How To Make Money When You First Start GTA Online
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Making a fortune in the chaotic world of GTA Online can seem daunting, especially when you’re just starting out. The game throws a lot at you, from high-end cars to multi-million dollar businesses, but it’s entirely possible to build your empire from scratch. The key is to focus on accessible and rewarding activities that don’t require significant initial investment or high-level experience.
So, how do you make money when you first start GTA Online? The most effective approach for a beginner revolves around two core pillars: completing introductory missions and utilizing free opportunities. Here’s a breakdown:
- Completing the Tutorial and Initial Contact Missions: Right from the start, GTA Online guides you through a tutorial, which rewards you with cash and unlocks certain features. Following this, you’ll receive calls and instructions to complete initial missions. These are not only introductory but also a great source of early money and valuable experience. Focus on completing these as they introduce you to the core mechanics and earn a decent amount of start-up cash and RP (Reputation Points).
- Participating in Contact Missions: Once you’ve finished the intro, the game offers various contact missions from NPCs like Lamar, Simeon, and Gerald. These missions are readily available, often require no upfront costs, and offer reasonable payouts for your time. They’re a reliable way to make money while improving your combat skills and understanding of the game world.
- Taking Advantage of Double and Triple Money Events: Rockstar Games regularly offers double or triple money and RP on various game modes, contact missions, and businesses. Keeping an eye out for these weekly updates can significantly boost your earnings and help you earn quicker, allowing you to accelerate your progress. Subscribe to the Rockstar Newswire or follow online communities for this information.
- Using the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack (If Available): If you purchased the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack, you have a significant head start. It provides you with a free CEO Office, a Bunker, and other perks, along with a sizable cash injection. Leverage these assets immediately to jumpstart your income generation.
- Focusing on Freemode Events: While exploring the world, participate in Freemode events. These impromptu challenges appear randomly across the map, and range from timed races to challenges. While payout varies, they are free, and provide another way to earn cash and RP.
- Selling Stolen Cars at Los Santos Customs: While not the most lucrative method, you can steal and sell cars at Los Santos Customs for a small but easy income. Some vehicles are worth more than others. This method is great for early money while you’re travelling the map, just don’t make it the focus of your strategy, instead, think of it as a quick way to earn cash for ammunition or health.
By consistently doing these activities, you’ll quickly build up your bank balance and reach higher levels, allowing you to invest in more advanced opportunities. It’s about grinding efficiently and building a foundation for future success in the game. Remember that consistency is key in the early stages of GTA Online.
Key Strategies for Beginners
Early Investment Priorities
While you are building your initial money, you should have a plan for your first investment. A few of the first things you should consider saving up for include:
- A High-End Apartment: This is essential to host heists. Whilst heists aren’t immediately recommended for solo beginners, they are one of the most profitable activities when done with a team. Having an apartment is a pre-requisite for leading those missions, so it is essential you save up for this.
- CEO Office: This property allows you to become a CEO and access VIP work and special cargo missions. These are both lucrative and relatively simple to start with. If you purchase the criminal starter pack, you will already have this.
- Acid Lab: This is one of the best businesses to start when you are new, as players can access the acid lab and free vehicle that hosts it, after completing the First Dose missions, which are available at the start of the game.
Activities to Avoid as a Beginner
- High-Risk Heists with Randoms: While heists are lucrative, attempting them with inexperienced random players is often more frustrating than profitable. Focus on improving your skills in less demanding content before taking on these larger-scale missions.
- Investing in Expensive, Non-Essential Items: Resist the urge to splurge on expensive cars or cosmetic items early on. Prioritize assets that contribute to income generation before indulging in luxuries.
- Passive Businesses before Upgrades: While passive income businesses like the Nightclub, Bunker, or Cocaine Lockup can be great, they aren’t always as good as you think in the early stage of the game, before you have the funds to purchase the required upgrades. They can also require a lot of time to see large returns and so are not the best investment in the beginning of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the absolute fastest way to make money at level 1?
The fastest method at level 1 involves repeatedly completing contact missions from NPCs like Gerald or Simeon, combined with participating in double or triple money events. Also, utilize the stolen car selling at Los Santos Customs. Prioritize these activities until you unlock more advanced opportunities.
2. Can I make money playing solo at the beginning of the game?
Absolutely. Contact missions, freemode events, stolen cars, and VIP work can all be done solo and are excellent ways for beginners to generate income.
3. How much money do I start with in GTA Online?
New players start with $1,000,000. If you purchased the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack, you start with more.
4. Is the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack worth it?
For a new player it can be a great boost. The free business, properties and vehicles can really get you on the right track. However, many players start successfully without it. So, it is not essential, but certainly helpful.
5. What is the best business for beginners in GTA Online?
The Acid Lab is generally considered one of the best businesses for beginners due to its low barrier to entry and consistent payouts. The vehicle is gained for free, by completing the first dose missions.
6. What should I buy first once I have some money?
Aim for a high-end apartment to unlock heists and a CEO Office for VIP work and special cargo missions. These should be followed up with a business like the Acid Lab.
7. Can I sell a full bunker solo?
Selling a full bunker solo is challenging and isn’t recommended until you’re confident in your skills and have upgraded the necessary equipment. A good option is selling when it is only 25% full.
8. What are the best contact missions for beginners?
Missions like “Blow Up,” “Pier Pressure,” or those from Simeon are relatively simple and can be completed quickly, making them good options for beginners.
9. How do I unlock VIP Work?
You must become a CEO by purchasing an Office. Once you’re a CEO, use the SecuroServ menu to access various VIP work activities like Headhunter and Sightseer.
10. Is it worth doing heists early in the game?
Heists are profitable but can be challenging with inexperienced teams. It’s best to focus on contact missions, VIP work, or building a business first, before diving into heists.
11. How do double and triple money events work?
Rockstar frequently offers events that double or triple the payouts of certain activities. Keep an eye on the Rockstar Newswire or community pages for event announcements.
12. Where can I sell stolen cars?
You can sell stolen cars at any of the Los Santos Customs locations scattered across the map.
13. How often does Rockstar update the game?
Rockstar regularly releases updates and events, often weekly, adding new content, features, and money-making opportunities.
14. What is the most expensive thing in GTA Online?
Currently, the Luxor Deluxe is the most expensive item in the game at $10,000,000.
15. Can I become rich in GTA Online without spending real money?
Yes, it is entirely possible to become wealthy in GTA Online through consistent grinding, smart investments, and taking advantage of opportunities within the game. There is no need to spend real-life money.
By focusing on these strategies and addressing common questions, new players can confidently build their financial empire in the dynamic world of GTA Online. Remember to be patient, play smart, and enjoy the ride!