Grand Theft Auto Advance is the eighth installment of the Grand Theft Auto series and was released on Oct. 26, 2004. It was developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Rockstar Games. The legendary series allowed hand-held gamers to live in the Grand Theft Auto universe. Players explore the sprawling metropolis of Liberty City only a few years before the story of Grand Theft Auto III. Besides the engaging storyline, Grand Theft Auto Advance gained notoriety for its impressive list of cheats and exploits. It feels perfect amongst the chaos the game already offers and gives players a chance to play the game in a different light. You can even skip to your favorite level and replay it for the hundredth time.
Grand Theft Auto Advance truly offers a unique and thrilling handheld experience for gamers seeking to dive into the criminal underworld of Liberty City.
Grand Theft Auto Advance Premise
Grand Theft Auto Advance follows the story of Mike, a small-time criminal in Liberty City. The game starts around a botched drug deal that killed Mike’s mentor. Determined to avenge Vinnie’s death, Mike unravels the mystery and determines who set up his mentor.
As he delves deeper into the criminal underworld, Mike encounters various gangs, corrupt cops, and treacherous individuals, all of whom pose significant threats to his mission. The game offers plenty of action, intense car chases and robust story missions. Along the way, you’ll meet memorable NPCs that will either help or hinder your progress, some of them even make an appearance in Grand Theft Auto III.
Grand Theft Auto Advance is a perfect introduction to the Grand Theft Auto universe and perfectly encapsulates the hand-held gaming experience.
Grand Theft Auto Advance Main Characters
In Grand Theft Auto Advance, the main characters include:
- Mike: The game’s protagonist, Mike is a small-time criminal seeking to avenge the death of his mentor, Vinnie.
- Vinnie: Vinnie is Mike’s mentor and an experienced criminal. He is killed during the botched drug deal, setting off Mike’s journey for revenge.
- Cisco: Cisco is a powerful and influential figure in the criminal underworld of Liberty City. He turns out to be the main antagonist of the game.
- King Courtney: King Courtney is a Jamaican gang leader in Liberty City. He becomes Mike’s ally and assists in his quest for vengeance.
- Asuka Kasen: Asuka is a prominent character in the game, known for her ties to the Yakuza.
- Jonnie: Jonnie is a friend and accomplice of Mike. He assists Mike throughout the game.
Grand Theft Auto Titles in the Series
Here is the list of the main titles in the Grand Theft Auto Series:
- Grand Theft Auto (GTA) – PlayStation, PC (1997)
- Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 – PlayStation, PC (1999)
- Grand Theft Auto 2 – PlayStation, PC (1999)
- Grand Theft Auto III – PlayStation 2, PC (2001)
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – PlayStation 2, PC (2002)
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC (2004)
- Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories – PlayStation Portable (2005)
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories – PlayStation Portable (2006)
- Grand Theft Auto IV – PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC (2008)
- Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned – Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC (2009)
- Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars – Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, iOS, Android (2009)
- Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony – Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC (2009)
- Grand Theft Auto V – PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC (2013)
- Grand Theft Auto Online – PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC (2013)
- Grand Theft Auto: The Cayo Perico Heist – PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC (2020)
The list focuses on main titles, not necessarily spin-offs, enhanced versions, or expansions.
Grand Theft Auto Advance Cheat Codes
Now for the cheat codes. For many games back in the day, cheat codes allowed developers and testers to try different game functions. Suppose they wanted to test out a specific level. Just like any other player, they would need to input the code and skip to the level. If they wanted to test a particular weapon, they needed the cash to buy it. Cheat codes were originally for the game developers and ended up as an unintended easter egg for players to find.
Follow these instructions if you want to enjoy the game with a little systematic help. Hold down the A+B+Start during any gameplay, then enter the following prompts:
| Cheat Code | Effect |
| Left, Right, Up, Down, L, R, Hold Start, A | Level select |
| Left, Right, Up, Down, R, R | Set wanted level to max or zero |
| Left, Right, Up, Down, B, R | Toggle gang hostility |
| Left, Right, Up, Down, L, L | Get $15,000 cash |
| Left, Right, Up, Down, A, A | Get all weapons |
| Left, Right, Up, Down, A, L | Get more armor |
| Left, Right, Up, Down, B, B | Get more health |
| Left, Right, Up, Down, A, R | Lower wanted level |
| Left, Right, Up, Down, R, A | Raise wanted level |
Outside of the cheats, Grand Theft Auto Advance also has hidden packages for special rewards back at your hideout.
| Reward | Requirement |
| Uzi | Collect 20 Hidden Packages |
| Body Armor | Collect 30 Hidden Packages |
| Shotgun | Collect 40 Hidden Packages |
| Pistol | Collect 10 Hidden Packages |
| Grenades | Collect 50 Hidden Packages |
| Molotov Cocktails | Collect 60 Hidden Packages |
| Assault Rifle | Collect 70 Hidden Packages |
| Mini Gun | Collect 80 Hidden Packages |
| Rocket Launcher | Collect 90 Hidden Packages |
There is also an option to skip to a certain level to revisit your favorites. At the main menu, press left, right, up, down, L, R, hold start and press A. You’ll now have a display with all the levels to choose from.
Cruise Control Glitch
Whether this was intended or not, players can use cruise control in the game. Hold up while in a car, and release the gas; your car will continue at the same speed without hitting the gas button.
Grand Theft Auto Advance Cheat Codes FAQ
What are the number cheat codes for Grand Theft Auto Advance?
There seems to be a total of nine cheats available for Grand Theft Auto Advance. Follow the above instructions and you can apply any of the prompts for the intended use.
How to do Grand Theft Auto Advance cheats?
Some games require to use the main menu or some sort of cheat menu screen. However, in Grand Theft Auto Advance, players must hold down the A+B+Start during gameplay.
Can you get a wife in GTA Advance?
Unlike the open sandbox games of later years, Grand Theft Auto Advance has a set storyline and pathway. Players can’t go outside the intended storyline and have a girlfriend. This game is meant to have a certain story beat.
How long is Grand Theft Auto Advance?
Based on data from “how long to beat,” players can enjoy a somewhat slower pace than other games in the genre.
| Single-Player | Polled | Average | Median | Rushed | Leisure |
| Main Story | 10 | 7h 27m | 6h 55m | 6h 5m | 9h 4m |
| Main + Extras | 3 | 12h 43m | 10h 35m | 9h 17m | 16h 10m |
| Completionist | 6 | 15h 56m | 13h 29m | 10h 57m | 22h 5m |
| All PlayStyles | 19 | 10h 57m | 9h | 7h 29m | 19h 43m |
How do you get 500,000 for free on GTA Advance?
You don’t need anywhere close to $500,000 for Grand Theft Auto Advance. Instead, players can earn up to $15,000, which should be plenty for this shorter adventure. This is different from Grand Theft Auto 5, where you can buy houses, cars, and obscene weapons for an absurd dollar amount. The most helpful cheat code is the weapon unlock, allowing you to play through the entire campaign with your weapon of choice.