With the GTA 6 release date creeping up ever faster, you might want to scratch the GTA-shaped itch that we’re all getting. GTA Online has been around for years, but there’s never been a better time to jump into the sprawling sandbox. If you’ve never stepped foot in Rockstar’s shared open-world multiplayer experience, here’s a full guide on how to get started.
What is GTA Online?
GTA Online is an open-world shared multiplayer experience for servers of up to 32 people. It’s set in Los Santos, which is a representation of Los Angeles, California. You can choose to play in private, invite-only lobbies or lobbies that are exclusive to your crew. Crews are similar to clans; anybody can create one, and it’s free to do so.
The aim of GTA Online is to get as much money as you can, and invest that in properties and businesses. In turn, this will allow you to get even more money, or make it easier to do so. You can use that money to buy vehicles, from supercars to military armored trucks, as well as other things like mansions.
There is a ranked progression system, and you can be placed in lobbies against players of varying levels. You can opt for a pacifistic approach, but there’s always the chance of other players taking a slightly more violent route.
As a new player, everyone will have better stuff than you. But that’s where we come in to help–we’ve got an extensive GTA Online guides hub with advice on everything from making more money to which businesses are the best ones to buy early on.
Create your character
When you first start GTA Online, you’ll be prompted to create your custom character. You won’t need to worry too much about getting every detail perfect, as your appearance can be changed later. Many of your decisions in the early game will have little-to-no long-term impact.
Complete the tutorial
If this is your first experience with GTA Online, we’d really recommend that you complete the tutorial. It’ll introduce you to several key mechanics, including combat, driving, shopping, missions, how multiplayer works, and gives you some useful starter rewards.
GTA$
GTA$ is the game’s primary currency, used to buy vehicles, weapons, properties, businesses, upgrades, cosmetics, clothing, and more. Almost every activity in GTA Online either requires or rewards you with GTA$, making it the most important resource. After all, the long-term goal is to be rich.
RP
RP, or Reputation Points, are rewarded for completing activities. These points function as GTA Online’s experience system, and the more RP you have, the higher level you will be. As you earn RP and rank up you can gain access to new weapons, vehicle upgrades, equipment, and activities. Aim to increase your rank alongside your cash balance, as it’ll give you access to tools to make gaining money even easier.
What to do first in GTA Online
After you’ve completed the tutorial, you’ll want to focus on several options. Claim all of your starter rewards to give yourself the best advantage. Complete any and all introductory missions that pop up. Buy snacks to help replenish health, and armor to take less damage from the more hostile players on your server. Complete the most profitable activities and begin saving for your first business, as this will provide you with a reliable method of passive income.
It’s definitely tempting to buy a flashy car right away, but the business is more likely to help you increase your GTA$ balance faster, meaning the cars can wait.
How to earn your first million GTA$
This should be considered your first major milestone in GTA Online, and it’s easier than it sounds. You’ll have to complete missions, look for contact missions as they give a good amount of cash and help you learn about combat and mission mechanics at the same time.
You’ll also want to play the weekly bonus activities. These reset each week and contain missions that will grant double or triple rewards for a quick boost to your balance. There’s no limit to the number of times you can replay these missions, so you could grind them until you get to a million if you really wanted.
The Cluckin’ Bell Farm Raid is a great series of missions to complete entirely solo, requires zero up front capital to start, and rewards $500,000. A run through should take between 45 and 60 minutes, so it’s a small time sink to your first million if that’s the path you choose.
Invest in a business
We’ve got more detailed GTA Online business guides, but as a general rule, choosing the right first business is key. Some recommendations include the Acid Lab, since it’s relatively affordable but has strong profits and is solo-friendly to run, and the Agency, since it offers story content and consistent money-making opportunities.
Having said that, there are definitely businesses to avoid early on. Steer clear of anything commercial and expensive, or businesses that require a lot of upgrading before they’ll become profitable, like the Document Forgery Office or the Vehicle Warehouse.
Getting your vehicles
The Armored Kuruma is one of the best mission vehicles in the game since it has exceptionally strong bullet protection. It’ll make your early missions significantly easier. The Duke O’Death is a durable, relatively affordable muscle car. The Buzzard Attack Chopper will be the best way to get around the map. You don’t need a garage full of supercars to succeed in GTA Online … although I will concede that it’s much more fun to do so.
Weapons and firepower
You’ll want to have a small collection of reliable weapons. It’s more useful and cost-efficient than owning every gun. The best ones to grab early on are the Special Carbine, AP Pistol, Homing Launcher, and Heavy Sniper.
Always carry snacks
Snacks are healing items, and one of the biggest mistakes new players make is ignoring them. They’ll help you out in a pinch by restoring health instantly. Similarly, armor provides additional protection in combat. You should be stocked up on these items before every mission.
Session types
There are several different session types in GTA Online. Public sessions are open lobbies containing up to 32 players. They’re unpredictable, but if you want the most authentic GTA Online experience, go for this option.
Invite-only sessions are private lobbies available only to invited players. You can create an invite-only session, or get invited to an existing one. Businesses and activities can still be completed here if you’d prefer to make your money solo.
Friend sessions are restricted to those on your friends list, and work in a similar way to invite-only sessions. Crew sessions are designed for members of the same crew, but you won’t have any control over exactly which crew members are included.
Avoiding griefers
Not everyone in Los Santos wants to play fair. If you’re trying to earn money efficiently, there are several things you’ll want to keep in mind. You can use invite-only sessions to have full control of the players in the lobby and eliminate unwanted interruptions. Passive mode can also be enabled, where you won’t be able to take incoming damage from other players. Bear in mind though, you also won’t be able to dish out any pain.
Make sure to deposit your cash in the bank regularly, as you’ll lose GTA$ every time you die. Depositing money means it’s safe in the bank, so reduces potential losses if you get into a war with other players.
Using armored vehicles can also help to improve your survivability, as they’ll take more incoming damage before being destroyed.
That’s pretty much it for the basics of getting started in GTA Online. Remember the golden rules and you’ll be fine: don’t spend your first million on a supercar, invest in business early, play weekly bonus activities, carry snacks and armor, and focus on long-term progression over instant wealth. The game can seem intimidating for a beginner, but remember that passive mode is always an option, and our GTA Online guides hub has got you covered for every question you’ll have.
