Getting started in GTA Online can feel overwhelming, especially if you're a new player in 2025. While Rockstar Games has added an incredible amount of content over the years, they’ve done very little to guide beginners. It’s easy to waste money on flashy items that don’t help you progress. That’s why this guide covers 19 must-know beginner tips that will set you on the right path, help you avoid rookie mistakes, and get you making money quickly and efficiently.

1. Don’t Blindly Choose a Career Builder Path
When you launch GTA Online, you’ll be offered $4 million through the Career Builder, but you must spend $3 million before entering the game. Don’t treat this like a coin toss—go with the Bunker or Nightclub, not the MC Club or Office. The Bunker is ideal, generating up to $100,000/hour passively and unlocking special ammo through research.

2. Pick the Right Starter Vehicle
Choose the Armored Karuma or the Grotti Turismo Classic. The Karuma is great for missions due to its bulletproof design. The Turismo Classic is fast and perfect for races and time trials.

3. Your First Goal: Make $2 Million
You’ll need this to buy a Cayo Perico submarine (Kosatka) or an Agency. These are the best solo-friendly, high-paying businesses:

- Kosatka Heist – ~$1 million/hour

- Dr. Dre VIP Contract – $1.1 million guaranteed per run
Start with the Agency if possible—it gives you a free helicopter, which speeds up prep missions and travel.

4. Start with Vincent’s Missions
At Rank 5, you'll get a call from Vincent Effenburger. Help him bust drug rings and unlock the Cluckin' Bell Farm Raid, which pays $500,000 in under an hour with no property or setup cost. Do it twice a day to earn $1 million as a beginner.

5. Daily Activities That Actually Pay
Supplement your income with:

- Time Trials – $100K weekly, $250K for HSW versions

- Stash Houses, G’s Caches, Skydives – Up to $50K each

- Wildlife Photography – $100K daily

- Junk Energy Bike Trials – $50K
Use these to earn up to $1 million/day as a beginner.

6. Use the GTA Web.U Interactive Map
This free online tool shows:

- Gun Van, helicopter, stash, and collectible spawns

- Business locations and property prices

- Free helicopters for faster travel
It’s a must-have for beginners and veterans alike.

7. Invest, Don’t Splurge
Avoid buying supercars early. They’re flashy but drain your funds. Focus on money-making assets first.

8. Best Weapons to Own Early
Stick to these essentials:

- Combat MG

- Heavy Sniper

- Assault Shotgun

- Special Carbine

- Homing Launcher

- Bonus: AP Pistol or Mini SMG, Railgun, and Up-n-Atomizer (when available)

9. Buy Ammo and Armor Efficiently
No need to visit Ammu-Nation—use the Interaction Menu > Inventory > Ammo/Armor. On missions, use hotkeys to quickly heal and equip armor.

10. Buy the Duke O’ Death
It’s free on Warstock for returning players. Excellent armor, decent speed, and strong explosive resistance. A great backup if you didn’t pick the Karuma.

11. Avoid Public Lobbies at First
Griefers with Oppressors and Deluxos will make your life miserable. Use Invite Only lobbies for safe, smooth solo grinding. Almost all content works here except high-demand bonuses.

12. Understand the Public Lobby Bonus
More players in a public session = more cash for sell missions. Max bonus: 50% extra payout. Useful once you’re better equipped.

13. First-Person Combat = Better Control
Switch to first-person view for better aiming and recoil control. Change your Targeting Mode to Complex and Disable First-Person Combat Roll to reduce camera shake.

14. Make a Routine
Mix passive and active income:

- Start with daily tasks (casino spin, G’s Cash, resupplies)

- Then do missions like Salvage Yard Heists, Autoshop Contracts, or Dr. Dre VIP Contract

- Avoid burnout by changing your routine regularly

Some cheap GTA modded accounts already have these mission types unlocked, saving hours of setup.

15. Use Weekly Bonuses to Your Advantage
Each week, Rockstar adds double or triple rewards on certain missions or businesses. Track them to maximize earnings.

16. Join Communities
If you don’t have friends playing, find teammates through Discord or Reddit GTA groups. Heists like Diamond Casino or Doomsday need partners you can trust.

17. Use the Gun Van
It rotates daily and offers discounted prices on weapons, armor, and exclusive gear like the Railgun or Up-n-Atomizer. Use the Web.U map to find its location each day.

18. Buy Super Heavy Armor Only
Filling your inventory with light or standard armor is pointless. Always stock up on Super Heavy Armor, even if it’s more expensive.

19. Upgrade Nightclub Delivery Vehicles
If you own a Nightclub, upgrade the Speedo Custom or Pounder for better protection during sell missions. These are better than MC/Bunker delivery trucks, which are often unarmored.

Whether you're aiming for fast cash or just want to have fun in GTA Online without making beginner mistakes, these 19 tips are your foundation. Keep learning, stay consistent, and avoid the flashy distractions early on. With time, you’ll not only master the grind but also enjoy everything Los Santos has to offer.

Start smart. Grind smart. Play smart.