GTA Online Newb - Any advice appreciated

[highspeed]

Hi guys,

 

I have been an avid player of GTA for years. GTA V has kept me occupied for a few years. For a lot of reasons, I have never played a game online. Like none, hence the newb title.

 

I have read a lot of information on this great forum, and it seems to be objective on how people see and perceive GTA V online. I must say, certain parts seem silly, though for the most part I am really keen to start GTA Online.

 

Since I will really be starting from zero, do you think I should even bother? I'd really like to, though I'm quite overwhelmed about everything that has changed as far as online goes. It seems quite harder, and more expensive then when it first came online.

 

Any advice and tips on how to get started?

 

I've always been a clean player. I play with respect, and have always given 100% into everything that I do, and personally I feel like I'm a really good racer. I hope to be able to play with other players that are interested in playing with a newb.

[jwdrinkwaterjr]

Yes. Bother. But read the damn forums. Everything you ever wanted to know about the game is here.

[REXX]

Seeing as you are starting from zero, first I'll say that things are extremely expensive now, even for some of us rich folks! Starting out, I'd suggest you do a few contact missions to up your rank and earn some money. Once you have $50,000 you should consider investing all of that into becoming a VIP, where big money begins. From there just do VIP work perhaps combined with contact missions to make a couple of million to get yourself the cheapest office and vehicle warehouse. Once you get into Import/Export, big money will start rolling in.

 

Just remember that things take time now. Or there are Sharkcards as an alternative.

[highspeed]

Yes. Bother. But read the damn forums. Everything you ever wanted to know about the game is here.

 

As I stated in my post, I have read a lot of information on here. Just want some peoples perspective on things.

 

 

Seeing as you are starting from zero, first I'll say that things are extremely expensive now, even for some of us rich folks! Starting out, I'd suggest you do a few contact missions to up your rank and earn some money. Once you have $50,000 you should consider investing all of that into becoming a VIP, where big money begins. From there just do VIP work perhaps combined with contact missions to make a couple of million to get yourself the cheapest office and vehicle warehouse. Once you get into Import/Export, big money will start rolling in.

 

Just remember that things take time now. Or there are Sharkcards as an alternative.

 

 

 

Thanks for the heads up mate, much appreciated!

[555-We-Tip]

If you are skilled at racing, you can clean up. Premium races are a good place to start, and in between I might mix in some regular stunt racing. The races on here are only worth it dollar-wise if there’s a decently large field (10+ players). Go get that money!

[highspeed]

If you are skilled at racing, you can clean up. Premium races are a good place to start, and in between I might mix in some regular stunt racing. The races on here are only worth it dollar-wise if there’s a decently large field (10+ players). Go get that money!

 

Ah, an excellent idea. Thank you very much!

[RuningKikFukSlap]

highspeed.... if you game on PS4, I'd help you make some money

[Shadowfennekin]

A useful tip, wait until you hit level 100 to try Heists. That way you can have more weapons and max health, and invest in the heavy combat armor clothing when you plan to start doing it.

 

 

And do VIP work in the meantime like people suggested, it's a good way to make quick easy cash.

[J1M]

I mainly played heists and racing, so I always load into single player, then choose "online->invite only" for quicker loading times in between joining others' games than using public sessions.

 

After jobs, I always try to quit back to the invite session rather than choosing or letting game send me to public.

 

From an invite only session, I join heists or races using the phone, accepting invites or "quick job->on call" while hanging up on NPCs trying to sell me stuff.

 

 

I always send friend requests to good hosts as well. Then the friends list becomes the best place to start when logging in.

Edited October 11, 2017 by J1M

[highspeed]

highspeed.... if you game on PS4, I'd help you make some money

 

Hi mate, thank you for the offer! Yep, on PS4. When I get it all set up for online, I will remember your offer. Thank you for the kindness.

 

A useful tip, wait until you hit level 100 to try Heists. That way you can have more weapons and max health, and invest in the heavy combat armor clothing when you plan to start doing it.

 

 

And do VIP work in the meantime like people suggested, it's a good way to make quick easy cash.

 

An awesome suggestion, thank you. That makes sense to me, I love heists but I'll wait for it so I'm prepared and ready.

 

I mainly played heists and racing, so I always load into single player, then choose "online->invite only" for quicker loading times in between joining others' games than using public sessions.

