A beginner’s guide to starting GTA Online in 2025: What you need to know
Just got GTA Online and feeling overwhelmed? Yeah, it’s a chaotic playground where everyone either wants to make money or blow things up (sometimes both). But don’t stress—this guide will get you started fast. Here’s how to survive, thrive, and not look like a total noob in 2025.
1. Create Your Character & Skip the Chaos
First things first—your character. Customize your look (drip matters), then skip the tutorial unless you wanna waste time. Jump straight into Los Santos and get moving.
2. Choose the Right Career
GTA Online now lets you pick a Career Path when you start. This is your first big decision because it gives you a head start with properties, vehicles, and weapons. Here’s the breakdown:
- Executive – Become a CEO and run a business empire (big money, but needs patience).
- Biker – Own a club, sell illegal stuff (grind-heavy but fun).
- Gunrunner – Smuggle weapons and make bank (passive income goldmine).
- Nightclub Owner – Party hard, launder money (best for long-term profits).
Pro Tip: Pick Executive if you want serious cash flow early on.
4. Get the Right Ride
A car isn’t just for flexing—it’s your escape plan. Get something fast and bulletproof early on:
- Armored Kuruma – Bullets? What bullets? (Best beginner car)
- Oppressor Mk II – Flying death machine (expensive but worth it later).
Also, invest in a decent weapon loadout—Sticky Bombs, AP Pistol, and an Assault Rifle are must-haves.
5. Do the First Contact Missions
Before you start flexing, complete the intro missions. These are easy, pay decent, and teach you the basics of shooting, driving, and not dying every five seconds. Also, DO NOT waste your cash on fancy cars or drip just yet. Stay broke, invest smart.
6. Invest in a Business
Wanna be rich? Start a Nightclub, Arcade, or CEO Office ASAP. These make passive income so you can focus on the fun stuff. Avoid buying businesses that require constant resupply unless you love grinding.
7. Make Some Easy Money
Early grind = easy missions + smart investments. Here’s what to focus on:
- Contact Missions – Quick and easy money (hit up Gerald, Simeon, or Martin).
- Heists – The Cayo Perico Heist is still one of the best moneymakers. If you’re doing heists, don’t quit mid-game, and please know how to drive. Your squad will thank you.
- VIP Work – If you went with Executive, start CEO work ASAP.
- Auto Shop & Cayo Perico Looting – High reward, low risk.
Avoid: Shark Cards. Don’t pay real cash for GTA dollars unless you wanna flex irresponsibly.
You’re now ready to own Los Santos. Follow these steps, get your bank up, and most importantly—have fun. Just don’t be that guy blowing up new players with a jet.
