Saints Row: The Third beginner guide: Respect levels, cash and Steelport control
Learn the original game’s progression loop, phone upgrades and district income.
Edition covered
The original 2011 Saints Row: The Third base campaign, with screenshots from its original PC Steam listing. Saints Row: The Third Remastered, later Saints Row games and DLC mission packs are separate from this guide.
Finish the opening to establish Steelport access
The first missions introduce the Syndicate conflict and move the Saints into Steelport. Follow the story until the phone, contacts and city activities are established. After that, alternate main missions with nearby activities to build cash and Respect.
| Resource | Purpose | Useful action |
|---|---|---|
| Respect | Raises player level | Complete missions and activities |
| Cash | Buys upgrades and property | Collect income and avoid idle balances |
| Phone upgrades | Improves the Boss and support options | Purchase newly unlocked benefits |
| City control | Tracks Saints influence | Finish neighborhood objectives |
| Stored vehicles | Reliable travel and combat transport | Save vehicles you want to reuse |
Treat Respect as experience rather than a mission token
Unlike Saints Row 2, Respect here raises the player’s level and unlocks upgrade purchases. Cash pays for those upgrades. A newly reached level does not automatically grant every benefit, so inspect the phone upgrade menu after leveling.
| Upgrade area | Benefit | When useful |
|---|---|---|
| Health and damage resistance | More forgiving combat | Before difficult story missions |
| Ammunition capacity | Longer weapon use | When your preferred gun runs dry |
| Sprint | Easier movement | Before races or long foot sections |
| Notoriety support | More escape options | During chaotic city activities |
| Homie support | Extra allied help | When a mission or activity permits it |
Use city control to support income
Buying properties, completing activities and clearing gang operations contribute to taking Steelport. The city overview shows progress across neighborhoods. Collect available income through the phone and keep useful shops accessible as you expand the Saints’ territory.
Prepare equipment before a major mission
Buy ammunition and armor-related improvements, then check your preferred weapon upgrades. Call useful allies when available and store dependable vehicles. A little preparation is more effective than repeatedly entering a set-piece with empty ammunition and no purchased defenses.
Buy ammunition and armor-related improvements, then check your preferred weapon upgrades.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Saints Row: The Third — publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Saints Row official legacy overview | saintsrow.com |
| Saints Row Wiki: upgrades | saintsrow.wiki |
| Saints Row Wiki: activities | saintsrow.wiki |
| Saints Row Wiki: Three Way | saintsrow.wiki |