12-29-2025, 09:44 AM
Many players discover the dating system in Grand Theft Auto IV by accident, or simply ignore it while focused on the main story. However, spending some time with Niko's romantic interests isn't just for role-playing; it can provide tangible, useful benefits in the game. This guide breaks down how it works in practice, based on common player experiences and strategies.
How does the dating system work in GTA IV?
The system is more involved than hanging out with friends like Roman or Little Jacob. You can meet two women—Michelle and Kate—naturally through the story. Three more—Carmen, Kiki, and Alexandra—are met through in-game internet dating sites after completing the mission "Out of the Closet." Success isn't just about picking an activity; you must cater to each woman's specific preferences in your clothing, your vehicle, and the type of venue you choose. Each girlfriend has a hidden "like percentage" for every activity and venue. Doing something she dislikes will lower her fondness meter. Most players keep a guide handy or save the game before a date to experiment.
What are the real, practical benefits of dating?
The primary reason most players invest time in dating is to unlock each girlfriend's "special ability," which becomes available once you reach 80% fondness. These are significant gameplay aids:
Carmen Ortiz (SOBOHOE): Provides a permanent health boost. This is often considered the most universally useful perk.
Kiki Jenkins (LAWCHICK): Can remove a wanted star once per in-game day. This is invaluable during difficult missions or when you're in a tight spot with the law.
Alexandra Chilton (LIBERATED WOMAN): Offers a store discount on all purchases, which can save a lot of money on weapons and ammunition over time.
The two story-based girlfriends, Michelle and Kate, do not offer gameplay perks. Their narratives are intertwined with the main plot, and dating them is more for story immersion.
How do you successfully go on dates?
The key is preparation. Before calling for a date, change your clothes to match her preference (e.g., "Modo" or "Perseus" brands) and fetch a car she likes from the streets. The game is somewhat forgiving; for example, if she likes the "Dukes," any muscle car might work, but using the exact model is safest. Then, choose an activity from her preferred list. Bowling, darts, and pool are generally safe for most. You must also pick a specific venue she enjoys, like a particular bar or restaurant. A successful date ends with the option to "ask to come inside." If you say "goodbye" instead, her fondness will drop. If her fondness falls below 15%, she will stop taking your calls. Some players, especially those looking for shortcuts to advanced content without the grind, might seek out cheap gta 5 modded accounts ps4, but in GTA IV's self-contained system, these perks must be earned through gameplay.
What happens with the internet girlfriends if you fail?
If you have a bad date or get dumped, don't worry. After a few in-game days, their profiles will reappear on the dating websites. You can contact them again, and it will be as if you never met, allowing you to start over from scratch. This lets players retry without permanent consequence.
Are there any tricks or glitches players should know about?
The community has discovered a few oddities over the years. One well-known glitch allows you to make your current vehicle temporarily damage-proof by firing a gun just as your date gets in, startling her. However, this effect is unstable and can disappear randomly. Another visual bug causes Niko to drive one-handed if you end a date with "goodbye." This is fixed by getting out and back into the vehicle. Most players consider these minor curiosities rather than essential strategies.
Do you need to date for 100% game completion?
No, you do not. Reaching 100% fondness with any girlfriend is not required for the official 100% game completion checklist. Players usually pursue it solely for the special abilities or for their own personal completion goals.
In general, dating in GTA IV is a side activity with worthwhile rewards. The system encourages you to explore the city's venues and adds a layer of strategy to Niko's social life. While it can be finicky, the perks, especially Kiki's wanted level removal, are valuable enough that many experienced players make it a routine part of their playthrough.
How does the dating system work in GTA IV?
The system is more involved than hanging out with friends like Roman or Little Jacob. You can meet two women—Michelle and Kate—naturally through the story. Three more—Carmen, Kiki, and Alexandra—are met through in-game internet dating sites after completing the mission "Out of the Closet." Success isn't just about picking an activity; you must cater to each woman's specific preferences in your clothing, your vehicle, and the type of venue you choose. Each girlfriend has a hidden "like percentage" for every activity and venue. Doing something she dislikes will lower her fondness meter. Most players keep a guide handy or save the game before a date to experiment.
What are the real, practical benefits of dating?
The primary reason most players invest time in dating is to unlock each girlfriend's "special ability," which becomes available once you reach 80% fondness. These are significant gameplay aids:
Carmen Ortiz (SOBOHOE): Provides a permanent health boost. This is often considered the most universally useful perk.
Kiki Jenkins (LAWCHICK): Can remove a wanted star once per in-game day. This is invaluable during difficult missions or when you're in a tight spot with the law.
Alexandra Chilton (LIBERATED WOMAN): Offers a store discount on all purchases, which can save a lot of money on weapons and ammunition over time.
The two story-based girlfriends, Michelle and Kate, do not offer gameplay perks. Their narratives are intertwined with the main plot, and dating them is more for story immersion.
How do you successfully go on dates?
The key is preparation. Before calling for a date, change your clothes to match her preference (e.g., "Modo" or "Perseus" brands) and fetch a car she likes from the streets. The game is somewhat forgiving; for example, if she likes the "Dukes," any muscle car might work, but using the exact model is safest. Then, choose an activity from her preferred list. Bowling, darts, and pool are generally safe for most. You must also pick a specific venue she enjoys, like a particular bar or restaurant. A successful date ends with the option to "ask to come inside." If you say "goodbye" instead, her fondness will drop. If her fondness falls below 15%, she will stop taking your calls. Some players, especially those looking for shortcuts to advanced content without the grind, might seek out cheap gta 5 modded accounts ps4, but in GTA IV's self-contained system, these perks must be earned through gameplay.
What happens with the internet girlfriends if you fail?
If you have a bad date or get dumped, don't worry. After a few in-game days, their profiles will reappear on the dating websites. You can contact them again, and it will be as if you never met, allowing you to start over from scratch. This lets players retry without permanent consequence.
Are there any tricks or glitches players should know about?
The community has discovered a few oddities over the years. One well-known glitch allows you to make your current vehicle temporarily damage-proof by firing a gun just as your date gets in, startling her. However, this effect is unstable and can disappear randomly. Another visual bug causes Niko to drive one-handed if you end a date with "goodbye." This is fixed by getting out and back into the vehicle. Most players consider these minor curiosities rather than essential strategies.
Do you need to date for 100% game completion?
No, you do not. Reaching 100% fondness with any girlfriend is not required for the official 100% game completion checklist. Players usually pursue it solely for the special abilities or for their own personal completion goals.
In general, dating in GTA IV is a side activity with worthwhile rewards. The system encourages you to explore the city's venues and adds a layer of strategy to Niko's social life. While it can be finicky, the perks, especially Kiki's wanted level removal, are valuable enough that many experienced players make it a routine part of their playthrough.