Starting out in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) can feel overwhelming—especially in GTA Online, where Los Santos is full of experienced players, powerful weapons, and endless opportunities. If you’re just beginning your journey, this guide will give you the essential tips, tricks, and strategies to build wealth, level up faster, and dominate the city.

1. Choose the Right Character and Starter Pack

When you first jump into GTA Online, you’ll design your character. While appearance doesn’t affect stats, choosing the right GTA V Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack can save you tons of grinding. It gives you:

  • A business (CEO office, biker clubhouse, or bunker)

  • A few cars and weapons

  • Some starting cash

If you don’t buy it, you’ll need to earn money the old-school way, which is fine, but a starter pack gives you a huge advantage.

2. Focus on Earning Money First

In GTA V Online, money equals power. Without it, you can’t buy properties, vehicles, or weapons. As a beginner:

  • Do Contact Missions (Lamar, Simeon, Gerald) for steady cash.

  • Try Heists once you reach Rank 12 and own a high-end apartment.

  • Sell stolen cars at Los Santos Customs for quick profits.

  • Complete Daily Objectives for easy bonus cash and RP.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid wasting money on luxury items (expensive cars or clothes) early on. Invest in businesses that generate passive income.

3. Buy the Right Properties Early

Owning properties in GTA Online isn’t just for show—it’s how you unlock new money-making methods. Start with:

  • High-End Apartment → unlocks Heists (best starter money).

  • CEO Office (Maze Bank West) → allows you to run Import/Export car missions.

  • MC Clubhouse → lets you run biker businesses for passive income.

Prioritize properties that give you new ways to earn, not just cosmetic value.

4. Pick the Best Beginner Vehicles

Cars in GTA V aren’t just about speed—they’re your survival tool. As a beginner, invest in:

  • Armored Kuruma → great for missions, protects against bullets.

  • Oppressor Mk II (later in the game) → best for grinding and travel.

  • Bati 801 Bike → cheap, fast, perfect for races.

💡 Don’t waste early money on supercars—you’ll get destroyed in missions. Focus on practicality.

5. Learn to Fight and Survive in Los Santos

As a new player, you’ll often be targeted by stronger players. To avoid frustration:

  • Stay in Passive Mode until you’re confident.

  • Use Armored Vehicles during missions.

  • Stock up on snacks and armor from convenience stores.

  • Practice aiming in single-player before jumping into PvP battles.

6. Play Heists with Friends (or Trusted Crews)

Heists are the backbone of GTA V Online for beginners. They offer huge payouts and experience. To maximize profits:

  • Get a high-end apartment for access to heists.

  • Play with friends or a good crew (randoms often quit mid-heist).

  • Learn each role (driver, gunner, hacker) to become more valuable.

7. Don’t Fall for Money Traps

Rockstar designs Los Santos to tempt you with expensive cars, clothes, and apartments. But if you want to succeed:

  • Don’t waste money on clothes early—buy only essentials.

  • Avoid luxury apartments that don’t unlock heists.

  • Don’t buy expensive supercars until you have solid businesses.

8. Use Cheat Codes (Story Mode Only)

If you’re playing GTA V Story Mode, cheat codes can make your early experience more fun:

  • Infinite health and ammo

  • Spawn powerful vehicles

  • Lower wanted level instantly

⚠️ But remember: Cheat codes disable achievements/trophies, so use them wisely.

9. Build Long-Term Income

Once you’ve stabilized as a beginner, focus on businesses:

  • CEO Crates / Vehicle Cargo → steady profits.

  • Nightclub Business → great passive income.

  • Arcade → unlocks Diamond Casino Heist.

Long-term, the goal is to have multiple businesses generating money even when you’re offline.

10. Final Beginner Tips

  • Always keep snacks and armor before missions.

  • Learn the map—shortcuts save lives.

  • Stay patient—GTA V is a marathon, not a sprint.

  • Join a crew for bonuses and protection.

🏆 Conclusion

Starting strong in GTA V Online means making smart decisions early. Focus on money-making activities, buy the right properties, and avoid wasting cash on luxuries. With the right strategy, you’ll build wealth, buy powerful vehicles, and eventually control Los Santos like a pro.