The Los Santos Drug Wars stands out as one of the most engaging updates in the GTA series, specifically tailored for GTA Online. Released on December 13, 2022, for a diverse range of platforms including PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, this DLC introduced an array of new missions, characters, and vehicles. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the various features added by Rockstar Games, highlighting the unique aspects of this update.
What sets this DLC apart is its bifurcation into two distinct parts, both unveiled at different times. Here, we will explore all the notable highlights from the Los Santos Drug Wars update.
Overview of the Los Santos Drug Wars DLC Update
The DLC’s significant features include the establishment of The Freakshop, new characters like Dax, Labrat, Luchadora, and Mutt, the operational Acid Lab business, along with two mission series known as the First Dose and Last Dose. Below is an outline of essential topics we will cover:
- How to initiate the Los Santos Drug Wars DLC
- The Fooliganz and The Freakshop
- Main missions within the DLC
- Functionality of the Acid Lab business
- New vehicles included in the DLC
- Available awards
- Minor gameplay enhancements
Initiating the Los Santos Drug Wars DLC in GTA Online
To kick off your adventure with the Los Santos Drug Wars DLC, adhere to these straightforward steps:
- Locate the yellow R marker on the map situated in the Sandy Shores area, near the Ace Liquor store.
- Engage with the marker to start the ‘First Dose 1 – Welcome to the Troupe’ mission. This can be completed solo or with a team of up to three players.
- Fulfill the mission objectives and escort Dax and the Zirconium Journey II to The Freakshop.
- Completing this will unlock subsequent missions in a specified order.
Preparation is key; ensure you have weapons, armor, and snacks ready for this action-packed opening mission.
Introducing the Fooliganz and The Freakshop
The Fooliganz constitute a crime syndicate of eclectic characters engaged in drug trafficking and Acid production in Los Santos. They made their debut in San Andreas during December 2022, initially taking over Ace Liquor before repurposing Trevor Philips Enterprises’ warehouse into their operational hub, named The Freakshop.
Inside The Freakshop, players can explore various interactive features and interact with different gang members. Leading the Fooliganz is Dax, accompanied by other notable characters including:
- Dax (Leader)
- Labrat (Chemical Expert)
- Pro Wrestler
- Mutt (Labrat’s Assistant)
- Wade Hebert (Gang Member)
Upon gaining entry to The Freakshop, players can engage in multiple Fooligan Jobs, such as:
- Crop Dustin’
- Heavy Metal
- Liquid Assets
- Working Remotely
- Write-Off
While secondary to the main missions, completing these jobs can unlock significant rewards.
Main Missions of the Los Santos Drug Wars Update
The Los Santos Drug Wars update is segmented into two major mission series: First Dose and Last Dose. The first six missions were launched in December 2022, while the concluding series was made available on March 16, 2023. Players can now access all missions in chronological order.
First Dose Missions:
- First Dose 1 – Welcome to the Troupe
- First Dose 2 – Designated Driver
- First Dose 3 – Fatal Incursion
- First Dose 4 – Uncontrolled Substance
- First Dose 5 – Make War not Love
- First Dose 6 – Off the Rails
Last Dose Missions:
- Last Dose 1 – This is an Intervention
- Last Dose 2 – Unusual Suspects
- Last Dose 3 – Fried Mind
- Last Dose 4 – Checking In
- Last Dose 5 – BDKD
Note that first-time players must progress sequentially through these missions. After that, missions can be tackled in any order.
Exploring the Acid Lab Business in GTA Online
The Acid Lab represents a lucrative mobile business facilitated through the MTL Brickade 6×6 truck. While by default it resides within The Freakshop, it can be summoned anywhere across the map. Additionally, this truck serves as a versatile transport option.
One of the standout features about the Acid Lab is its profitability, particularly for solo players. A full production cycle can yield approximately $340,000 in profit. For optimal results, we recommend players upgrade their Acid Lab to fully unlock its potential.
The Acid Lab can either be acquired for free by completing all six First Dose missions or purchased through Warstock Cache & Carry. If opting for the free route, players need to steal the Acid Lab during the ‘Make War not Love’ mission.
Key Upgrades for the Acid Lab:
- Acid Lab Equipment Upgrade: $250,000
- Armor Plating – Heavy Armor: $55,000
- Proximity Mine (Choose any of five): $79,000 – $150,000
- Ram Weapons (Select from four options): $195,000 – $295,000
Players must complete 10 Fooligan Jobs to qualify for the Acid Lab Equipment upgrade.
