GTA 5 Mission Guide: Following Ricardo Diaz’s Orders

Who is Ricardo Diaz and Why Does He Need You?

Most players encounter Ricardo Diaz on Starfish Island. He’s a high-profile gangster with a temper that’s as famous as his wealth. In this mission, Diaz informs Tommy Vercetti that a member of the Streetwannabe gang is stealing a portion of his income—specifically 3% of his profit. While that might sound minor, Diaz sees any theft as a serious offense.

In general, Diaz hires you to trace the gangster from his apartment to wherever he is hiding the stolen money. The mission is as much about tracking and observing as it is about action. Understanding this helps in planning your approach without rushing in and risking failure.

Step 1: Getting to the Thief’s Apartment

After the initial briefing at Diaz’s mansion, Tommy leaves to find the gangster’s apartment. Most players find it useful to drive directly and keep their eyes peeled for unusual activity. When you reach the location, you’ll notice the apartment is empty. This is normal; the gangster will appear shortly on a nearby rooftop.

At this point, patience is key. Many players make the mistake of panicking and trying to enter the building. In general, just watch through the window and wait for him to appear. This is also a good opportunity to take a mental note of the surrounding area, as it will help in the chase.

Step 2: Chasing the Gangster

Once the gangster appears on the roof, the chase begins. Tommy needs to follow him across rooftops and eventually onto the streets. Most players find this part tricky because the gangster jumps onto a waiting BF Injection.

A common strategy is to move methodically, keeping a safe distance while following him. If you try to attack too early, you risk losing him. Usually, grabbing the nearest vehicle—often a Faggio scooter—is the fastest way to keep up once the gangster hits the streets.

This is also the point where some players get distracted by side objectives or nearby enemies. Focus on the target. The chase will take you through Vice City streets and eventually lead to Prawn Island.

Step 3: Locating the Hideout

The gangster’s journey ends at one of the derelict mansions on Prawn Island. Most players will notice that the area is abandoned and quiet, which can make it easy to lose track if you’re not paying attention. The BF Injection stops nearby, and the gangster runs inside the mansion.

At this stage, the mission is mostly over. You don’t need to engage in a firefight unless instructed. In general, keeping up and following the target is more important than rushing into action. Once the gangster enters the mansion, the mission is marked as completed.

Rewards and Next Steps

Successfully completing this mission rewards Tommy with $1,000. More importantly, it unlocks the next mission, Phnom Penh ’86. In general, following missions closely ensures you can progress smoothly without having to repeat steps.

Some players also use these missions as an opportunity to explore the city or test out different vehicles. While not necessary, it can make the experience feel more dynamic and rewarding.

Tips for Success

1. Stay Observant: The mission relies heavily on observation. Look for the gangster’s movements and be prepared to adapt quickly.

2. Use Vehicles Strategically: Having quick access to a vehicle like the BF Injection or Faggio makes the chase easier. Most players find switching to faster vehicles reduces mission stress.

3. Avoid Combat Until Necessary: You don’t need to shoot the gangster immediately. Most players focus on tracking first, which usually leads to smoother mission completion.

4. Be Patient on the Rooftops: Rooftop chases can be tricky. Slow and steady movement is often safer than rushing.

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This GTA 5 mission with Ricardo Diaz emphasizes strategy, observation, and timing over brute force. Most players find that taking a calm approach and focusing on following the target carefully leads to success. Remember, patience and preparation are key—jumping in without planning usually results in losing the gangster or taking unnecessary damage. Completing this mission not only rewards money but also sets up the storyline for future encounters, making it an essential part of your Vice City experience.