Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide to GTA Online

Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide to GTA Online

Even though it has been more than a decade since its release, the GTA Online beginner’s guide remains one of the most sought-after resources in the gaming community. Rockstar Games introduced the multiplayer component of Grand Theft Auto 5 on October 1, 2013, and it has captivated players across multiple generations. However, new players often struggle to navigate the game due to its extensive 10-year backlog of content and storyline.

This makes a comprehensive GTA Online guide for beginners especially crucial in 2024. Since Rockstar Games does not provide an official guide for newcomers, players depend on community-curated resources. This GTA Online beginner’s guide will highlight essential information that every new player should familiarize themselves with in 2024.

GTA Online Beginner’s Guide: Getting Started with the Basics

The Grand Theft Auto 5 Online experience can be overwhelming for new players. (Image via Rockstar Games)
The Grand Theft Auto 5 Online experience can be overwhelming for new players. (Image via Rockstar Games)

Unlike other titles in the GTA series that take players through a beginner training segment before granting free access, Grand Theft Auto 5 Online adopts a different approach. Rockstar expects players to master the game’s controls and features in Story Mode to avoid feeling overwhelmed when transitioning to the multiplayer experience.

While most controls are similar, some adjustments have been made to enhance quality-of-life. Here are crucial points that every reader of the GTA Online beginner’s guide should understand before diving into the multiplayer game:

  • Grand Theft Auto 5 Online cannot be paused. As an online multiplayer experience, all activities on the map occur in real-time and cannot be paused like in Story Mode.
  • Actions cannot be undone. In Story Mode, you can reload the latest saved game to rectify mistakes; however, in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online, all decisions are permanent.
  • Mods and scripts are prohibited in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online. While Rockstar allows for modding in Story Mode, using them in the multiplayer game can lead to account bans.

Grasping these principles is vital for anyone following this GTA Online beginner’s guide. The Grand Theft Auto 5 experience encompasses both single-player and online modes; losing access to the latter means missing out on half of the game’s offerings.

Common Mistakes Made by New Players in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online

Grand Theft Auto 5 Online players learn through their mistakes. (Image via Rockstar Games)
Grand Theft Auto 5 Online players learn through their mistakes. (Image via Rockstar Games)

As newcomers, it’s typical to make some rookie mistakes and regret them later. Everyone starts somewhere, and there’s no need for embarrassment. This GTA Online beginner’s guide emphasizes some common errors that new players often commit:

  • Brawling with other players: Just because you are new doesn’t mean everyone else is a beginner. Therefore, the GTA Online beginner’s guide advises players to refrain from fighting until they have gained adequate experience.
  • Purchasing unnecessary items: At the start, Rockstar provides some cash to help players get by. Many, however, waste that money on frivolous and pricey items. The GTA Online beginner’s guide recommends saving until you establish a reliable income stream.
  • Failing to conduct proper research: Grand Theft Auto 5 Online has an abundance of features and functions that can be complex. Given that you can’t undo decisions, the GTA Online beginner’s guide emphasizes the importance of researching significant purchases like cars, weapons, and businesses. Numerous third-party guides and YouTube videos can assist.
  • Overlooking free items: While the in-game economy can be daunting, Rockstar is generous with free items. New players often miss out on these due to ignorance or oversight. The GTA Online beginner’s guide highlights a few critical free items that every player should aim to collect.

Is There a Storyline in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online?

Grand Theft Auto 5 Online has a very twisted plot. (Image via Rockstar Games)
Grand Theft Auto 5 Online has a very twisted plot. (Image via Rockstar Games)

The question of whether Grand Theft Auto 5 Online has a storyline is intricate, as Rockstar Games has not been consistent on this. In the early stages, the game lacked any storylines; however, some DLCs introduced mini-storylines, ranging from popular to less well-received.

For instance, the GTA Online: The Diamond Casino & Resort DLC led to the GTA Online: The Diamond Casino Heist update. Additionally, the GTA Online: The Cayo Perico Heist DLC featured Dr. Dre, later continuing in the GTA Online: The Contract DLC.

Nevertheless, readers of the GTA 5 Online beginners guide should not stress about following a timeline, as Rockstar allows players to engage with the game as they wish. You can explore the most recent Bottom Dollar Bounties DLC while also delving into previous content such as the Beach Bum Update.

What is the Main Goal in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online?

Every new player in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online should have a solid goal. (Image via Rockstar Games)
Every new player in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online should have a solid goal. (Image via Rockstar Games)

The fundamental objective of Grand Theft Auto 5 Online is to amass wealth. It follows a rags-to-riches premise where players commit various crimes, rob banks, execute heists, engage in violent acts, and more to earn money.

As you begin as a novice, through hard work and persistence, you will rank up, earn cash, and eventually become a kingpin in the State of San Andreas. Throughout this journey, you will acquire various vehicles, businesses, weapons, and other significant items, which this GTA Online beginner’s guide will discuss further.

What are the Best Cars for Beginners in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online?

