Diving Headfirst into Los Santos: Your Guide to GTA Online as a Beginner

So, you’ve just landed in the chaotic, exhilarating world of GTA Online. Congratulations! You’re in for a wild ride. But where do you even begin amidst the endless possibilities and potential pitfalls? Fear not, aspiring criminal mastermind, because this guide will lay out the best things to do as a beginner in GTA Online to set you on the path to riches and infamy.

The absolute best initial steps are threefold:

1. Complete the Tutorial: As tedious as it might seem, the tutorial, guided by the ever-enthusiastic Lamar Davis, is crucial. It introduces you to core mechanics like driving, shooting, basic missions, and the all-important insurance system for your vehicles. Don’t skip it!

2. Focus on Contact Missions: These are your bread and butter early on. Contact missions, often given by characters you’ll meet in the single-player campaign, are relatively straightforward and provide a decent payout for beginners. Look for missions offered by Lamar, Simeon, and Gerald.

3. Prioritize Essential Purchases: Forget the flashy sports cars and luxury yachts for now. Your initial cash should be focused on practical investments. A high-end apartment to host heists and the armored Kuruma for mission survivability are paramount.

With these core principles in mind, let’s explore a detailed roadmap to maximize your early game experience.

Building Your Criminal Empire: A Beginner’s Strategy

The key to success in GTA Online is a strategic blend of earning money, acquiring essential tools, and understanding the game’s mechanics. Follow these steps, and you’ll quickly find your footing in Los Santos.

1. Embrace the Tutorial and Early Missions

As mentioned, Lamar’s tutorial isn’t just a formality. It’s a practical introduction to the game’s core gameplay loop. After the tutorial, focus on contact missions. These are the easiest way to earn money and rank up in the beginning.

2. Bank Your Cash Regularly

Los Santos is a dangerous place, and you don’t want to lose your hard-earned cash if you get killed. Make it a habit to deposit your money at an ATM after completing missions or earning a significant sum. This prevents other players from stealing your cash when you’re eliminated.

3. Invest in a High-End Apartment

A high-end apartment is an essential purchase because it allows you to host heists. These are multi-stage missions that require coordination with other players but offer significantly higher payouts than contact missions. Aim for the cheapest high-end apartment to unlock this crucial game feature.

4. Acquire the Armored Kuruma

The armored Kuruma is arguably the best early-game investment. This vehicle is incredibly durable, protecting you from gunfire during missions and heists. It makes many early missions significantly easier and will save you countless lives. It’s also helpful for traveling around the city.

5. Complete Dax’s Fooligan Jobs

Completing the Dax’s Fooligan Jobs will unlock the Acid Lab, a great way to make money for new players. Complete all 6 missions and the lab will be yours, but you’ll have to set it up for $750k.

6. Daily Objectives and Events

Take advantage of daily objectives and special events. Daily objectives offer small but consistent payouts for completing simple tasks. Special events, which Rockstar regularly updates, often provide bonus GTA$ and RP (Reputation Points) for specific activities.

7. Explore Different Activities

Don’t be afraid to try different activities. Street races, robberies, and even exploring the city can be profitable and entertaining ways to earn money and experience. This helps you understand what activities you enjoy and excel at.

8. Join a Crew

Joining a crew can provide several benefits, including access to experienced players who can offer advice and assistance. Crews also offer opportunities to participate in group activities and earn bonus RP.

9. Avoid Impulsive Purchases

Resist the urge to buy expensive vehicles or cosmetic items early on. Focus on practical investments that will help you earn more money and progress faster. A cool car is nice, but it won’t help you survive a firefight.

10. Learn the Map and Key Locations

Familiarize yourself with the map and key locations, such as Los Santos Customs, Ammu-Nation, and your apartment. Knowing where these places are will save you time and frustration.

