Grand Theft Auto 5 Online is finally here. Just like the game’s one-player mode, there’s a bunch of stuff to do and a lot to absorb. Here, we give you 10 things to avoid at the beginning.
10.) Driving Like a Maniac
Sure, it’s a joy to drive fast and perform stunts. Doing so can increase your driving ability, but that’s not to say it doesn’t have some drawbacks. Driving like a lunatic can draw a lot of attention. You might get off on the wrong foot with other players and they may judge you for your driving methods (thus, losing your rep). It also makes cops very angry, and can create a huge distraction if you’re currently involved in an event. Vehicles lose value if you deliver them to Simeon in bad condition. Above all else, it can hurt your character and even worse, result in death. Death is the worst punishment because you’ll have to steal your car back (and deal with the police), or pay an $800-insurance fee to get it back each time. That is a lot of money to waste and will drain your account quickly. Unless there’s an emergency or you’re attempting to escape a situation, take your time and drive safe.
9.) Turning Your Back on Someone
Finding people you can trust is essential when playing GTA Online. It’s not smart to hang with the wrong people. Completing missions with others can win you decent cash and rank points, but players always have the option to rob each other before or after a job session ends. Either defend yourself immediately or get away in a vehicle pronto if they’re nearby. Additionally, keep an eye on cashiers when fleeing a store robbery – some carry a firearm.
8.) Playing Without a Headset
If you don’t have a headset for your console, we strongly recommend getting one. Besides a store robbery going more smoothly, communication is vital in GTA Online. You’ll want to make friends and chat together without the hassle of texting each other. Most importantly, many players tend to use their mics, so eavesdropping can give you an understanding of what’s happening in the session and help you figure out what other player’s intentions are.
7.) Pretending You Know Everything Right Away
As we stated above, you’ll want to take your best skills and use them in proper scenarios. That said, dig your teeth in multiple activities and try several match types, then get accustomed to them. If Team Deathmatch is your thing, give all the maps a try; this way you can familiarize yourself with the levels, locate special items and know what you’re getting into. That way, you’ll develop more confidence and bet some money on matches. Remember, practice makes perfect.
6.) Competing in Activities You’re Not Good at
Everyone has different tastes for activities and many of their skills are diverse. Are you good at driving? Participate in a race and make players eat your dust. Not too shabby at Tennis? Head to a tennis court and face off with another player. The sky is literally the limit in GTA Online; you have numerous activities you can partake in that can earn you cash and RP (rank points), or to boost up your skills. However, you may come up short with parachuting or flying. In this case, try not to involve yourself in a flying scenario or competitions. Invest your time with what you’re good at and you’ll rank up faster.
5.) Blowing Your Money on Unneeded Items
It’s important to spend your earnings on things you need first (check the What to Buy tips for more details). You’ll need to save a decent amount of money to be successful online, and wasting it on expensive clothes or outrageous cars is a big risk considering most things are open for other players to steal. Think of what you need – not what you want.
4.) Stealing a Car and Forgetting to Repaint
If you plan to keep a stolen vehicle, we recommend changing its paint color. Cops are smart in GTA Online and can smell a crook a mile away. Although police chases are inevitable, some missions require you to get a paint job at mod shops, and you’ll want to avoid cops at all costs when roaming the streets. The fee is usually small for a repaint. This will keep you off the radar.
3.) Wandering on Foot
Unless you’re trying to build stamina, traveling around Los Santos without a car is the least safe approach. You will be a sitting duck to other players; they can easily run you over or snipe you from the distance. Not only that, but it’s rather impossible to shake off the police with just your legs. If your personal car isn’t around, steal one.
2.) Pausing the Game – Enter Passive Mode Instead
Say you have to go to the bathroom while playing GTA Online. We don’t want you to hold it, but pausing the game doesn’t stop your online play. Players can still interact with you while you’re on the john, leaving you extremely vulnerable. Luckily, you have the option to enable Passive Mode for a $100 fee. Passive Mode prevents any physical damage to you while on foot. You must not be in a vehicle, as other players can damage both you and your car. This is also a good time to stash some dough on your phone or enjoy the map’s scenery. Be advised, though – you cannot fire weapons in this state.
1.) Carrying Large Amounts of Money
Earning money equals success in Grand Theft Auto Online. Players are hungry and greedy; many will attempt to kill you on first sight and take your hard-earned cash. As soon as you make some bucks from a job or mission, isolate yourself from other players, make sure the coast is clear, then whip-out your phone and select the “Money and Services” tab. From there, you can access your bank account under the Maze Bank app and secure (or withdraw) your earnings.
For more life-saving tips, check out Prima’s free GTA 5 guide.
Published: Oct 7, 2013 08:40 pm