Beginner's Guide to GTA Online

New to GTA Online? This guide covers getting started, making money, essential purchases, and survival tips.

First Steps (Level 1-20)

  • 1Complete the tutorial missions to earn starting cash and RP.
  • 2Do contact missions from Gerald, Simeon, and Lamar for early income.
  • 3Enable passive mode if griefers keep killing you in free roam.
  • 4Deposit ALL cash into Maze Bank via your phone immediately.
  • 5Buy a cheap garage first to store personal vehicles.

Making First Money

  • 1Play featured 2x/3x money game modes every week for bonus cash.
  • 2Join heists as crew member. No setup cost, you just earn your cut.
  • 3Do VIP Work if a CEO invites you - Headhunter pays $20K per run.
  • 4Spin the Lucky Wheel at the Casino daily for free prizes.
  • 5Collect hidden packages and daily objectives for bonus income.

Essential Early Purchases

  • 1High-End Apartment ($200K) - Unlocks heists and a 10-car garage.
  • 2Armored Kuruma ($525K) - Bulletproof car makes missions much easier.
  • 3Kosatka Submarine ($2.2M) - Access to Cayo Perico, the best solo heist.
  • 4Do NOT buy supercars or expensive clothes early. Invest in income first.
  • 5Weapons from Ammu-Nation: Special Carbine, Heavy Sniper, RPG are priorities.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

  • 1Do NOT buy a yacht. It generates almost no income.
  • 2Do NOT buy shark cards if you can avoid it. Grind Cayo Perico instead.
  • 3Do NOT grief other players. It costs you more in insurance than you earn.
  • 4Do NOT sell in full lobbies unless you want the high demand bonus (risky).
  • 5Do NOT buy MC businesses before you have a Nightclub to link them to.

Survival Tips

  • 1Use passive mode when you just want to drive around peacefully.
  • 2Call Lester to remove wanted stars during missions.
  • 3Register as MC President to spawn motorcycles instantly.
  • 4Use the Interaction Menu to eat snacks and wear armor mid-combat.
  • 5Go Off Radar ($500) or Ghost Organization ($12K) to escape attackers.