The “Guardian Angels” mission in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is one of the first missions that puts Tommy Vercetti in a serious firefight. Given by Ricardo Diaz, the mission requires Tommy to collect weapons, protect Diaz during a drug deal, and survive an attack by the Haitian gang.
If you are struggling to complete this mission, this blog explains how to start Guardian Angels, where to get the weapons, how to protect Diaz, and how to finish the mission successfully.
How to Start the Guardian Angels Mission?
To start Guardian Angels, you need to progress through the early story missions in GTA Vice City. After completing the required missions, visit Ricardo Diaz's mansion in Starfish Island.
Walk into the mission marker to trigger the cutscene. Diaz explains that a drug deal is about to take place and wants Tommy to provide protection.
Your objective is simple: keep Diaz and the deal safe from enemy attackers.
Where to Get the Weapons?
After the mission begins, Tommy must collect a weapon before heading to the meeting location.
Follow the yellow marker shown on the map. The weapon pickup is located near the specified area, and collecting it prepares Tommy for the upcoming firefight.
Once you have the weapon, get into a vehicle and drive toward the meeting point in Washington Beach.
Tip: Make sure you are properly armed before reaching the deal. The mission quickly turns into a combat sequence, so having ammunition ready can make the encounter much easier.
How to Protect Diaz in Guardian Angels?
When you arrive at the meeting location, you will need to protect Ricardo Diaz while he conducts the drug deal.
The main challenge begins when Haitian gang members attack the area. Enemies appear from different directions, so you need to react quickly.
Here is a simple way to handle the fight:
- Stay close enough to protect Diaz.
- Watch for enemies approaching from different directions.
- Take cover whenever possible.
- Eliminate attackers before they get close to Diaz.
- Keep an eye on Diaz's health.
- Avoid wasting ammunition on distant enemies.
- Continue fighting until the immediate threat is eliminated.
Your priority is not simply getting kills. Diaz must survive the encounter.
How to Deal with the Haitian Attack?
The Haitian gang creates most of the trouble during this mission. They attack the drug deal and attempt to take the money.
Use cover and focus on enemies that are closest to Diaz. Moving into the open can leave Tommy exposed to multiple attackers.
A useful strategy is to stay behind cover, fire controlled bursts, and reposition when enemies get too close. If you have a more powerful weapon available, save it for groups of enemies or dangerous attackers.
Once the attackers are defeated, the mission moves to its next stage.
What Happens After the Drug Deal?
After the main firefight, the situation is not completely over. A group of enemies attempts to escape with the money.
You need to pursue them and recover the stolen cash.
Follow the mission objective and chase the escaping attackers. Be prepared for another short combat encounter.
The mission concludes after Tommy successfully deals with the remaining enemies and completes the objective.
Tips to Complete Guardian Angels Easily
- Use Cover: Staying behind walls, vehicles, or other objects can reduce the damage Tommy takes during the firefight.
- Protect Diaz First: Do not chase every enemy immediately. Diaz's survival is the key objective.
- Watch Your Ammunition: Avoid firing continuously at enemies who are far away or already moving out of range.
- Keep Moving Carefully: Standing in one position can make Tommy an easy target. Move between safe positions when necessary.
- Take Out Nearby Enemies: Enemies close to Diaz should receive your immediate attention.
- Prepare for the Chase: Keep enough health and ammunition for the final part of the mission.
Guardian Angels Mission Reward
Successfully completing Guardian Angels advances the storyline and rewards Tommy with money. More importantly, the mission helps develop the relationship between Tommy and Ricardo Diaz and sets up important events later in the story.
The mission also introduces players to more demanding combat situations, making it an important step in GTA Vice City.
Final Thoughts
The “Guardian Angels” mission in GTA Vice City becomes much easier when you focus on the main objective: protecting Diaz. Collect your weapon, reach the meeting point, use cover during the attack, and prioritize enemies threatening Diaz.
Once you survive the firefight and deal with the remaining attackers, the mission is complete. Keep your ammunition under control, stay alert, and avoid exposing Tommy unnecessarily. With the right approach, Guardian Angels can be completed without too much trouble.

