Can You Double Dip? What Happens When You Try to Buy a Second Arcade in GTA Online
The allure of neon lights, blaring 8-bit music, and the promise of a lucrative front for criminal enterprises – the GTA Online arcade is a tempting prospect. But what if one isn’t enough? What happens if you attempt to buy a second arcade in the bustling, chaotic world of Los Santos? The short answer is: you can’t.
GTA Online only allows you to own one arcade property at a time. Think of it as prime real estate; you can’t just hoard it. If you try to purchase another arcade through Maze Bank Foreclosures, you’ll be given the option to trade in your existing arcade for the new one. This means you’ll get a partial refund for your current arcade, which will be deducted from the price of the new location. Everything transfers to the new one except the style you have, that needs to be repurchased. You will keep your Heist prep progress as well. As far as what happens to the old one, it just goes back to being for sale.
So, while you can technically “acquire” a different arcade, you can’t own two simultaneously. This limitation forces players to carefully consider their arcade location and the overall strategy they want to employ for the Diamond Casino Heist. It’s all about making the most of your singular hub of criminal activity.
Choosing the Right Arcade: Location, Location, Location
Since you’re restricted to owning a single arcade, selecting the right one is crucial. The good news is, the functionality and benefits of each arcade are identical. The only real differentiator is location. Consider factors like:
- Proximity to other businesses: Do you want to be near your Nightclub, Bunker, or other income-generating ventures?
- Ease of access to the highway: A quick getaway is essential after a heist or when avoiding the law.
- Personal preference: Do you simply like the vibe of one location over another?
Ultimately, the “best” arcade location is subjective and depends on your individual playing style and priorities. Don’t stress too much about making the perfect choice, as you can always trade it in later!
Optimizing Your Arcade for Maximum Profit
While you can’t own multiple arcades, you can optimize the one you have to maximize its potential. This involves strategic placement of arcade games to generate passive income and efficient planning for the Diamond Casino Heist.
Passive Income Generation
The arcade serves as a front for your illegal activities, generating a small but consistent stream of passive income. The amount of money you earn depends on the number of arcade machines you own. The more machines you have, the higher your daily income.
Interestingly, the type of arcade game doesn’t matter for passive income. You can fill your arcade with the cheapest games and still reach the maximum daily income of $5,000 per in-game day (approximately 48 minutes in real-time). However, purchasing different games does add variety and unlock collectible items.
Diamond Casino Heist Central
The primary purpose of the arcade is to serve as a base of operations for the Diamond Casino Heist. This is where you plan your approach, scope out the casino, and prepare for the grand finale. A well-placed arcade can significantly reduce travel time and streamline the heist process.
Investing in the Master Control Terminal is highly recommended, as it allows you to manage all your businesses from a single location, making it a valuable time-saver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of arcade ownership in GTA Online:
1. Can I own more than one arcade in GTA Online?
No, you can only own one arcade at a time. If you purchase a new arcade, you will trade in your existing one.
2. Does it matter which arcade location I choose?
Yes, location is the primary difference between arcades. Consider proximity to other businesses, highway access, and personal preference.
3. Do I get more money if I buy more arcade games?
Yes, the more arcade games you own, the more passive income your arcade generates.
4. What is the maximum passive income I can earn from my arcade?
You can earn up to $5,000 per in-game day.
5. Does the type of arcade game affect passive income?
No, the type of game doesn’t matter. The number of arcade games is what determines your passive income.
6. Can I sell my arcade in GTA Online?
You can only trade in your arcade for another arcade. You cannot directly sell it for cash.
7. What happens to my heist progress if I trade in my arcade?
Your heist prep progress will be preserved when you trade in your arcade for a new location.
8. Is it worth buying all of the arcade machines in GTA 5?
If you are doing for passive income, you just need to buy the cheapest one and put it on every spot you can. The game doesn’t care about different games, it just cares about # of active arcade games. Buying different Arcade Games gives your Arcade more variety. Plus, there’s items & trophies to be won with each game.
9. What is the purpose of the arcade in GTA Online?
The arcade serves as a front for generating passive income and a base of operations for planning and executing the Diamond Casino Heist.
10. Is the Diamond Casino Heist worth doing?
Yes, the Diamond Casino Heist is one of the highest-paying heists in GTA Online.
11. Can I do the Diamond Casino Heist solo?
No, the Diamond Casino Heist requires a minimum of two players.
12. What is the Master Control Terminal?
The Master Control Terminal is an upgrade for your arcade that allows you to manage all your businesses from a single location.
13. Should I buy an Auto Shop or an Arcade?
The Auto Shop would definitely be the better choice of the two for easy solo money. While the Arcade does generate money in a safe in the office there, it’s tied to how many of the arcade games you purchase and those do add up to get them all.
14. Is it better to buy a Nightclub or Arcade in GTA?
The Nightclub allows you to quit grinding. You won’t even have to purchase supplies for your Bunker or MC businesses, the Nightclub makes them all completely passive income, except for the sale.
15. What are some of the best ways to make money in GTA Online besides the Diamond Casino Heist?
Other profitable businesses include the Nightclub, Bunker, Cocaine Lockup, and Vehicle Warehouse. Learning more about game mechanics and player behavior can be enhanced through platforms like the Games Learning Society and specifically at GamesLearningSociety.org. These resources can provide insights into strategic decision-making within game environments.
Conclusion: One Arcade to Rule Them All
While the dream of owning a chain of arcades in Los Santos remains just that – a dream – you can still maximize the potential of your single arcade through strategic location selection, smart investments, and careful planning. The Diamond Casino Heist awaits, and your arcade is the key to unlocking its riches. Choose wisely, optimize effectively, and prepare for a thrilling ride through the neon-lit underworld of GTA Online.