 

After jobs, I always try to quit back to the invite session rather than choosing or letting game send me to public.

 

From an invite only session, I join heists or races using the phone, accepting invites or "quick job->on call" while hanging up on NPCs trying to sell me stuff.

 

 

I always send friend requests to good hosts as well. Then the friends list becomes the best place to start when logging in.

 

Awesome ideas mate, thank you!

 

It's all these small things that will help me out so much, thanks everybody. Much appreciated!

[Sanches]

Should we pin down a thread dedicated to tutorials, advices, strategies ect?

[delorianlazarus]

Save money

Avoid fights

Buy a Kuruma and a Buzzard

Max your stats (ALL)

Don't be an ass

[Lonely-Martin]

There's a guide on here you may like, I'm not sure how to post a link but it's called... The Lone Wolf's Guide To Making Money and Research... Great thread.

 

I would do as others said, use contact missions to get early cash/RP, look into becoming a VIP, you'll need $50k to start a VIP organisation, but it doesn't actually cost you the $50k, just needs to be in your bank, then through the inventory, do as many VIP works as you can between races or contact missions. The VIP works and contact missions can all be accessed in an invite only/solo lobby, A Buzzard will soon show to be extremely useful too, so quick, flexible, and got rockets for assassinations and such... Once bought, the Buzzard will be free to access from the inventory, and will spawn right next to you...

 

Save as much money as possible too, don't buy anything big until you've looked into the potential, An office will eventually become a key part of this, from $1m-$4m so as I say, don't rush into purchases, and if you see a sale, take advantage... I think the Kuruma's on offer, a good start for a new player to help while you learn jobs, bulletproof, not rocket proof though... Others hate it, but to each their own, I learned a lot in mine, granted, I don't need here now, but she's a beaut, and I'm a car man, lol...

 

Import/Export will be a good start to businesses... Be careful though, the NPC enemies are tougher/much more accurate within Import/Export... Well, most any freemode business really they ramp up the firepower against ya, often with players coming at you too, can get messy, can be controlled to an extent though, friends, lone public sessions, options from the inventory to go off radar and such, made to help you, but equally to help players against you too...

 

Heisting can be a minefield, with good players, an absolute doddle, but with even just one numpty, you're in trouble, as unlike contact missions, one fails/dies, usually means the end of said job with little to no cash... This forum has a great bunch that heist, maybe once you're ready, pop up a thread in the 'find players' section dude... Players often are free, and you'll learn much watching good guys play quicker... A Kuruma is also really ideal to get used to heisting too, and buy the heavy utility vest from the clothes stores dude, on heists only, with that, by setting player saved outfits, you can take 2x as many bullets on setups/finale's... Awesome bit of kit, IMO... About $30-35k, I'd only buy it when ready to heist and look into saving outfits at your wardrobe in a high end apartment, you'll need one to heist, cheapest is $200k...

 

It's contentious, but many players, at least to start, when it comes to the freemode businesses do these in solo public lobbies, there are many methods on here/online to help, simple tweaks to your PS4 (if on one) and you'll never be bothered by another, that said, many enjoy the thrill and chase of these businesses too... By all means try them how you prefer dude, I'm not out to sway ya here, just I have seen both good and bad with these businesses...

 

Again, the 'find players' will help, as players like to crew up, get a lone session, then add their friends only first to 'own' the sessions they're in, looking after each other, taking turns selling each others stuff and really making the best of the game come alive, plus when others join those groups/sessions, the potential for fireworks is there, but you ain't alone, or better yet, the 'other' player could be the ideal type to add to your group too... The co-op, the diversity of choice you got coming man... Kinda jealous in a way, lol... To have it all new again... RDR2 for me next, lol...

 

Hope it helps. Enjoy...

[Zaniness]

Learn the game through the contact missions and level up to 80-100 to get the health and weapon unlocks. Then start doing Heists. If you are not a scrub and have some friends that recognize the difference between an apple and a tree, then go for the criminal mastermind, all in order and loyalty bonuses. Those 12 millions can get you settled with: upgraded bunker and coke business, office and a vehicle warehouse. Then it's just money flowing in until you get bored to death with the same dull and/or frustrating missions. CEO crates are only good for leveling up and some mission variety. Smuggler's Run is just a money sink for rich and bored players.

