Saints Row begins with the player in the fictional metropolitan city of Stilwater, based on cities such as Detroit and Chicago, in the middle of a gang war between several gang factions. Though he attempts to maintain distance, he witnesses a fight between the 3 major gangs. Members from one gang attempt to gun him down; however, the 3rd Street Saints, led by Julius Little, step in and save him. Julius informs the player that he formed the Saints to bring down the other three gangs with the goal of returning peace to the streets. After proving himself to the Saints, he's initiated into the gang and then asked to assist them in taking over the city from three gangs in the city. Los Carnales, the Westside Rollerz and the Vice Kings. The player, over the course of the game, assists in several missions and stronghold takeovers against each rival gang, slowly bringing the entire city under control by the Saints.