What is the First Thing You Do in GTA 5? A Comprehensive Guide
The very first thing you do in Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5) depends on whether you are diving into the story mode or the online multiplayer world of GTA Online. While both experiences are set in the same sprawling rendition of Los Santos, they have distinct beginnings and introductory sequences. Let’s break down each path to clarity:
In GTA 5’s Story Mode, the game kicks off with “Prologue,” a tutorial mission. This mission plunges you into the past, specifically the year 2004, in Ludendorff, North Yankton. You will immediately assume control of Michael Townley (later known as Michael De Santa) as he collaborates with Trevor Philips and Brad Snider in a daring bank robbery. This initial mission is critical; it serves as an introduction to the core gameplay mechanics, including movement, aiming, weapon handling, interacting with the environment, and switching between characters. The Prologue sets the stage for the game’s narrative and introduces two of the three main playable characters that will drive the story forward. This sequence isn’t skippable, providing an unskippable tutorial experience that is also part of the story line.
In GTA Online, the journey begins very differently. After creating your unique character, you find yourself on a flight to Los Santos. Once the plane lands at Los Santos International Airport, the tutorial begins. Here, you are introduced to the game’s mechanics by Lamar Davis, a pivotal character. Lamar will guide you through essential GTA Online activities such as street racing, committing petty robberies, taking down thugs, and undertaking job assignments. In this initial stage, you’ll learn about the importance of car insurance and other core elements of the online world. Although you’ll see a prompt offering you the option to skip the tutorial, it is highly recommended you don’t. Completing the tutorial is vital for understanding the fundamentals of the online world.
Therefore, to answer the question directly, in GTA 5’s Story Mode, the first thing you do is play the “Prologue” mission as Michael Townley. Conversely, in GTA Online, the first thing you do is arrive in Los Santos and begin the tutorial with Lamar Davis.
Understanding the Importance of These Initial Steps
Both the “Prologue” in story mode and the GTA Online tutorial are crucial to your gameplay experience, not simply an obligation.
Story Mode’s “Prologue”
This mission doesn’t just start the story; it introduces you to key game mechanics while showing you the deep backstories of Michael and Trevor. It establishes the tone of the game, throwing you into action from the get-go. It provides a fundamental understanding of game movement, combat, and basic character interaction. This also sets the events in motion for the rest of the game, providing crucial context and motivation for the character’s actions.
GTA Online Tutorial with Lamar Davis
The tutorial with Lamar Davis is your gateway to all that GTA Online offers. It is far more than just a “how to” guide; it’s your first taste of the diverse online activities, earning money, and progressing as a player. Lamar shows you how to navigate races, engage in criminal activities, and understand mission structures. This sets the foundation for how you will operate as a criminal in Los Santos and is not something you can skip if you wish to get started properly.
First Steps after the Initial Tutorials
Once you’ve completed either the prologue or the tutorial, you can begin to explore the game in more detail. In Story Mode, you will switch to the characters Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor Philips. As you progress, each will have different goals that will drive the story along. In GTA Online, the world is your sandbox and you can build up your character through various criminal endeavors. You can do missions, robberies, races, play sports, or roleplay with other players.
In summary, understanding your first steps is essential for new players. In story mode, get comfortable with movement, combat, and character switching in the prologue. In GTA Online, follow Lamar‘s guidance to build a foundation of how the online world works. Both paths are equally crucial to fully enjoy the rich experience that GTA 5 offers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the first mission you should do in GTA Online?
Contact missions are highly recommended for beginners. Lamar’s Contact missions are an excellent place to start to learn how missions work, and some can even be done solo.
2. Can I skip the GTA Online tutorial?
Yes, there’s an option to skip the tutorial, but it’s strongly discouraged. It’s an essential introduction to the mechanics of the online world, and by skipping it, you’ll struggle to get your feet on the ground.
3. What is the first mission in GTA 5 story mode?
The first mission in GTA 5’s story mode is called “Prologue,” which takes place in Ludendorff and introduces Michael Townley and Trevor Philips.
4. Do I have to do the first mission in GTA 5 to play online?
You must complete the tutorial to go online in GTA Online. In the story mode, you must complete the “Prologue” and one further mission to gain access to all areas of the map.
5. How do you get a good start in GTA 5 Online?
Complete the GTA Online tutorial. Buy a decent car and a garage and keep cashing in. Save up and buy an enterprise and keep an eye out for weekly events.
6. What are some fun things to do when bored in GTA 5 Online?
Spectate other players, roleplay with other players, have a party on a yacht, create events, play a sport, join a biker gang, compete in races, or simply explore Los Santos.
7. What to do at the start of GTA 5 story mode?
Start the “Prologue” tutorial mission to get used to the controls and mechanics.
8. How do you make money when starting in GTA 5 Online?
Complete the GTA Online tutorial, as well as contact missions. Rob 24/7 stores and liquor stores for easy money.
9. What is the best way to start in GTA 5 online?
Complete the GTA Online tutorial, and keep an eye out for double and triple rewards in weekly events.
10. What car should I buy first in GTA 5 Online?
The Armored Kuruma is a great starting car. It is robust and can withstand a lot of damage, and is great for getting around.
11. How long is GTA 5 story mode?
The main story mode is about 32 hours long, but speedruns can take around 20 hours.
12. What order should I play GTA?
To play the Grand Theft Auto franchise in chronological order, you would start with Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, then GTA: San Andreas, and finally Grand Theft Auto 3. However, for those playing by release date, it’s essential to start with the original Grand Theft Auto (1997) and follow the release order.
13. Can you rob banks in GTA 5 story mode?
Yes, but not freely. Bank robberies are part of specific missions and heists within the story mode and are part of the online mode in Heists. You can not go up to a bank and hold it up as you would in real life.
14. How do you become a cop in GTA 5?
To become a cop in GTA Online, steal a cop car, head to the Rockstar Editor in the menu, select the Director Mode, then Actors, then Emergency Services, and then LSPD. This allows you to play as a police officer.
15. What are some fun things to do in GTA 5 offline?
Go hunting, watch movies, build a Space Docker, play golf, play tennis, play darts, or run a triathlon.