If no capable friends, then save up until you have enough for an office and vehicle warehouse and go from there. Search for tutorials for each business type on the forums. Even if you are not interested in certain businesses, the purchase of certain properties still grants access to a lot of useful functions.

Still, if you really, really want something, then go for it. No point in grinding like a mindless drone for "future prospects" while tiring yourself out. Games are meant to be fun, not work. Also check the Rockstar Newswire every Tuesday to see what the current bonuses/discounts are.

 

Some vehicles you should consider:

Buzzard - best mode of transport for CEO.

Oppressor - best mode of transport for Bikers (AFTER you have the MOC and discount unlocked).

Savage or Hydra for dealing with masses of enemy NPCs.

Nightshark or Insurgent for crowded and angry public sessions.

Armored Kuruma if you think that driving around in god-mode and spraying Micro SMG at every enemy is the best fun on this planet (contrary to what almost every tryhard does in this game - it is very much NOT).

 

Really, GTA Online long-term is fun only when you have someone to play with regularly. Otherwise you'll get bored pretty fast, as the solo grind becomes absolutely atrocious after some time. Alse, it helps to have some imagination, as with every sandbox out there.

 

Source: 500 level and way too much time wasted on this game.

Edited October 11, 2017 by Zaniness

[ALifeOfMisery]

I'll not repeat any of the sound advice above, but I will add that you might way to consider joining a friendly crew. Making money is a lot faster in lobbies with no PvP.

 

If that's something you want to look into, and as you're on PS4, look up CEWL on Reddit.

 

Other than that your PS4 MTU settings are your best friend.

 

I'm also on PS4, if our timezones somewhat match up I'm happy to help you out, run Fleeca for you at 70/30 cut, do some contact missions, run some VIP work etc.

[Stupidis]

I would say the best advice is to be friendly. In the long run you will earn much more in game cash by being friendly to other players than making enemys.

[Action_Andy]

Just log in, do the tutorial, have some fun, roam around, try this, do that, enjoy the time and find out what parts of the game you like. Don't start to grind immediately ffs. It's a game, you know. Have fun.

For stunt races, check out my youtube channel

[dead goon]

Just a game. Jump in and have fun.

[effenG]

Three suggestions. They won't make you a god but they're exactly what I would do if starting from scratch. A gun, a car, an apartment.

 

If you sign up to rockstar games social club you get a free Assault SMG. It's a pretty good weapon that will see you through for your first days. Don't waste money on any other guns until you can get the AP Pistol and the Carbine Rifle- they're the ones you want to get.

 

You need a good car but it can't be too good, the game won't let you keep a super sporty car. In my opinion the best one you can grab off of the street is the Ocelot P620. They're found driving in the nice neighborhoods around the golf course. Find one and put a tracker on it. When you can afford it, put bulletproof tires on it. Membership in the rockstar games social club will also net you a free Annis Elegy RH8. It's really, REALLY good. Did I mention it's FREE?

 

You'll want an apartment downtown, the cheapest one will do. Save up for it. With an apartment you get a garage- this means free repairs for your car. It also means a safe place to spawn into. Starting the game on the streets can be unsettling- sometimes you're caught in the middle of a war zone. Having an apt is more civilized.

 

That's it, that's all I got for ya. Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.

Edited October 11, 2017 by effenG

[EggsAndJam]

Seeing as you are starting from zero, first I'll say that things are extremely expensive now, even for some of us rich folks! Starting out, I'd suggest you do a few contact missions to up your rank and earn some money. Once you have $50,000 you should consider investing all of that into becoming a VIP, where big money begins. From there just do VIP work perhaps combined with contact missions to make a couple of million to get yourself the cheapest office and vehicle warehouse. Once you get into Import/Export, big money will start rolling in.

 

Just remember that things take time now. Or there are Sharkcards as an alternative.

 

This.

 

Also, keep an eye out for double $ & RP events, those can really boost your bank balance.

Also, buy an armoured kuruma and an attack Buzzard. Everything is easier with those two vehicles.

Then once you get into IE, consider investing in a Cargobob.

 

Everything else is window dressing.

 

 

Get someone with time on their hands to run Criminal Records with you. They'll let you win it every time to help unlock vehicle upgrades (known as trading race wins).

