San Andreas: release dates, setting and the return to Los Santos
The key details of CJ’s journey, including the original North American and European launch dates.
Two regions, two launch dates
GTA: San Andreas originally launched for PlayStation 2. Take-Two listed 26 October 2004 for North America and 29 October 2004 for Europe. If you remember a different date, it may refer to another region or a later platform release.
A journey to the early nineties
The story is set in 1992 and follows Carl “CJ” Johnson. San Andreas expands the classic 3D formula across three major cities: Los Santos, San Fierro and Las Venturas. It is a useful reference point for understanding the shift from compact city worlds to larger regions.
Choosing the right guide
San Andreas has accumulated guides across many years and platforms. Before following a button combination or technical workaround, check the platform, edition and publication date. A guide to the original PC version may describe different steps from one written for a console Definitive Edition.
Your first trip back
Give yourself time to get your bearings. Save regularly in separate slots, learn the controls without rushing and note tasks you want to revisit. Our mission guides put prerequisites and platform notes at the beginning.
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