What is the Best Armored Vehicle in GTA 5 Online?
The question of the “best” armored vehicle in GTA Online isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. It depends heavily on what you prioritize: raw explosive resistance, bulletproof protection, speed, or offensive capabilities. However, if we are talking about a vehicle that provides an excellent balance of protection, offensive power, and all-around utility, the MTL Brickade 6×6, also known as the Acid Lab, stands out as a top contender for the best armored vehicle in GTA Online. Fully upgraded, this behemoth can withstand a staggering 48 homing missiles or RPG/Sticky Bombs, making it an absolute tank in public lobbies. While it may not be the fastest, its sheer resilience makes it incredibly effective in chaotic environments.
Understanding Armored Vehicle Needs in GTA Online
Before diving into specific vehicles, it’s important to understand the types of threats you’ll face in GTA Online. These primarily fall into three categories:
- Explosives: Rockets, sticky bombs, and grenades pose a significant threat, especially in PvP situations.
- Gunfire: Both NPC and player gunfire can quickly take down an unarmored vehicle.
- Special Weapons: Homing missiles, explosive rounds, and other specialized ammunition require vehicles with specific resistance capabilities.
The best armored vehicles are those that can effectively counter these threats, offering a safe way to navigate the chaotic world of Los Santos. While the Brickade is arguably the most resilient to explosives, there are numerous other vehicles that excel in specific situations or offer a better balance of speed and protection.
Top Contenders for Best Armored Vehicle
While the MTL Brickade 6×6 leads in explosive resistance, other vehicles offer unique advantages:
The Armored Kuruma: Bulletproof Brilliance
The Armored Kuruma is a classic for a reason. Its bulletproof windows provide excellent protection against gunfire from NPCs and other players, especially during missions. This allows you to safely engage enemies from inside the vehicle, making it a favorite among both new and seasoned players. The downside is its vulnerability to explosives which is why it is not rated as the best armored vehicle, but for those starting out, it is a must.
The HVY Insurgent and Insurgent Pick-Up Custom: Heavy Hitter
The HVY Insurgent and its upgraded form, the Insurgent Pick-Up Custom, are powerful vehicles capable of taking a significant amount of damage. The Pick-Up Custom variant features a mounted turret, making it ideal for offensive operations. However, it is worth noting that neither of these vehicles have bulletproof windows so can be shot through.
The Benefactor Terrorbyte: Mobile Fortress
The Benefactor Terrorbyte isn’t designed for direct combat, but as a mobile operations center, it’s a game changer. It is highly resilient to a wide range of weapons, making it an essential tool for managing businesses and initiating missions. While not a front line combat vehicle it is important to understand its high level of resistance.
The HVY Nightshark: Bullet and Explosive Resistance
The HVY Nightshark offers a good balance of protection, being able to withstand several homing missiles. It comes with front-mounted machine guns and, with the upgraded metal plates, also provides excellent protection against bullets for those inside. However the trade-off to this is, you can no longer fire personal weapons from inside the vehicle.
Obey Omnis e-GT: Speed and Durability
The Obey Omnis e-GT is noted for its impressive speed and surprisingly high tolerance to gunfire, it can withstand more than 30 sustained shots from a Heavy Sniper MK II without issue. It is one of the fastest armored vehicles available, although it lacks bulletproof windows.
Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the “best” armored vehicle is the one that best suits your playstyle and needs. If you need a fortress that can withstand repeated explosive attacks, the MTL Brickade 6×6 is the clear winner. If you prefer speed and maneuverability with reasonable resistance to gunfire, the Obey Omnis e-GT or the HVY Nightshark are better choices. For mission work the Armored Kuruma will keep you safe from gunfire. The Insurgent Pick-Up Custom or Terrorbyte will cover offensive capabilities or operating your business from a safe place. Consider your needs and budget when deciding which vehicle to invest in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Nightshark bulletproof?
While the base Nightshark does not have bulletproof windows, you can upgrade it with metal plates, which then blocks bullets from entering, but this prevents you from using your personal weapons from within the vehicle.
2. Is the Armored Kuruma bulletproof?
Yes, the Armored Kuruma has bulletproof windows, making its occupants resistant to gunfire from foot-mobile NPCs and players but not to explosions.
3. Can the Duke O’ Death withstand missiles?
Yes, the Duke O’ Death can withstand a few homing missiles, and is known for being better for PvP due to speed and weight.
4. What is the most defensive vehicle in GTA Online?
The Benefactor Terrorbyte is one of the most defensive vehicles due to its high resistance to a wide range of weapons and explosives although the MTL Brickade 6×6 is more resilient to explosives.
5. What is the fastest armored car in GTA 5?
The Obey Omnis e-GT is one of the fastest armored vehicles in the game.
6. Is the Deluxo armored?
The Deluxo is not armored against explosions, only able to withstand 1 extra explosive, i.e 2 in total.
7. Is the Paragon R armored purchasable?
The Paragon R (Armored) is not purchasable. It’s awarded to the player after completing all 6 Casino Missions as the host.
8. Can you sell the Duke O’ Death?
Yes, you can sell the Duke O’ Death, but its selling price is relatively low, although you gain a small profit from the upgraded bulletproof tires the vehicle comes with.
9. Can you shoot from the Kuruma?
You can only shoot through the front half of the Armored Kuruma.
10. What is the most unrealistic vehicle in GTA Online?
Vehicles like the Scramjet, Oppressor Mk II, and Deluxo are often cited as some of the most unrealistic vehicles, as their capabilities go beyond real-world physics.
11. Is the Insurgent better than the Nightshark?
Generally, the Nightshark is considered the slightly better option for PvP due to its combination of bullet resistance and explosive defense. However, the Insurgent allows players to enter passive mode.
12. Is the Vigilante worth buying?
The Vigilante is an excellent vehicle for heists, with impressive speed and offensive power.
13. Can you weaponize the Kuruma?
No, you cannot add weapons to the Armored Kuruma, however you can shoot your personal weapons from inside.
14. What is the best vehicle for PVE?
The Armored Kuruma is excellent for PVE due to its bulletproof windows, while the Insurgent Pick-Up Custom is great for its offensive capabilities.
15. What is the most tanky vehicle in GTA Online?
The MTL Brickade 6×6 is the most tanky vehicle in terms of explosive resistance, closely followed by the Benefactor Terrorbyte.