Acquiring a good car should be one of the primary goals for new players in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online. (Image via Rockstar Games)
Acquiring a good car should be one of the primary goals for new players in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online. (Image via Rockstar Games)

As of the latest update, Rockstar Games features over 700 vehicles in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online. However, most readers of the GTA Online beginner’s guide will not have the funds to purchase them all. Furthermore, not every vehicle offers good value, so it is essential to prioritize wisely.

This GTA Online beginner’s guide lists some of the most beneficial cars and vehicles that new players should acquire quickly:

  • Dog Border – $1,877,500
  • Ocelot Virtue – $2,980,000/Also available for free
  • MTL Brickade 6×6 – $1,450,000/Also available for free
  • BF Weevil Custom – $980,000
  • Enus Paragon R (Armored) – Can be collected for free
  • Pegassi Toros – $498,000
  • Karin Kuruma (Armored) – $698,250
  • Shitzu Hakuchou Drag Bike – $976,000
  • Pegassi Bati 801 – $15,000
  • Nagasaki Buzzard Attack Chopper – $1,750,000
  • Bravado Banshee – $105,000/Also available for free

Players following the GTA Online beginner’s guide should focus on acquiring these vehicles for mundane tasks. The Ocelot Virtue, Pegassi Toros, and Karin Kuruma (Armored) are among the best freeroam cars in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online.

What are the Best Weapons for Beginners in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online?

Having a good weapon is essential for every new player in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online. (Image via Rockstar Games)
Having a good weapon is essential for every new player in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online. (Image via Rockstar Games)

In addition to cars, followers of the GTA Online beginner’s guide should prioritize securing the best weapons promptly. Combat is integral to the multiplayer experience, whether against NPCs or other players.

As of 2024, Rockstar has introduced 104 weapons in the game, with some being pricey and others less effective for armed confrontations. Consequently, the beginner’s guide to GTA V Online suggests the following affordable weapons for new players:

  • Tactical SMG – $325,000
  • Up-n-Atomizer – $399,000
  • Homing Launcher – $75,000
  • Special Carbine – $14,750
  • Sticky Bomb – $600 per unit
  • Micro SMG – $3,750

These weapons are highly effective and can be unlocked at low levels. Some are even accessible from level 1. As you become more skilled in combat scenarios, refer to the GTA Online PvP guide for insights on the best weapons available in the multiplayer experience.

What are the Best Money-Making Methods for Beginners in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online?

Having enough money will help you survive in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online. (Image via Rockstar Games)
Having enough money will help you survive in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online. (Image via Rockstar Games)

Rockstar Games presents numerous job opportunities for new players to earn money in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online. However, many express dissatisfaction with the low payouts of most jobs. This GTA Online beginner’s guide identifies some of the best-paying jobs for beginners:

  • Direct Action – $70,000
  • Whistleblower – $51,500
  • Working Remotely – $50,000
  • Blow Up IV – $23,100
  • Trash Talk – $22,860
  • Defender – $22,200
  • Sightseer ~ $20,000
  • Headhunter ~ $20,000

It is important to note that the last two missions only unlock after registering as a CEO. You can consult the GTA Online CEO guide for further details.

What are Some of the Best Businesses for Beginners in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online?

Establishing a business is very crucial for Grand Theft Auto 5 Online players in the long run. (Image via Rockstar Games)
Establishing a business is very crucial for Grand Theft Auto 5 Online players in the long run. (Image via Rockstar Games)

Although Contact Missions provide a means of making money, the GTA Online beginner’s guide emphasizes the importance of establishing businesses for a steady income. As of 2024, Rockstar offers ten business types in-game that can significantly boost your earnings in Los Santos.

However, these enterprises require substantial initial investments to become lucrative. The GTA Online beginner’s guide recommends acquiring the following businesses as soon as possible:

  • Auto Shop
  • Bunker
  • Motorcycle Club Businesses
  • Salvage Yard

By diligently grinding, you could earn about $1 million from these businesses per day. Additionally, the GTA Online biker business guide can explain how to maximize profitability for MC Club ventures. Notably, the best option for beginners is the Acid Lab, located at the back of the MTL Brickade 6×6 truck. Both the vehicle and business are obtainable for free by completing all six missions of the First Dose series.

What are the Best Free Items in Grand Theft Auto 5 Online?

The Acid Lab is one of the free items in the game. (Image via Rockstar Games)
The Acid Lab is one of the free items in the game. (Image via Rockstar Games)

Rockstar Games provides various free items for players to collect. Some are readily available, while others require certain conditions to be met. The GTA Online beginner’s guide showcases some of the best free items and how to acquire them:

  • Ocelot Virtue – Complete First Dose and Last Dose missions
  • MTL Brickade 6×6 – Complete First Dose missions
  • Bravado Banshee – Included with the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack
  • Maze Bank West CEO Office – Included with the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack
  • Great Chaparral MC Clubhouse – Included with the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack
  • Counterfeit Cash Factory Grand Senora Desert – Included with the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack
  • Grotti Turismo R – Included with the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack
  • Compact Grenade Launcher – Included with the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack

This GTA Online beginner’s guide is designed to help you survive the initial phase of the game, whether you’re playing solo or with others.

Source

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *