GTA 5 Tips & Tricks
Essential guide for beginners and returning players
Last updated: January 2026
Whether you are new to GTA 5 or returning after a break, the game has grown massively since 2013. With hundreds of updates to GTA Online, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This guide covers essential tips to help you succeed in both Story Mode and Online.
Getting Started Tips
Complete the Tutorial Properly
Do not skip the tutorial missions. They teach essential mechanics and give you starting money and RP. The early missions also unlock access to key features like the phone and weapon wheel.
Get the Free Elegy RH8
Link your Social Club account and get the Elegy RH8 for free from Legendary Motorsport. It is one of the best free cars in the game and competes with much more expensive vehicles.
Do Not Buy Cars Early
Steal vehicles instead of buying them. Save your money for weapons, armor, and properties that generate income. Buying expensive cars early is a waste of money.
Use Invite-Only Lobbies
Public lobbies are full of griefers who will destroy your cargo. Use invite-only sessions for business missions and selling. You can run most activities in private lobbies now.
Buy an Armored Kuruma
The Armored Kuruma is one of the best early purchases. It protects you from NPC gunfire during missions and costs around $525,000. Essential for heist setups.
Stock Up on Snacks and Armor
Visit convenience stores to buy snacks (free healing) and Ammu-Nation for armor. You can eat snacks from the inventory menu while in cover without any animation.
Combat Tips
Use Cover Effectively
Always fight from cover. Press the cover button near walls, cars, or objects. You can blind fire or aim over cover. Moving between cover is essential for survival.
Headshots Are Key
Aim for the head whenever possible. Headshots deal significantly more damage and can one-shot most NPCs. Practice your aim in story mode before going online.
Roll to Dodge
While aiming, you can press the jump button to roll. This dodges incoming fire and can save your life in PvP situations. Time your rolls during enemy fire.
Upgrade to Mk II Weapons
Mk II weapons have better stats and special ammo types. Explosive rounds, incendiary rounds, and hollow points give significant advantages in combat.
Use the Up-n-Atomizer
This special weapon has infinite ammo and can push vehicles, knock down enemies, and unstick your car when stuck. Essential utility weapon.
Know When to Run
Sometimes retreating is the best option. If you are outnumbered or outgunned, escape in a fast vehicle and regroup. Living is more important than pride.
Driving Tips
Master the Handbrake
Use the handbrake (spacebar on PC, RB/R1 on controllers) for sharp turns. Tap it briefly to drift around corners without losing too much speed.
First Person Driving
First person view gives better visibility and control for precise driving. Use it for races or when you need accurate steering.
Motorcycles Are Faster
Bikes are often the fastest way to get around due to their ability to weave through traffic. The Bati 801 is a great affordable option.
Use Franklin's Ability
In story mode, Franklin's special ability slows time while driving. Use it for tight turns, escapes, or difficult maneuvers.
Avoid Water in Cars
Most cars will flood and sink if driven into deep water. Only specific vehicles can handle water. Always watch for rivers and the ocean.
Upgrade Your Personal Vehicle
Full upgrades (engine, transmission, turbo) make a huge difference. A fully upgraded mid-tier car can beat a stock supercar.
GTA Online Tips
Join a Crew
Crews provide RP bonuses, backup in fights, and access to crew challenges. Look for active crews that match your playstyle.
Do Weekly Events
Rockstar offers double or triple money and RP on rotating activities. Check the newswire or loading screens for current bonuses.
Complete Daily Objectives
Daily objectives provide consistent income and RP. Completing all three gives bonuses, and streaks provide even larger rewards.
Use Passive Mode When Needed
If you just want to explore or are being griefed, enable passive mode. You cannot attack or be attacked by other players.
Spin the Casino Wheel Daily
The Lucky Wheel at the Diamond Casino gives free rewards daily. You can win cash, RP, clothing, and even the podium vehicle.
Get a CEO Office Early
The CEO Office unlocks many money-making opportunities. Buy the cheapest one ($1 million) and start VIP Work missions immediately.
Pro Tips
- •Quick GPS: Double-tap the map button to set a waypoint to your current objective. No need to manually place waypoints for missions.
- •Spawn Buzzard as CEO: As a CEO, you can spawn a Buzzard helicopter for free through the SecuroServ menu. Best free transportation in the game.
- •Call Lester to Remove Wanted: Lester can remove your wanted level for a fee. Call him when you need to quickly lose the police during missions.
- •Register as MC Then CEO: Register as MC President first to access the Oppressor Mk II menu, then switch to CEO. You keep access to both vehicle menus.
- •Easy RP: Flight School: The Flight School at the airport gives excellent RP for completion. Gold medals provide bonus RP and teach you to fly.
- •Bank Your Cash: Use the Maze Bank app on your phone to deposit cash. Players can steal cash you carry when they kill you, but banked money is safe.
Quick Reference: Essential Purchases
| Priority | Item | Price | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CEO Office | $1,000,000 | Unlocks VIP Work, free Buzzard spawn |
| 2 | Armored Kuruma | $525,000 | Protection during missions |
| 3 | Buzzard Attack Helicopter | $1,750,000 | Fast travel, can spawn as CEO |
| 4 | Kosatka Submarine | $2,200,000 | Cayo Perico Heist (best money) |
| 5 | Sparrow Helicopter | $1,815,000 | Spawns at Kosatka, speeds up heist |