Jumping into GTA Online for the first time can feel overwhelming. With Los Santos brimming with chaos, aggressive players, and endless spending options, new players often wonder: What should I buy first? If you’re unsure how to build your criminal empire efficiently, this guide will walk you through the top 10 essential purchases for beginners—based on real gameplay experience and advice from veteran players.
1. Kick Off with the First Dose Missions and Unlock the Acid Lab
After joining GTA Online, you’ll receive a call from Ron that leads you to Ace Liquor in Sandy Shores. This starts the First Dose mission series. Completing these missions unlocks the Acid Lab, one of the best passive income businesses for new players. It’s a heavily armored RV that generates money while you explore Los Santos.
Once you install the acid lab equipment (which costs $750,000), the business starts producing automatically. Your assistant, Mutt, can handle resupply missions for you with just a phone call.
Pro tip: Completing all First and Last Dose missions earns you around $800,000—enough to cover the Acid Lab’s setup. Do 10 Fooligan jobs for Dax to unlock an equipment upgrade that boosts profits to over $100,000 per hour with bonuses.
2. Complete the Cluckin’ Bell Farm Raid for a Quick Payday
Before you start investing heavily in weapons and properties, take on the Cluckin’ Bell Farm Raid. It’s free, takes about an hour, and pays $500,000. This is an easy way to build up your early funds and kick-start your purchasing spree. U4gm is known for its cheap GTA modded accounts for sale, perfect for Xbox players looking to enhance their gaming experience.
3. Invest in Essential Weapons Early
Head to Ammu-Nation and buy the following must-have weapons:
- AP Pistol – Great for shooting while driving
- Special Carbine – Versatile and effective in most situations
- Combat MG – Ideal for crowd control
- Assault Shotgun – Perfect for close-range encounters
- Heavy Sniper – Dominates long-range combat
As you level up, expand your arsenal with a Homing Launcher, RPG, and sticky bombs. Also, keep a supply of heavy armor for tougher missions.
4. Claim Your Free Armored Vehicle: The Duke O’ Death
Instead of spending money on the Armored Kuruma, claim the Duke O’ Death for free from Warstock Cache & Carry. This vehicle is fast, heavily armored, and now includes missile lock-on jammer support. It’s an ideal early-game car for surviving in a hostile world.
5. Buy an Agency to Access Lucrative Contracts
The Agency is a great early business that unlocks VIP work, security contracts, and the Dr. Dre storyline, which pays $1.1 million. Choose the Little Seoul location for convenience. Upgrades like the armory and personal quarters are optional and can be added later.
6. Invest in a Bunker for Long-Term Profit
Bunkers generate solid passive income and unlock valuable weapon upgrades. For efficiency, choose a central location like Chumash or Farmhouse. Upgrade your equipment and staff early to maximize profits, and focus on manufacturing instead of research until you’re more established.
7. Buy a Motorcycle Clubhouse and Start Passive Businesses
Purchasing a Motorcycle Clubhouse lets you become an MC President, enabling you to run several MC businesses like Document Forgery, Weed, Meth, and Cocaine labs. Go for a central location like Vinewood or Hawick for ease of access to other properties and missions.
8. Get a High-End Apartment for Heists and Vehicle Storage
A high-end apartment is more than just a place to live—it unlocks the original heists, provides a personal spawn location, and gives you garage space for 10 vehicles. It's an affordable, practical upgrade that adds both utility and gameplay value.
9. Buy the Kosatka Submarine and Start the Cayo Perico Heist
The Kosatka submarine is your gateway to the Cayo Perico Heist, the most profitable solo heist in GTA Online. Though it costs $2.2 million, you’ll earn that back quickly with repeat runs. Once you’re earning steadily, consider upgrading to the Sparrow helicopter for faster prep missions and travel.
10. Pick Up the Salvage Yard for Easy Passive Income
The Salvage Yard offers quick tow truck jobs and weekly vehicle robberies. With staff upgrades, it earns up to $120,000 every 48 minutes in passive income. Occasionally, you can keep stolen high-end vehicles for free or score up to $400,000 from robbery missions. It’s low-maintenance and highly profitable.
Final Tips for New Players
- Start with the Acid Lab—it’s beginner-friendly and funds itself after completing the right missions.
- Prioritize businesses over flashy vehicles—income comes first, style later.
- Pick central locations for your properties to reduce travel time and mission hassle.
- Upgrade your businesses as your income increases.
- Customize your strategy—feel free to swap one of these choices for an Auto Shop, FIB business, or any feature that better suits your playstyle.
Starting in GTA Online doesn’t have to be chaotic. Stick to this roadmap, make smart investments, and you’ll be on your way to ruling Los Santos—earning millions, driving top-tier vehicles, and surviving anything the streets throw at you.
