The Party is one of the early story missions in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Tommy Vercetti gets invited to a yacht party hosted by Colonel Juan Garcia Cortez. What starts as a social event quickly turns into a rescue mission when the party is attacked.

If you are playing GTA Vice City for the first time, this mission is fairly simple once you know where to go and what to expect. This blog explains how to start and complete The Party mission, including the route, objectives, enemies, and useful tips.

How to Start “The Party” Mission in GTA Vice City?

To begin The Party, you first need to complete the required early story missions. After completing the initial missions, head to Cortez's yacht at Ocean Beach.

Look for the C marker on the map. It represents Colonel Cortez's missions. Once you arrive at the yacht, enter the marker to trigger the cutscene.

Cortez invites Tommy to his party and asks him to dress appropriately. Tommy then visits a clothing store before heading to the yacht.

Step 1: Change Tommy's Clothes

After starting the mission, your first objective is to change Tommy's outfit.

Drive to Rafael's, a clothing store located in Ocean Beach. Enter the store and change into the required outfit.

This part is straightforward. Once Tommy has changed clothes, get back into your vehicle and drive toward Cortez's yacht.

Tip: Take your time while driving. You do not need to rush this section, and avoiding crashes will make the mission easier.

Step 2: Go to Cortez's Party

After changing clothes, drive to the yacht.

The location should already be marked on your radar, so follow the map. When you reach the yacht, Tommy will meet Cortez and several other characters.

A short cutscene introduces the party and its guests. Tommy eventually receives another task involving Mercedes.

Step 3: Take Mercedes to the Pole Position Club

Tommy is asked to take Mercedes Cortez to the Pole Position Club.

Get into the vehicle with Mercedes and drive toward the club. The destination is located in Vice Point.

You do not need to fight anyone during this section. Focus on driving safely and follow the map marker.

Once you reach the Pole Position Club, Mercedes leaves the vehicle.

Step 4: Return to Cortez's Yacht

After dropping Mercedes off, Tommy needs to return to the yacht.

Follow the map back toward Cortez's location. When Tommy reaches the yacht, the mission takes an unexpected turn.

The situation becomes more dangerous, and Tommy must deal with attackers.

Step 5: Escape the Attackers

During the final part of The Party, enemies attack the area around Cortez's yacht.

Tommy needs to survive the encounter and escape safely.

This is where having a weapon can help. Keep your distance from enemies and use cover when possible. Avoid standing in the open because several attackers can target Tommy at once.

The exact difficulty can vary depending on your weapons and how aggressively you approach the enemies.

Step 6: Complete the Mission

After dealing with the attackers, Tommy's objective is to escape the area.

Follow the mission instructions and move away from the yacht. Once the required objectives are completed, the mission ends.

Completing The Party advances the story and unlocks the next set of missions.

Best Weapons to Use During “The Party”

The Party does not require an advanced arsenal, but having a reliable weapon makes the final encounter easier.

Useful options include:

  • Pistol: Good for basic enemies and accurate shots.
  • Shotgun: Effective at close range.
  • SMG: Useful when several enemies are attacking.
  • Body Armor: Gives Tommy extra protection during the shootout.

If you already have better weapons available, you can use them to make the combat section easier.

Tips for Completing the Party Mission

Follow the Map Markers

The game provides clear destination markers throughout the mission. Follow them instead of trying to find locations manually.

Avoid Unnecessary Fights

You do not need to fight every NPC you encounter. Save your ammunition and focus on the mission objectives.

Drive Carefully

The driving sections are simple, but crashing can waste time. Stay on the roads and avoid unnecessary collisions.

Keep Your Weapon Ready

The mission becomes more dangerous toward the end. Having a loaded weapon before the confrontation can save valuable time.

Use Cover During the Shootout

Do not stand in the middle of the street while enemies are firing. Move behind vehicles or other objects when possible.

Is “The Party” Mission Difficult?

The Party is generally considered an easy early-game mission. Most of the objectives involve driving between locations rather than completing complicated tasks.

The final confrontation is the only part that may cause problems for new players. However, keeping your distance, using cover, and bringing a decent weapon can make it much easier.

What Happens After “The Party”?

Completing The Party progresses Tommy's relationship with Colonel Cortez and continues the main storyline.

It also helps introduce several important characters and locations that become relevant as the story develops. From this point, Vice City's missions gradually become more varied, with more driving, shooting, property-related activities, and larger story events.

Final Thoughts

GTA Vice City’s “The Party” mission is a short but important part of Tommy Vercetti's early journey. Start by visiting Cortez's yacht, change into the required outfit at Rafael's, take Mercedes to the Pole Position Club, and return to the yacht. Be prepared for the attack that follows, then escape to finish the mission.