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5 things to do first in Los Santos as a GTA Online beginner

As a GTA Online beginner in 2024, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of content that the game offers. Entering the online multiplayer mode and reaching Los Santos for the first time is confusing as most new players don't know what to do once the cutscenes are over and the game asks you to start moving around.

This is completely natural and almost everybody goes through this stage when starting the game. This article will provide you with some tips and guide you on what to do if you're new to the game.

Note: Some of the information in the article is subjective and based on the writer's opinion.


5 things every GTA Online beginner should do as they reach Los Santos

1) Drive around and familiarize yourself with the surroundings

Driving around will let you know more about the map (Image via Rockstar Games)
Driving around will let you know more about the map (Image via Rockstar Games)

As a GTA Online beginner, the first thing you must do when arriving in Los Santos is to take your vehicle and drive around the city. The large map can be very overwhelming and you must be aware of all the highways and important shortcuts.

While you will get used to the roads and important paths eventually, taking a casual drive occasionally at the beginning lets you familiarize yourself with the map. This will save you a lot of time and trouble when running away from cops or completing GTA Online business missions.


2) Purchase a garage

Purchasing a garage lets you store your vehicles safely (Image via Rockstar Games)
Purchasing a garage lets you store your vehicles safely (Image via Rockstar Games)

The biggest mistake a GTA Online beginner makes is spending their money on the wrong items. While purchasing a business or an apartment is crucial, the first thing you must get is a garage. This is where you can store all your vehicles.

So, use your money wisely and purchase a garage as soon as you enter the game. It is a long-term investment that will always come in handy since you will be purchasing a lot of cars in GTA Online and need a place to store them safely.


3) Visit Los Santos International Airport and try the Flight School

Flight School will teach you the basics of flying and handling an aircraft (Image via Rockstar Games)
Flight School will teach you the basics of flying and handling an aircraft (Image via Rockstar Games)

Apart from cars and motorcycles in GTA Online, aircrafts play a crucial role, especially if you wish to survive in the public lobbies. The Flight School is one of the first things every GTA Online beginner should try out to learn the basics of flying and get used to the controls.

This will come in handy since the game has numerous missions where you must masterfully control an aerial vehicle. Learning the controls and getting used to them from the get-go will be very handy, allowing you to perform well and leaving no room for error as a GTA Online beginner.


4) Complete the onboarding missions

Complete the onboarding missions to earn some cash and learn more about the game (Image via Rockstar Games)
Complete the onboarding missions to earn some cash and learn more about the game (Image via Rockstar Games)

Every GTA Online beginner will come across Lamar as soon as they start the game. He will introduce you to a couple of other characters and will have some missions for you. Make sure to complete them as these missions help you learn more about the game and know important features.

They also prepare you for the future by giving you decent cash that can be used for purchasing properties and vehicles. You must also utilize the GTA Online weekly update rotations to look for missions that offer bonus money to stack some cash and invest it in a business.


5) Purchase a business and set it up

You should invest in a business to further increase your revenue in the game (Image via Rockstar Games)
You should invest in a business to further increase your revenue in the game (Image via Rockstar Games)

As a GTA Online beginner, you will start the game with some good cash thanks to Rockstar Games's offers. Instead of spending that money on cars and aircraft, we highly recommend purchasing a business in the game. Not only will this future-proof your gameplay but also start a steady stream of revenue.

With the latest updates, the game now has multiple businesses that you can pick from, including Nightclubs and Bottom Dollar Bounties. You can start with either and complete the setup missions to get things running. These missions are usually fun and don't take too long to complete.

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