular mechanic is introduced to the player during the mission Nines and Ak's. 

After walking into the marker and triggering the mission, you may want to take a moment to familiarize yourself with the controls. Failing the mission spawns you just outside of Zero's shop, so you won't have to travel very far if you have to attempt it more than once.

Don't worry about having perfect accuracy and precision yet.  After you feel comfortable enough handling the mounted weapon, wait for the mission to fail and step into the marker again. 

Improving Your Aim

Shooting stationary targets in manual aim is one thing, but shooting at moving targets is a completely different league. If you're not familiar with first-person shooters, you'll find this mission incredibly difficult to complete.

Planes loaded with bombs will begin moving in for the attack after the initial cutscenes. To improve your accuracy and significantly increase your chances of success, hold the fire button down and aim just in front of the plane's trajectory.

HINT: Don't let go of the fire button! Doing so for even a single second could spell disaster, as it gives a sliver of time for the planes to reach the transmitters and drop their bombs!

Utilize the Radar

The Red Barons are marked as red blips on your radar. Keep an eye on the sky, but also be alert to what's happening around you. Enemies will spawn in each direction, and you'll need to prioritize which ones to ground first.

The obvious first thought would be to shoot whichever is closest to the antennae, but this isn't always the case. Planes will eventually spawn in groups, and if they manage to reach the transmitters, your chances of failure go up exponentially.

Each plane is coded to go after the nearest antenna, and they could easily hinder your path to success. One plane reaching a transmitter is a lot better than four at once, which could pack more of a punch to your damage meter! 

Save Your Progress!

Once the timer hits zero, the mission is finally complete, and you'll be rewarded with a measly sum of $3,000.

Many players have reported this mission as one of the most aggravating in the game, and it has even landed on our list of The Hardest Missions in the Grand Theft Auto Series.

Need more help? Head over to our GTA San Andreas section dedicated to everything San Andreas for more guides like this one, along with everything else you need to know, including a 100% checklist to get you one step closer to accomplishing the elusive feat!

Air Raid: Mission Info

Air Raid: Video Walkthrough

Original Game Walkthrough (PS2, Xbox, PC):

The Definitive Edition Remaster Walkthrough: