An on-screen minimap displays nearby locations, and there is a larger citywide map on the pause screen that does not show detailed locations. Locations throughout the city help the player, such as fast food restaurants that restore health, gun stores for firepower, and spray paint shops to decoy the player when pursued by the police. For example, player objectives in the tutorial mission include hijacking a car, killing a policeman, driving to a 'Forgive & Forget' location to lose the police pursuit, and mugging a pedestrian.
The player can kill, threaten, rob, carjack, and otherwise force other gangs out of Saints territory. The game's story mimics that of the console game: the player-character returns to the city of Stilwater following a bid in prison and must restore the atrophied influence of their gang, the Saints. Screenshot of gameplay, with minimap in lower left corner and corpses in the street