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GTA Online Beginner’s Guide: 12 Essential Tips to Get You Started

Table of contents

Intro

Grand Theft Auto Online (GTA Online) first launched in October 2013 and has since evolved into a sprawling, dynamic world. With years of updates and new content, jumping into Los Santos can feel overwhelming for new players. But don’t worry—Onlyfarms.gg has you covered with this comprehensive GTA Online beginner’s guide, complete with money-making tips, progression strategies, and essential mechanics.

Complete the Tutorial

Before you can dive into the open world, you must complete the GTA V prologue. Once you take control of Franklin, you’ll unlock access to GTA Online, where you can customize your character and start your criminal empire. Completing the tutorial is essential, as it introduces key mechanics like:

  • Street racing
  • Robberies
  • Combat and takedowns
  • Jobs and mission mechanics
  • Vehicle insurance

Learn the Map and Icons

Los Santos is massive, and understanding the map is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of key locations:

Icon Description
LD Lamar Davis missions
Diamond Casino activities
Rockstar Logo Online events and activities
Gun Icon Ammu-Nation gun shops
House Icon Safehouses and apartments

 

Additionally, use your in-game phone’s internet browser to access websites for purchasing properties, weapons, and vehicles.

Boost Your Reputation Points (RP) and Level Up

Reputation Points (RP) serve as GTA Online’s experience system. Earning RP unlocks weapons, vehicles, and gameplay features. Here are ways to maximize your RP gains:

  • Stealing cars
  • Robbing stores
  • Completing jobs and heists
  • Winning races and deathmatches
  • Outrunning the police
  • Daily and weekly challenges
  • Playing with friends (+10% RP) and Crews (+20% RP)

Pro Tip: The Diamond Casino offers a daily roulette spin with the chance to win bonus RP, cash, and exclusive vehicles.

Stock Up on Snacks and Armor and Complete Jobs to Earn Cash

Survival is key in Los Santos. Stock up on:

Item Where to Get It Purpose
Snacks Convenience stores Heals health mid-battle
Armor Ammu-Nation Absorbs damage

 

Use the weapon wheel to quickly consume snacks in combat.

Choose the Right Session Mode

Los Santos can be dangerous. Consider these session types:

Mode Description
Solo Session Private world to complete tasks safely
Passive Mode Prevents PvP but disables weapons
Crews Play with organized teams for extra RP

Complete Jobs to Earn Cash

Money is everything in GTA Online. Start with these beginner-friendly jobs:

Job Type Objective
Races Win competitive driving matches
Deathmatch PvP combat for cash and RP
Survival Survive waves of enemies
Heists High-risk, high-reward missions

 

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Buy the Right Weapons

Early on, your gun selection is limited. Prioritize these unlocks:

Level Weapon Where to Get
1 Pistol Ammu-Nation
1 Combat Shotgun Ammu-Nation
24 Assault Rifle Ammu-Nation

 

For high-end weapons, look for Gun Vans that spawn randomly across the map.

Purchase Vehicles and Garages

Owning a personal vehicle is a game-changer. Here’s how to start:

Vehicle Type Best Option Price
Super Car Ocelot Virtue $2.98M
Armored SUV Insurgent $897K
Motorcycle Oppressor MK II $8M
Helicopter Akula $4.5M
Submarine Kosatka $9.08M

 

Tip: Buying a garage is required for keeping vehicles permanently.

Start Your Own Business

Once you have enough cash, expand your empire with VIP, CEO, or MC President roles.

Business Type Requirement Benefit
VIP $50K in bank Recruit bodyguards, run missions
CEO Office purchase Run large-scale business operations
MC President Clubhouse purchase Smuggling and illicit trades

 

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Conduct Heists for Big Payouts

Heists are GTA Online’s best money-makers. To start:

  • Reach Level 12
  • Buy a High-End Apartment
  • Talk to Lester Crest to start planning

Each Heist has a setup phase and a finale with massive rewards.

San Andreas Mercenaries Mode

Want more action? The San Andreas Mercenaries update offers co-op missions against Merryweather Security. To start:

  • Receive a call from Charlie Reed
  • Purchase an Avenger from Warstock Cache and Carry
  • Upgrade with an Operations Terminal
  • Access Mercenary Missions via the Avenger

Ready to Dominate GTA Online?

Los Santos is full of opportunities, whether you want to race, steal, or build a criminal empire. Follow this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a kingpin.

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