Tagging Up Turf Guide: All 6 Spray Tags in GTA SA

Taking Back the Streets

The "Tagging Up Turf" mission is a turning point for CJ. Up until now, he has been reacting to the chaos around him. Now, Sweet wants him to take an active role in re-establishing Grove Street Families' presence in Los Santos. The rival Ballas gang has been expanding their territory, marking walls with their purple graffiti. Your job is to cover up their disrespect with Grove Street green.

This mission serves a dual purpose. From a narrative standpoint, it shows the gang fighting back. From a gameplay perspective, it introduces you to the collectibles system in San Andreas. Finding and spraying all 100 tags in the city provides substantial rewards, and this mission forces you to complete the first six.

Getting Equipped

Head to Sweet's house to start the mission. A cutscene shows Sweet handing CJ a spray paint can, explaining the importance of marking their territory. Get into Sweet's Greenwood car. He tells you to drive to Idlewood. Follow the yellow blip on your radar map. Park in the designated red marker near the overpass bridge.

Sweet steps out and demonstrates the process. He walks up to a purple Ballas tag on the bridge support column and sprays green paint over it. The game prompts you to take note of how it is done. Now it is your turn.

The Idlewood Tags

Sweet instructs you to handle the next two tags in the immediate area on your own. Do not get back in the car just yet; these are within walking distance.

Tag 1: The Brick Wall

Look at your minimap. You will see a small green square indicating a target location. Run across the street to the two-story brick building. The first tag is on the front wall. Equip your spray can, aim at the tag, and hold the fire button until you hear a chime sound and see a notification confirming the tag is complete. Make sure you cover the entire purple graphic.

Tag 2: The Alleyway

The next green square is just behind the building you are standing in front of. Run around to the back alley. You will spot the next tag on the wall. Repeat the spraying process. Once completed, get back into Sweet's car. He will instruct you to drive to the next location in East Los Santos.

The East Los Santos Tags

Drive to the next destination marked on your map and park in the red marker. Sweet says he is going to wait in the car while you handle the remaining tags. The neighborhood is hostile territory, so proceed with caution. The Ballas gang members spawn in this area, and they will attack if they spot you spraying over their set.

Tag 3: The Mural

The first tag in this new area is located on a large mural on the side of a building next to a Cluckin' Bell restaurant. Approach it carefully. Spray the tag quickly. Keep your camera angled to watch your back for any approaching gang members.

Tag 4: The Alley Ambush

The next tag is located down a narrow alleyway. As you enter, you will notice two Ballas gang members standing near the tag. This is where you learn a very useful combat mechanic. The spray can acts as a powerful stun weapon. Aim the spray can directly at their faces and fire. The paint chokes them, making them cough and grab their eyes. While they are stunned, you can easily spray the tag and run away, or finish them off with melee attacks. Spray the tag quickly and retreat.

Tag 5 & 6: The Rooftop Scramble

The final two tags require some parkour. Follow the minimap blip to the back of a small strip mall. You will see a chain-link fence. The game prompts you on how to climb. Press the jump button near the fence to vault over it. In this back area, the fifth tag is located on the ground-level wall. Spray it.

For the sixth and final tag, you need to gain some elevation. Look for the large green dumpster pushed against the building wall. Jump onto the dumpster, then jump again to grab the edge of the roof and pull yourself up. The final tag is painted prominently on a billboard structure on the roof. Spray it down.

Escaping the Cops

As soon as you finish the final tag on the roof, the plot thickens. A police patrol car spots you trespassing. A two-star wanted level triggers immediately. Two police officers jump out of their cruiser and run toward the building. Do not panic. Sweet arrives just in time.

Sweet drives his Greenwood into the alley below you. Look down from the roof. You will see a red marker hovering over the passenger seat of his car. Simply walk off the edge of the roof, drop down next to the car, and press the enter vehicle button. As soon as CJ gets in, Sweet hits the gas, shaking the police pursuit entirely. You automatically return to Grove Street, completing the mission.

Pro Tips for Spraying Tags

• Keep Your Distance: Stand a few feet back from the wall when spraying. If you stand too close, the paint stream might miss the actual hit box of the tag graphic.
• Conserve Ammo: You are given limited spray paint. While it is plenty for the mission, avoid holding the trigger down endlessly. Release the button as soon as you hear the completion chime.
• Use the Can in Combat: Remember the blinding trick. If you have no guns, a quick blast of spray paint to the face of an attacker buys you enough time to run away or counterattack.

Frequently Asked Questions