11. Understand the Law

Learn how the police system works. Avoid committing crimes in heavily patrolled areas, and be prepared to evade the police if you attract their attention. Use alleys, tunnels, and off-road routes to escape pursuit.

12. Protect Yourself

Purchase weapons and body armor at Ammu-Nation. Having the right tools will increase your chances of survival in combat. Start with basic weapons like a pistol, shotgun, and assault rifle, and upgrade as you earn more money.

13. Manage Your Finances Wisely

Track your income and expenses. Avoid unnecessary spending, and always prioritize investments that will generate more income. Save up for essential purchases like businesses and upgrades.

14. Seek Guidance From Experienced Players

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from experienced players. Many players are willing to offer advice and assistance to beginners. Use online forums, communities, and in-game chat to connect with other players and learn from their experience.

15. Have Fun and Be Patient

GTA Online is a vast and complex game, and it takes time to master. Don’t get discouraged if you struggle at first. Focus on having fun and enjoying the experience, and you’ll gradually improve your skills and knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you navigate the early stages of GTA Online:

1. What is the fastest way to make money as a beginner?

   Contact missions, especially those offered by Lamar, Simeon, and Gerald, are the fastest way to earn money early on. Also, keep an eye out for bonus GTA$ events that Rockstar frequently offers.

2. Should I buy a CEO office right away?

   While CEO offices open up many avenues for earning money, they’re relatively expensive. It’s generally better to focus on heists first, using a high-end apartment, then consider a CEO office once you have a more stable income.

3. What are the best weapons to buy early in the game?

   A pistol, shotgun, and assault rifle are sufficient for most early-game missions. The Special Carbine is a good all-around assault rifle to aim for once you have some more cash.

4. How do I join a heist?

   You need a high-end apartment to host heists yourself. Alternatively, you can accept heist invitations from other players.

5. What is the difference between a CEO and an MC President?

   CEOs run import/export businesses, while MC Presidents run motorcycle clubs. Both offer unique opportunities for earning money and participating in different activities.

6. What businesses should I invest in first?

   After heists, consider investing in a bunker or a nightclub. Bunkers generate passive income by producing and selling weapons, while nightclubs offer a variety of activities and passive income opportunities.

7. How do I avoid griefers in GTA Online?

   Playing in invite-only sessions or joining a crew with a strict anti-griefing policy can help you avoid griefers. Also, be cautious of other players when completing missions in public sessions.

8. What are the benefits of joining a crew?

   Crews offer access to experienced players, group activities, bonus RP, and a sense of community. They can also provide protection from griefers.

9. How do I level up quickly in GTA Online?

   Completing missions, participating in events, and earning RP are the fastest ways to level up. Also, make sure to take advantage of bonus RP events.

10. What is the best way to escape the police?

    Use alleys, tunnels, and off-road routes to evade the police. Also, try to avoid committing crimes in heavily patrolled areas.

11. Can I play heists solo?

    Unfortunately, the Casino Heist can be played with a minimum of 2 players, no heists are available that can be played solo.

12. What are the best contact missions for beginners?

    Missions like “Blow Up,” “Rooftop Rumble,” and “Trash Talk” are relatively easy and offer good payouts for beginners.

13. Is it worth buying a yacht?

    Yachts are expensive and primarily cosmetic items. They don’t offer any significant gameplay advantages, so they’re generally not worth buying for beginners.

14. How do I get free cars in GTA Online?

    Keep an eye out for special events and promotions that offer free vehicles. Also, some vehicles can be unlocked by completing specific challenges or missions.

15. What is the most important thing to remember as a beginner in GTA Online?

    Have fun! GTA Online is a vast and complex game, so don’t get discouraged if you struggle at first. Focus on enjoying the experience and gradually improving your skills and knowledge. You can also learn more about the educational aspects of gaming from organizations like the Games Learning Society and at GamesLearningSociety.org.

By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful criminal empire in GTA Online. Good luck, and may your bank account always be overflowing with cash!