Despite being three years old, GTA Online is updated with new cars and weapons every month. Maybe you want to jump in for the first time, or are coming back from a break. Whatever the reason, here are some pointers for getting up and running in GTA Online.

In this case, going in with a Shark Card will give you some extra in-game money that can make a big difference. In GTA Online, cash is king, and starting with an extra million or two in your bank account will help you buy expensive new weapons and cars.

The story portion of GTA V will teach you some of the basics you need to survive in GTA Online , without any assholes, trolls, or fear of constant death.

I have fond memories of pals getting run over by a car, accidentally pissing off a cop, and other shenanigans that made GTA Online more fun and entertaining. Personalizing your character will help you feel connected to their journey from random thug to criminal mastermind.

It helps that GTA Online has some incredible threads for you to try on. Contact missions are like standard GTA missions, but they separate you from the other players in the free roam session.

This means you can focus on the objective without worrying about some random asshole killing you with a jet. Contact missions can be a fun way to make money, as they pay out extra cash for new players. Contact missions are offered to you randomly via the in-game phone, but you can find them in the pause menu under Jobs as well.

If you can invite a higher level friend, set these missions to hard. You get more cash and RP. Rockstar is always doing weekly events for GTA Online. These events can vary in quality, but many of them give players ways to make extra cash and experience. Events also bring weekly discounts to GTA Online , so if you want a new supercar or house, it pays to wait. Not only do these pay out well, they are a great way to earn more wins and thus a good way to unlock new parts for custom cars.

Ten Ton Hammer | How to Make Money Fast in GTA 5 Online

To help you find these races, check out these playlists: Like the real world, it pays to save! Save your money for larger homes that allow you to start heists. Once you do have enough money for a bigger house, do some research. It might seem silly, but you should drive around any prospective property first. Questions to ask yourself: Is it near anything useful, like an Ammu-nation or a CEO Office?

Note that such amenities will likely also attract other players, which can be dangerous. Rockstar has new items for sale nearly every week. Early on in GTA Online money can be really hard to come by, so saving a few hundred thousand dollars whenever you can is a good move.

Whenever a new gun is released, I tend to buy it and try it out.

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These new guns rarely replace my favorites. Once you find an assault rifle or pistol you like, just stick with it.

Becoming a CEO or the leader of a biker gang is expensive. On top of that, this chunk of content has its own gameplay mechanics and systems that would be overwhelming to new players. You should try heists with friends, if possible, and only after you learn how to survive during longer firefights.

If you play with random players, use a headset, but try not to be a jerk. Heists are all about coordinating with other players. Plus some of the longer car rides can be boring, so having some folks to joke around with can help ease the tension and pass the time quicker.

'Grand Theft Auto 5' Online Tips: How To Make Money In 'GTA 5' Online Fast | International Business Times

When I first started playing GTA Online I spent hours grinding an easy mission that awarded good money Now I only play what I like. While money is important in GTA Online, you can still have a blast without spending much.

As they say, the best things in life are free. To use this menu, hold down the PS4 touchpad, or the Xbox One view button, or M on PC. Through the interaction menu, you can store bulletproof vests, set your GPS quickly, change your outfit, split cash among your crew, and purchase ammo though it does cost a little more.

Another useful feature in the interaction menu is passive mode. Passive is also a great way to avoid trouble if you want to get a haircut or check out a new car you just bought. If you need a break from all the killing and destruction, passive mode is always an option. Walls allow you take cover and avoid enemy gunfire, which is useful.

You can also take advantage of an exploit while in cover.

Normally, when you are low on health, you can eat something—but this requires sitting through a 10 second animation. While in cover, you instantly regain health while eating food instead. You might be busy, or you might not be able to devote days to catching up in GTA Online.

Maybe you want a cool car, a nice house, or some fancy clothes. GTA Online can sometimes feel like a job. If you grind too much or focus only on making lots of cash it can quickly become boring or frustrating.

So make sure that you have some time dedicated to just chilling. Go mess with the unstoppable train , try to find the jetpack, explore the desert with a dirt bike, find a boat and cruise the ocean.

Listen to some music. Zach Zwiezen is a a writer living in Kansas City, Missouri. He has written for Gamecritics, Killscreen and Entertainment Fuse.

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