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Dominate the Digital Frontier: How Many Arcades Can You Own in GTA Online?

So, you’re itching to become a digital tycoon in Los Santos, stacking virtual cash and running your own empire? You’ve got your eye on the Arcade business in GTA Online, a hub for classic gaming nostalgia and, more importantly, a front for the lucrative Diamond Casino Heist. But a burning question lingers: How many arcades can you own in GTA Online?

The answer, my friend, is simple and definitive: You can only own ONE Arcade in GTA Online.

While Maze Bank Foreclosures tantalizingly displays six different Arcade locations ripe for the picking, once you’ve plunked down your hard-earned cash on one, the other locations become mere set dressing. Fear not, aspiring arcade mogul, for owning a single arcade unlocks a wealth of possibilities, from generating passive income to orchestrating the mother of all heists.

Let’s delve deeper into the world of GTA Online arcades, answering all your burning questions and transforming you from a clueless newbie into a savvy arcade aficionado.

Choosing Your Arcade: Location, Location, Location!

Picking the right Arcade isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about convenience and cost. Here’s a quick rundown of the six available Arcades, ranked by price (lowest to highest):

Pixel Pete’s (Paleto Bay): GTA$1,235,000 – The cheapest option, but also the furthest from the city.
Wonderama (Grapeseed): GTA$1,565,000 – Another rural location, slightly closer than Pixel Pete’s.
Videogeddon (La Mesa): GTA$1,875,000 – A more central location with easier access to Los Santos.
Warehouse (Davis): GTA$2,135,000 – Located in South Los Santos, a bustling area.
Insert Coin (Rockford Hills): GTA$2,345,000 – Situated in a high-end area, close to the Diamond Casino.
Eight-Bit (Vinewood): GTA$2,530,000 – The most expensive option, located in the heart of Vinewood.

While Pixel Pete’s might seem tempting due to its low price, the remote location can be a real pain when prepping for the Diamond Casino Heist. Consider investing in a more centrally located Arcade like Videogeddon or the Warehouse for easier access to the city.

The Diamond Casino Heist: Your Golden Ticket

The primary reason to invest in an Arcade is to unlock the Diamond Casino Heist. This heist offers one of the highest payouts in GTA Online, especially when played on hard difficulty. Successfully completing the heist can net you and your crew over $10 million! The Arcade serves as your planning headquarters, complete with a heist planning board, getaway vehicle storage, and access to crucial hacking equipment.

Maximizing Your Arcade’s Potential: Beyond the Heist

While the Diamond Casino Heist is the main draw, your Arcade can also generate passive income through arcade games. By filling your Arcade with machines, you can earn up to $5,000 per in-game day (approximately 48 minutes in real-time). Remember to regularly empty the safe to prevent it from reaching its $100,000 capacity. While not the most lucrative business in GTA Online, it’s a steady source of income that requires minimal effort.

Upgrading Your Arcade: Bells and Whistles

Beyond the arcade games themselves, you can also purchase optional upgrades for your Arcade, including a Master Control Terminal and a Drone Terminal.

The Master Control Terminal allows you to manage all your other businesses from a single location, saving you valuable travel time.
The Drone Terminal provides access to surveillance drones, allowing you to scout out potential targets and gather intel.

These upgrades can significantly enhance your efficiency and streamline your criminal operations.

FAQs: Arcade Edition

Let’s tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about owning an Arcade in GTA Online:

How many arcades can you own in GTA 5?

Only one. Despite there being six locations, you are limited to owning a single arcade at any time.

What happens if I buy a second Arcade?

If you purchase a second Arcade, everything except the style you chose at the beginning of the initial arcade purchase will be transferred to the new one. You will need to repurchase the style. You will retain your Heist prep progress. Your old Arcade will then become available for purchase again by other players.

What’s the best Arcade to buy in GTA Online?

There’s no definitively “best” Arcade. Consider the location’s proximity to Los Santos and the Diamond Casino. Videogeddon and the Warehouse are generally considered good choices due to their central locations.

How much does it cost to fully upgrade an Arcade?

A fully upgraded Arcade, including all arcade machines, the Master Control Terminal, and the Drone Terminal, can cost upwards of $7 million. The arcade games themselves will cost about $3,767,000. The Master Control Terminal costs $1,740,000 and the Drone Terminal will set you back another $1,460,000.

Is the Arcade profitable in GTA Online?

Yes, but not as a primary source of income. The passive income from arcade games is a nice bonus, but the real money comes from the Diamond Casino Heist.

Can I sell my Arcade in GTA Online?

No, you can’t directly sell your Arcade. However, you can trade it in when purchasing another Arcade location. You’ll receive a trade-in value for your current Arcade, which will be deducted from the price of the new one.

How much passive income can I earn from my Arcade?

You can earn up to $5,000 per in-game day by filling your Arcade with arcade machines.

Can I get kicked out of my Arcade for winning too much?

This isn’t a concern in GTA Online. The reference in the original article refers to real-world arcades. In the game, you can’t be kicked out of your own Arcade.

Is the Diamond Casino Heist worth it?

Absolutely! The Diamond Casino Heist is one of the most lucrative heists in GTA Online, offering payouts of over $10 million on hard difficulty.

Can I do the Diamond Casino Heist solo?

Unfortunately, no. The Diamond Casino Heist requires a minimum of two players.

What are the best businesses to run solo in GTA Online?

While the Arcade requires a team for the Diamond Casino Heist, other businesses like the Special Cargo Warehouse and the Cayo Perico Heist are excellent options for solo players.

What’s the most profitable business in GTA Online?

The Cayo Perico Heist is currently the most profitable activity in GTA Online, generating between $900,000 and $1.9 million per run.

How much does it cost to start an Arcade business in GTA Online?

The cost of starting an Arcade business ranges from $1,235,000 (Pixel Pete’s) to $2,530,000 (Eight-Bit), depending on the location you choose.

What happens to my Heist prep progress if I move Arcades?

Your Heist prep progress is saved, except for the style of your arcade. You will need to select that again.

Where can I learn more about the design and impact of games?

For insightful perspectives on the design and societal impact of games, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Are arcades a good investment in GTA Online?

Arcades are a good investment in GTA online because they will allow you to host The Diamond Heist. However, they are not the best source of passive income.

Final Thoughts: Building Your Digital Empire

While you can only own one Arcade in GTA Online, that single location serves as a gateway to untold riches and endless opportunities. From planning the Diamond Casino Heist to generating passive income, the Arcade is a valuable asset for any aspiring criminal mastermind. So, choose your location wisely, invest in upgrades, and prepare to dominate the digital frontier. Now, get out there and build your empire!

How many arcades can you own in GTA?