New Vehicles in the Los Santos Drug Wars Update
Rockstar Games enriched the Los Santos Drug Wars update with 16 new vehicles, some of which can be acquired free of charge under certain conditions. Players should explore the following new vehicles:
- Ocelot Virtue: $2,980,000/$2,235,000/Free
- Abundance Entity MT : $2,355,000
- Toundra Panthere: $2,170,000
- Year 300R : $2,075,000
- Weeny Issi Rally: $1,835,000
- Karin Hotring Everon: $1,790,000/$1,342,500
- Declasse Tulip M-100: $1,658,000
- Western Powersurge: $1,605,000
- Declasse Tahoma Coupe : $1,500,000
- MTL Tiled 6×6 : $1,450,000/Free
- Karin Boor : $1,280,000
- Willard Eudora: $1,250,000
- Broadway Classic : $925,000
- Zirconium Journey II: $790,000/$592,500
- BF Surfer Custom: $590,000/$442,500
- Maibatsu Manchez Scout C: Free
Unlock Conditions for Free Vehicles:
- MTL Brickade 6×6: Complete all six First Dose missions.
- Ocelot Virtue: Complete all five Last Dose missions.
- Maibatsu Manchez Scout C: Given free alongside the MTL Brickade 6×6.
New Awards Introduced in the Update
The Los Santos Drug Wars update includes 24 new awards, tied to a variety of missions and activities. Here is a compilation of the awards along with their requirements:
- Welcome to the Troupe: Complete “First Dose – Welcome to the Troupe”as a leader to earn $50,000.
- Designated Driver: Complete “First Dose – Designated Driver”as leader to earn $50,000.
- Fatal Incursion: Complete “First Dose – Fatal Incursion”as leader to earn $50,000.
- Uncontrolled Substance: Complete “First Dose – Uncontrolled Substance”as leader to earn $50,000.
- Run Rabbit Run: Reach the gateway as the rabbit in “First Dose – Uncontrolled Substance”.
- Make War not Love: Complete “First Dose – Make War not Love”as leader to earn $50,000.
- Off The Rails: Complete “First Dose – Off The Rails”as leader to earn $50,000.
- Call Me: Complete 5/10/20/50 Fooligan Jobs for Dax.
- Back It Up: Finish all First Dose missions as a member of an Organization or Motorcycle Club to earn $100,000.
- Lick My Acid: Establish your own Acid Lab.
- Chemical Attraction: Source Supplies for the Acid Lab 5/10/20/50 times.
- Chemical Reaction: Accelerate production speed within your Acid Lab.
- Stashes To Stashes: Raid and loot from 5/10/20/50 Stash Houses.
- Here Comes The Drop: Collect 5/10/20/50 G’s Caches.
- Good Samaritan: Return stolen cash to a shop 1/2/3/5/10/20/50 times.
- This Is An Intervention: Complete “Last Dose – This Is An Intervention”as a leader to earn $100,000.
- Unusual Suspects: Complete “Last Dose – Unusual Suspects”as a leader to earn $100,000.
- Fried Mind: Complete “Last Dose – Fried Mind”as a leader to earn $100,000.
- Checking In: Complete “Last Dose – Checking In”as a leader to earn $100,000.
- Your Own Worst Enemy: Eliminate the hostile version of yourself 5/15/30/60 times during Checking In.
- BDKD: Complete “Last Dose – BDKD”as a leader to earn $100,000.
- Back It Up 2: Finish all missions in the Last Dose as a member of an Organization or Motorcycle Club to earn $100,000.
- Taxi Driver: Complete 5/10/20/50 fares during Taxi Work.
- 5 Star Ride: Complete 10 fares in succession during Taxi Work.
Minor Gameplay Additions in the Los Santos Drug Wars DLC
Beyond the main missions, Fooligan Jobs, and the Acid Lab, the Los Santos Drug Wars DLC also includes several minor gameplay enhancements that contribute to its success. Notable additions consist of:
- Gun Van: A new mobile weapon store.
- Taxi Work: Engage in passenger transport via taxi.
- Street Dealers: NPCs who buy certain drugs at various rates.
- G’s Caches: Discover and collect hidden caches for rewards.
- Stash Houses: Raid other NPCs for essential supplies.
- Eclipse Boulevard Garage: Store up to 50 vehicles in one location.
- Hotring Circuit Races
- Random Events: These include Shop Robbery, Weazel Plaza Shootout (temporary), The Gooch (temporary), and Snowmen Collectibles (temporary).
Most of these activities remain accessible within the game, affirming the December 2022 DLC as a highlight experience before the anticipated release of future content from Rockstar Games.
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