“The Cousins Bellic” is the first story mission in GTA IV, in which you are introduced to the main character, Niko Bellic, and his cousin Roman. The mission sets the tone for the entire story and serves as a tutorial for newcomers. It introduces the basic mechanics—driving, saving the game, using the map, and interacting with the surrounding world.

Main characters of the mission

• Nico Bellic — the protagonist of the game. He has just arrived in Liberty City in search of a new life, dreaming of peace and wealth.
• Roman Bellic — Nico's cousin. He owns a small taxi company and is prone to exaggeration and lying.
• Hassan Ramzi — a member of the Platypus crew, mentioned in a cutscene.
• Dave Barefoot — a cabin mate, mentioned only by voice.
• The Cook — a minor character who appears in a cutscene.
• Vladimir Glebov — a future antagonist, first mentioned in a phone conversation.

Mission objectives

• Meet Roman at the pier.
• Get in his car and drive him home.
• Get to the apartment on Mohawk Avenue.
• Get familiar with navigation and basic controls.
• Learn how to save and park the vehicle.
• Get introductory information on treatment and rest.

Introductory scene

The mission begins aboard the Platypus. Nico Bellic leaves his cabin, where a strange scene took place behind closed doors, and talks to Hassan.



The characters discuss their future life in Liberty City. The camera shows the approach to the city, passing by the Statue of Happiness.

Next comes the landing on the shore and a meeting with Roman, who arrives in a state of severe intoxication.



He babbles about his “sports cars and villas” and asks Nico to take him home.

The road to Roman's house

As soon as you get behind the wheel, training tips appear on the screen. Navigation is implemented using a yellow line on the radar — this is a GPS route that helps you find your way around the city.

You need to drive carefully, but there are no restrictions — you can break the rules and knock down objects to get a feel for the physics of GTA 4.

On the way, Roman continues to talk, throwing dust in your eyes, while Niko listens silently, analyzing the situation.

First apartment

Upon arrival, you will find yourself at a house on Mohawk Avenue. In a cutscene, Niko is surprised to discover that Roman's fairy tale about wealth is a lie.

The apartment is dirty, cramped, and lacking in luxury. Roman makes excuses, saying that “everything is still ahead,” while Niko is clearly annoyed.



The conversation ends with Roman suddenly remembering his business at the taxi company and leaving, receiving a threatening call from Vlad Glebov on the way.

Training and new opportunities

After Roman leaves, the game will show you how to save — to do this, you need to go to the bed and lie down to sleep. This will fast-forward time by 6 hours and save your progress.



After sleeping, you can explore the apartment, turn on the TV, or go outside.

New information is available outside: if you park your car in front of the house, it will be saved and remain in place even after restarting. In addition, you can buy a hot dog for $5 nearby — this is the first way to restore your health outside of missions.

The mission “The Cousins Bellic” is an introduction to the world of GTA 4. The Bellic Cousins mission is an introduction to the world of GTA 4. It introduces you to the main characters and the game.