The cell phone is the main hub to access all of the menus, options, and upgrades for the game. Your phone has several apps or submenus, where you will have access to most of the game’s systems.
Map
Selecting the map allows you to view all of Steelport, and zoom in and out to check out any hood. As you explore each neighborhood and complete missions, icons appear that corresponds to various gameplay elements. This app comes with a built-in GPS system that allows you to set a destination and receive visual indicators on the minimap and HUD to guide you. The map also contains numerous filters that display only the info you want to see about stores, cribs, Gang Operations, and more.
Missions
Enter this section to select from any of the available main story missions from the Campaign.
Saintsbook
Assassinations
These 32 mini-missions are exactly what they sound like: the targeted killing of an individual who has raised the concern or ire of the party employing your services. Although, it’s never quite as simple as discreetly walking up to the target in public, killing them, and escaping without being seen.
Initially, you have access to only a portion of the missions. You must complete various parts of the Campaign to continue to access new missions.
Vehicle Thefts
Steelport has five major chop shops that all want your carjacking services.
Each shop offers six jobs, with the difficulty increasing at each level. Like the Assassination jobs many of the theft missions become accessible only after specific points in the Campaign.
Challenges
These represent an achievement system that tracks the completion of 41 crazy tasks. They cover a huge spectrum, including killing and destructive goals, absurd actions like streaking, and simple exploration. As you complete milestone percentages of the required number of things to finish in a challenge, a message appears on the HUD. When you complete a challenge a reward screen indicate the payoff for your persistence.
Upgrades
This incredibly important menu item keeps track of elements that are unlocked, and is the place to buy most of the upgrades for the entire game. Further strengthening the concept of “play it your way,” you get to chose which upgrades to buy and when, making it the hottest app on your cell phone! Each upgrade costs some of your hard-earned cash, and also requires you to be at a specific rank. One of the best things about the system is that it shows you the next tier of upgrades so you always know what rank you must achieve to get them. You can plan out your upgrade path. There are tons of choices and there is really no right or wrong way to upgrade. Ultimately, it depends on your gameplay philosophy and personal preference. However, here are a few suggestions.
Plot your upgrade path! Since you can see the requirements for the next upgrade, when you get close to a milestone, perform some diversions to get the cash and respect you need.
If you are in it for the long haul and plan on doing lots of supplemental gameplay like Activities, City Takeover, etc., then max out everything in the bonuses category to take maximize your earning and reward potential.
Pick your favorite weapon category and boost it as soon as possible. If you like the accuracy of pistols, increase the ammo and dual wield while upgrading the weapon itself at Friendly Fire.
Staying alive is key, and the best way to do that is buy the health upgrades as soon you reach the level required. Likewise, reducing the bullet damage has the same effect but approaches it from the other side of the equation.
The game is pretty huge and speed is what you need. Getting the sprint upgrade means not only can you get around at a faster pace but also you can get to safety where you can heal and regroup.
Music
A lot of time is spent behind the wheel and if you want more control over the vehicle’s stereo system, this is the place to go. Not only can you permanently toggle stations on and off but you can make your own mix tape! Compile songs from any of the stations to create your own personal sound track.
Camera
Camera modes allow you to take screenshots and share them with your friends online.
Phone
If you are in a jam, call any of your homies to enlist their help. The phone can also be used to call in favors to wipe notoriety and make your life a lot easier. As the big boss, you can even request a car, tank, or VTOL to be delivered right at your feet. Now that’s service!
Cash
This is where you can monitor your city income that is being laundered. Each time you access this icon, the funds will be transfer to your account. It’s important to note that the system starts out with a small transfer limit and you must increase it through conquering and upgrading your Strongholds if you want to move big bucks.
Extras
This section contains a stats tracker that provides 11 pages of detailed info on just about any statistic you can think of: game completion, money spent, number of kills, Activities, diversions, and more. This is also the spot to access and enter cheats. However, if you do cheat, achievements won’t be counted.