Vice city is a city with a lot of vices. You can get away with a lot, and major crimes for that matter. However, it is still important to be careful when you are close to the police. Some of the crimes that will earn you wanted stars include killing pedestrians, firing weapons in the presence of police officers, slamming into a police vehicle and much more. There are different wanted levels and each has its own way regarding how you should deal with them.
One star is usually nothing to worry about and you will not even be shot at by the police. If you are subdued however, you get busted. To escape this, all you need to do is drive around and escape the police.
Two stars happen if you have killed an officer or several people. Squad cars will be dispatched after you. There will be more aggression from police, but it is still easy to escape. All you need to do is change clothes or drive into a pay ‘n’ spray.
Three stars elicit strong reactions from the cops. Undercover cops will also come in. There will be roadblocks, and you expect to be shot at. There will probably be a chopper after you too. The most effective way is to hit a bribe but changing clothes or driving into a pay ‘n’ spray also works.
Four stars is pure trouble. Patrol cars, undercover cops and SWAT join in. Gunfire will come from left, right and center. You cannot escape this situation without going to a pay ‘n’ spray.
Five stars attract the attention of the FBI who pack a mean punch of gunfire. You will see them using MP5’s on you. It will be quite a struggle making it to the pay ‘n’ spray.
Six stars makes you the worst guy the city has seen. In addition to all the law enforcement officers at the five star level, they bring out the big guns. They bring out military vehicles like the Rhino tank and the humongous Barracks OLs. You can hijack these massive machines, but it will still be quite the uphill task to clear your name. Pay n’ spray still works well though.