How to Start Playing GTA 5 Online: A Beginner’s Guide

Looking to start playing GTA 5 Online? This comprehensive beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know, from creating your character and completing missions to joining crews, earning money, and leveling up fast.

We will also share essential tips on how to thrive in Los Santos, customise your vehicles, and dominate the open world of GTA 5 Online, whether playing solo or with friends.

How to Play GTA 5 Online

If you’re new to GTA 5 Online, you’re in for a wild ride. This massive open-world game has tons to offer, and it can initially feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry! We’ve got your back with this beginner’s guide.

Here are steps covering everything from character creation to completing missions and joining crews to get you ready to thrive in the chaotic streets of Los Santos:

1. Character Creation

Before you can hit the streets, you’ll need to create your character. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Customise Your Character: You can choose your character’s gender, appearance, and style. You’ll get to tweak their face, body, clothes—basically, make them look as badass (or silly) as you like.
• Set Your Stats: You’ll assign points to different stats like stamina, strength, shooting, and driving. Think about how you want to play—if you’re all about action, focus on shooting and strength; if you prefer the getaway driver life, pump those driving skills.
• Start the Game: Once you’re happy with your character, you’ll jump straight into the game with some tutorial missions to get you up to speed with the controls.

2. Exploring Los Santos

Los Santos is your playground—a huge, living city packed with things to do. Here’s how to get your bearings:

• Use the Map: The in-game map is your best mate. Whether you’re looking for missions, shops, or other players, set waypoints to guide you to your destination.
• Get Familiar with GPS: Once you’ve set a waypoint, follow the GPS directions on the minimap. This is handy when you’re in a hurry or trying to avoid trouble.

3. Starting Missions

Missions are the bread and butter of GTA 5 Online. Here’s how to get into the action:

• Solo or Co-op: When you’re just starting, it’s a good idea to tackle some solo missions to get the hang of things. They’re usually straightforward tasks like delivering cars or taking out targets.
• Heists: As you level up, you’ll unlock heists, which are bigger jobs that require a team. You’ll need good communication and a solid plan, but the rewards are well worth it.
• Jobs and Events: There are loads of jobs you can pick up via your in-game phone. You’ll also stumble across random events while roaming around, so keep an eye out for these quick opportunities to earn cash.

4. Making Money in GTA 5 Online

Money makes the world of GTA 5 spin, so here are some tips to start stacking that cash:

• Complete Jobs: Early on, missions and jobs are your main source of income. Keep knocking them out to build your bank account.
• Daily Objectives: Don’t forget to check your daily objectives—these are simple tasks that give you easy cash and RP (Reputation Points).
• Races and Adversary Modes: If you’re feeling competitive, try entering races or adversary modes. These are fun ways to make extra money while sharpening your skills.

5. Joining a Crew

Playing with mates or other players in a crew makes GTA 5 Online even more fun. Here’s what you need to know:

• Find a Crew: You can join a crew through the Social Club (Rockstar’s online hub). Whether you’re into heists, PvP, or just messing around, there’s a crew out there for you.
• Crew Perks: Being in a crew comes with perks like earning extra RP for working with crew members, and having a ready-made team for bigger jobs.
• Create Your Own Crew: If you prefer running the show, you can create your own crew and invite others to join. It’s a great way to gather like-minded players for regular missions and heists.

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6. Level Up and Earn RP

Leveling up in GTA 5 Online unlocks new missions, vehicles, weapons, and more. You earn RP for almost everything you do, but here are some ways to level up faster:

• Missions and Heists: Story missions and heists give you the most RP, so focus on completing these for a big boost.
• Combat and Exploration: Engage in combat and take out NPCs or players to earn RP. The more you explore and interact with the world, the more you’ll gain.
• Daily and Weekly Challenges: Make sure to keep an eye on these—they’re a solid way to earn extra RP and level up quickly.

7. Customising Your Character and Vehicles

One of the best things about GTA 5 Online is the freedom to customise your look and your rides. Here’s how:

• Clothing and Accessories: Head to a clothing shop to deck your character out in the latest threads, masks, or accessories. There’s a ton of variety, so go wild!
• Car Mods: Your car is your pride and joy in GTA 5, so take it to Los Santos Customs to upgrade it. Change the paint job, boost performance, and add personal touches like neon lights or new rims.

8. PvP and Staying Safe

Los Santos is full of other players, and not all of them are friendly. Here’s how to stay safe in a city full of chaos:

• Use Passive Mode: If you’re not up for a fight, switch to Passive Mode to stop other players from attacking you.
• Find Safe Zones: Your apartment, garage, and some other locations are safe zones where you can’t be harmed. These are great spots to chill and plan your next move.
• Avoid Bounties: Occasionally, you’ll find a bounty placed on your head. If that happens, either lay low until it blows over or ask your crew for backup.

9. Top Tips for Beginners

• Save Your Cash: It’s tempting to splash out on fancy clothes or cars, but save your money early on for essential things like better weapons, vehicles, or an apartment.
• Buy Property: Once you’ve got some cash, invest in an apartment or garage to store your cars and plan heists.
• Stay Connected: Your in-game phone is crucial for keeping track of missions, job invites, and messages. Make sure to check it regularly so you don’t miss out.

Final Thoughts

Starting off in GTA 5 Online might feel a bit overwhelming, but with this guide, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running. From creating your character to completing missions, making money, and joining crews, the game offers endless possibilities.

FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions: