Notoriety Level

Your crimes draw attention—and the city responds with force.

Notoriety Level is a gameplay mechanic in Saints Row 2 that tracks the player's criminal activity and determines the intensity of police and rival gang responses. When the player commits illegal acts or provokes rival gang members, they attract potentially fatal attention from authorities or gangs. The notoriety bar visually represents how proactive the opposing forces' response will be. Continual incitement escalates the response, bringing more powerful units such as SWAT teams from the police. The player can reduce notoriety by escaping the pursuit zone, hiding to let it "cool off", entering a crib, or completing a mission that resets notoriety.

Quick Facts

Game franchise: Saints Row
First appearance: Saints Row 2

Reader's Guide

Notoriety Level is triggered by committing illegal activities or inciting rival gang members. The notoriety bar visually shows how proactive the opposing response will be. Continual incitement brings more powerful responses, such as SWAT teams from the police. The player is chased until captured or killed. To reduce notoriety, the player can hide from police or gangs and wait for the bar to "cool off", or visit a drive-through confessional which clears the bar for a small fee. If apprehended or killed, a small percentage of earnings is removed and the player respawns at law or healthcare institutions. Managing notoriety is essential for avoiding overwhelming force during missions or free-roam exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Notoriety Level mechanic?

It is a system introduced in Saints Row 2 that tracks how much attention your criminal actions attract from law enforcement and rival gangs. As you commit crimes, the bar fills up, signaling increased hostility from the city's defenders.

What changes when the level gets higher?

Higher notoriety summons stronger units like SWAT teams and dedicated rival gang hit squads instead of standard officers. The police response becomes relentless until you are either eliminated or lose their attention.