100 wins will have everything unlocked.

 

 

But most importantly, remember it is just a game, and you need to take the time to enjoy it.

Too many people get bogged down in "the grind". Online is fun and should be played that way. Work is for work.

Edited October 11, 2017 by sleepwalk1980

[4eyedcoupe]

Can't believe nobody has said it yet....Buy a Sharkcard

 

 

Seriously though...My advice is try a little of everything and play the game the way YOU enjoy playing it.

[REXX]

Can't believe nobody has said it yet....Buy a Sharkcard

 

I did, literally first reply post

[4eyedcoupe]

 

Can't believe nobody has said it yet....Buy a Sharkcard

I did, literally first reply post

 

 

I see it now haha

[wehweh01]

Racing will be nice when there's nothing else to do and you have the spare time. I'd actually recommend just making some friends who deliver biker businesses everyday. That's an easy way to make close to $200,000 in 1 hour or less and sometimes you don't have to do barely anything at all. That's delivering for just 1 person who owns 5 businesses. Just chill and rank in the cash.

 

I also recommend saving all your cash and buying up all the downtown biker businesses. Don't waste money on either the Paleto Bay or Sandy Shores businesses. Definitely worth if you have friends on who're willing to help sell.

Edited October 11, 2017 by wehweh01

[We Are Ninja]

I'll not repeat any of the sound advice above, but I will add that you might way to consider joining a friendly crew...

Make friends. You'll definitely need friends to make money (and to not get ground into a fine powder in Free Roam) it if you're just now starting out.

[G U M M I]

Would have been better if you joined around 2014 or so. When I first started it was contact missions back to back. Before the price inflation, I'd make $500,000 a day, or close to a million. Plus, it's a good way to rank up, I remember I went from level 10 to 30 in a couple of days, and just skyrocketed past my friend, who was 130 at the time. That, survivals, I see noobs rank up crazy just by dying. If you have enough money by then, and decide to buy yourself a CEO office and a buzzard, CEO work, and VIP work is a good way to make some income will very little effort. Speaking on VIP, unless you love PvP and all that, become a CEO, MC president, or Gunrunner.

 

If I had to do it all over again, I would tell you to not even bother without buying a shark card. But if I had to do it all over, I'd start with contact missions and survivals to rank myself up and get decent cash, and then heists. That's all I do today, heists, and survivals. Rockstar screwed me a long time ago, so I may not be rich, but I aint falling off yet.

[Geisterfaust]

Skip online altogether. Learn another language, do sports, do something else. It's not the same game it was in 2013 and in a lot ways, it's worse: balance is way off, prices are ridiculous and legit money is a serious grind. If you'll start, be advised, you WILL spend a lot of time in the game one way or another. Sorry, mate, that's the best advice I can get since you asked "Should I even bother". My short answer is no. Don't bother.

[0CypherP]

Pretty much all you need to know has already been said,not sure if this has been said yet,but don't trust randoms.

[highspeed]

I have taken all of these comments into account. I've even had a few people message me to help me, which is much appreciated!

 

I think, more than anything else I'll give it a shot atleast once.

 

Few things I've learnt both on here and on youtube that I'm gonna take the advice on:

 

- don't be a dick player. Have fun, but don't dork on people or else I can trolled, or can even put myself into badsport mode (glad I learnt this one)

- save my money for the important things, don't waste my funds on bs I don't need

- sharkcards, honestly not too sure how I feel about them yet but they are helpful if I need them

- make some friends. Something I fully intend on doing, seeing as some many helpful people are willing to help out a newb it's refreshing to see

- businesses. I will do some more research into how it all works, but it seems as if this is the loophole to major funds in time

- grinding doesn't have to make the game. Atleast for me it won't, as I want to enjoy it at leisure, not at a forced grind pace

- register to rockstar and get myself an elergy rh8. Even though it's like 800,000 or more, I want that Skyline mod! I fell in love first time I saw it.

 

I think more than anything else, I've got the patience and can see myself enjoying online. No matter how hard or expensive it may seem. I'm not the type of player who wants everything now, now NOW. I'm chill and can enjoy the finer things, and can see myself having some good times with friends in races and things.

 

Thanks again for all the information, help and advice people. Hope to see you online one day!

Edited October 12, 2017 by highspeed