Instant 4 Stars

[Nemo]

So I just got this game and just wanted to explore but everytime I cross the water (because the bridges are blocked) I get instant four stars. Does this stop/not happen after progressing thru the main story instead?

[Hex: Self Care]

Yes

[Redberet]

You get 4 stars because you have not yet completed the first city (Which is Los Santos).
After you complete all the missions in Los Santos, you will progress to the next city, which is San Fierro (after you beat Los Santos, you will be in Countryside), and after you beat Countryside & San fierro, you will unlock the final city, which is Las Venturas.

[Char]

Originally posted by Sinidact:

You get 4 stars because you have not yet completed the first city (Which is Los Santos).
After you complete all the missions in Los Santos, you will progress to the next city, which is San Fierro (after you beat Los Santos, you will be in Countryside), and after you beat Countryside & San fierro, you will unlock the final city, which is Las Venturas.

[SpeedyFolf]

I mean, This happens in all GTA's, You can use the exploit (I don't know if I spelled that right) of going to do Drive-By, don't do it, Instead just feel free to roam around the entire map