Notoriety

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Notoriety is your “wanted level.” It tells you what level of response to expect from the two types of enemy forces. Notoriety is increased by committing acts of violence or provocation against enemy gang members, law enforcement, and even pedestrians. The game system will begin spawning a defined set of vehicles and characters appropriate to the level of your notoriety.

Law Enforcement Notoriety

Law enforcement notoriety is a measure of how much police, SWAT, Guard, and STAG (when they arrive in Steelport) are interested in you. Law enforcement officers will respond to violence committed against pedestrians or just general violence, like shooting your weapon out in the open.

Gang Notoriety

The Syndicate, as a combined organization of three gangs, responds to negative actions against any of their members. The gang notoriety is carried over from area to area and from one gang to another. For example, if you have level three notoriety (three stars) in Morningstar territory, that same level will carry over to level three Decker notoriety if you enter their district.

Notoriety Decay/Wipe

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Over time, notoriety decays naturally, as long as you don’t continue to commit acts of violence that would raise it. Using the Upgrades app, you can purchase the ability to increase the rate of decay and even completely wipe each type notoriety. Also, any shop you own or crib functions as a hideout and entering one removes all types of notoriety.

Roadblocks

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After you reach a certain notoriety threshold, you will begin seeing gang or law enforcement roadblocks appropriate to the notoriety level. These spawn in front of you to impede your travel and provide resistance to an easy escape.