When Should I Invest in GTA V Story Mode? A Comprehensive Guide
The stock market in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) is a powerful tool that can turn your meager earnings into a fortune. However, it’s not a simple case of buying low and selling high. Success requires strategic timing, a good understanding of how the game’s story missions affect stock prices, and a bit of patience. So, when exactly should you invest? The answer is multifaceted, but the core concept revolves around exploiting the predictable fluctuations caused by Lester’s Assassination Missions and a few key story events.
The most significant opportunities arise before, during, and after these pivotal moments, particularly those concerning Lifeinvader and Merryweather Security. Let’s dive into the specifics.
Strategic Investing: Leveraging Story Missions
Before the First Lester Assassination Mission: Betta Pharmaceuticals (BET)
Before you even begin the first Lester mission, “Hotel Assassination,” where you deal with the target Brett Lowrey, you have an excellent opportunity to invest in Betta Pharmaceuticals (BET) on the BAWSAQ exchange. This applies to all three protagonists – Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. This is your first big chance to get a significant return of around 50%. Invest all the money from each character into BET before triggering the mission. Afterward, save the game multiple times and continue to do so until your stock price reaches that 50% profit margin. Then, sell it all off. This is a relatively quick and risk-free way to boost your funds early in the game.
The Vapid Opportunity: Post-Assassination Missions
After completing any of Franklin’s Assassination Missions, focus your attention on Vapid (VAP) stocks on the BAWSAQ exchange. Wait approximately two in-game hours after mission completion, then invest. Be patient and hold your stocks for around 48 in-game hours, then sell. This strategy has the potential to double your investment, providing another significant boost to your funds. This technique can be used after each of Franklin’s assassination missions.
Exploiting Lifeinvader: A Post-Mission Investment
The Lifeinvader (LFI) stock is a goldmine if you play your cards right. Before starting the “Friend Request” mission, which involves eliminating Lifeinvader founder Jay Norris, invest in eCola (ECO). Once you’ve completed this mission and Jay Norris is dead, Lifeinvader stock will plummet. This is where the opportunity lies. Once the stock price hits rock bottom, typically around $2.90 to $3 per share, buy as much as you can. Unfortunately, while some people have seen Lifeinvader recover, many report that this stock never truly recovers.
Merryweather Security: Choosing the Right Path
Your choices towards the end of the game significantly impact Merryweather Security (MER) stocks. If you choose the “The Third Way” ending, Merryweather stock will dramatically decrease, and it will never truly recover. However, if you choose “The Time’s Come” (to kill Michael), the Merryweather stock price will increase by as much as 250%. Similarly, after “The Third Way” mission, once you receive a text from Donald Percival, invest heavily in Merryweather stocks. This is because, with the elimination of Devin Weston, who owned 11% of the stock, prices plummet, then rebound. This is another great way to rake in a profit, around 70 to 100%.
Other Profitable Ventures
While the stock market is lucrative, it’s not the only way to make money in GTA V’s story mode.
- Armored Trucks: Robbing armored trucks is a reliable, if not exceptionally large, source of income early in the game. You can find these driving around the city, but be prepared for a fight as the guards have bulletproof tires and are heavily armed.
- Heists: After purchasing a high-end apartment, you’ll unlock heists. These missions are one of the best ways to earn large sums of cash once you reach the Pacific Standard heist.
- Property Ownership: While not as explosive as stock trading, purchasing properties can provide a steady stream of income.
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get unlimited money in GTA V Story Mode?
No, there are no cheat codes or glitches that allow for unlimited money in GTA V story mode. The game is designed to have an economy that is driven by legitimate gameplay.
2. Should I invest before every Lester Assassination mission?
Yes, it is advised to invest heavily in specific stocks before and after these missions. The most reliable stocks are Betta Pharmaceuticals, Vapid, Lifeinvader, and Merryweather.
3. What should I buy first in GTA V story mode?
The first two things you should buy in GTA V are a high-end apartment to launch heists and an Armored Kuruma. The Kuruma is invaluable for the difficulty of many story mode missions, making the experience much easier.
4. Is robbing armored trucks worth it?
Yes, robbing armored trucks can provide a good early source of income. However, the returns are not as high as other methods, and there is a risk of getting into a gunfight.
5. Can I rob banks in GTA V story mode?
Yes, there are several story missions involving bank heists. These heists offer substantial payouts and are integral to the storyline.
6. Does the Lifeinvader stock ever recover?
While Lifeinvader may have some small fluctuations, it generally does not recover significantly after the mission and is usually not worth holding long-term.
7. How low does Lifeinvader stock go?
After the mission, Lifeinvader stock typically drops to around $2.90 to $3 per share.
8. What should I do after finishing the GTA V story mode?
After finishing the story mode, you can explore the open world, participate in side activities, or start playing GTA Online.
9. Can I sell stolen cars for a profit in GTA V story mode?
Yes, you can sell stolen cars at Los Santos Customs. The resale value, however, isn’t usually a huge amount.
10. Can I sell a full bunker solo in GTA V story mode?
The Bunker business is part of GTA Online, not the story mode.
11. What’s the best business to buy in GTA Online to get rich?
While not part of the story mode, The Agency, Kosatka Submarine, Auto Shop, and Acid Lab are some of the most lucrative businesses in GTA Online.
12. What stock should I invest in before the Lifeinvader mission?
Before the “Friend Request” mission, you should invest heavily in eCola (ECO).
13. What is the most profitable stock investment in GTA V story mode?
Investing in Merryweather after killing Devin Weston has a very high potential profit. Similarly, Lifeinvader can make a significant profit if the shares are bought after they have bottomed out from the death of the founder, Jay Norris.
14. Should I invest in Merryweather before the “The Third Way” mission?
No, because the stock will crash dramatically afterwards. It’s only worth it if you choose “The Time’s Come” (to kill Michael), or if you buy in after you receive the text from Donald Percival after “The Third Way” mission.
15. How do I get to the BAWSAQ stock exchange in the game?
The BAWSAQ stock market can be accessed through your character’s phone in the internet app. It requires an internet connection and for the game to be connected to the Rockstar server.