Starting out in GTA Online today can feel overwhelming, especially when the game has expanded so much that new players often don’t know where to begin. With countless businesses and missions available, it’s easy to make poor choices that cost both time and money. Avoiding beginner mistakes is the fastest way to build a strong foundation in Los Santos.
Here are most of them!
#1 Skipping the Wrong Steps
One of the first errors beginners make is sticking with the slow tutorial path for too long. It feels safe, but it wastes valuable time. Instead, focus on choosing a strong career path early. CEO work and motorcycle club operations are smart investments that pay off in the long run. These systems give you structure and help you earn while learning.
#2 Buying Flashy Cars Too Soon
It’s tempting to grab a sports car the moment you earn some cash. However, that’s a mistake. Expensive cars drain your balance without offering practical benefits in missions. Instead, get the free Elegy for racing and save up for an Armored Kuruma. The Kuruma makes missions easier because it protects you from gunfire. Treat it as your workhorse vehicle until you can afford better.
#3 Ignoring Passive Income
Another common mistake is relying only on active jobs for money. New players often grind contact missions and races without thinking about long-term income. Businesses like Nightclubs, Biker labs, and CEO import/export generate steady cash in the background. Investing early into passive income prevents the frustration of endless grinding later.
#4 Neglecting Contact Missions
Heists and large-scale jobs are attractive, but beginners shouldn’t skip the smaller content. Contact missions pay well, scale with your level, and teach valuable mechanics. They’re also safer to complete solo or with randoms. By mastering these missions, you’ll gain experience without constant frustration.
#5 Forgetting to Protect Money
Many beginners carry cash after missions instead of depositing it through their phone. That leaves them vulnerable to losing everything after a random player kills them. Always use Maze Bank via your in-game phone to store money. It takes seconds and keeps your hard work safe.
#6 Joining Chaos Too Early
Public lobbies are chaotic. New players often jump into them without preparation and become easy targets. The smarter approach is to use invite-only sessions when learning the basics. Once you have solid vehicles, weapons, and armor, then you can explore public lobbies with confidence.
#7 Wasting Money on Properties
Buying too many properties early is another trap. Apartments, offices, and clubhouses all cost upkeep. If you buy them too quickly, daily fees will drain your wallet. Start with one affordable apartment that includes a garage. Then save for an office or nightclub once you’ve built some cash flow.
#8 Ignoring RP Progression
Money isn’t everything. Reputation Points (RP) unlock key weapons and gear that money alone can’t buy. A heavy sniper or homing launcher only becomes available once you reach certain ranks. New players often overlook RP and focus solely on cash. Balance both so you’re always ready for tougher content.
#9 Forgetting Daily Rewards
Small rewards stack up quickly. Casino wheel spins, daily objectives, and event challenges often go ignored by beginners. Completing these consistently gives steady cash, RP, and even free cars. They may not feel important at first, but over time they provide a huge boost.
#10 Overlooking Free Content
Rockstar has added years of free DLC, and much of it offers rewards for completing simple tasks. Treasure hunts, collectible challenges, and survival missions all give unique items and money. Beginners who ignore these lose out on free weapons, cash, and cosmetics. Take advantage of them as early as possible.
#11 The Influence of Past Trends
For years, shortcuts have shaped the way players approach GTA Online. Many newcomers now look at options like GTA 5 modded accounts PS5 as proof that skipping grind-heavy systems has long been part of the game’s culture. While some prefer the full grind, the demand for fast progression reflects how massive GTA Online has become. The lesson for beginners is clear, time matters more than anything else in Los Santos.
#12 Rushing Into Heists
Heists are iconic, but they aren’t beginner-friendly. Players who rush into them without preparation often fail repeatedly. Heists require good weapons, strong vehicles, and some coordination. Beginners should wait until they’ve built up their arsenal and practiced mechanics through smaller missions before committing to big jobs.
#13 Ignoring Resources
Many new players try to figure everything out alone. That leads to wasted time and poor investments. Instead, look at guides, videos, and community advice. The player base has already figured out the most efficient ways to earn, spend, and progress. Using that knowledge saves months of trial and error.
#14 Burning Out Early
Perhaps the biggest mistake beginners make is burning out. GTA Online is a marathon, not a sprint. Buying everything too quickly or chasing unrealistic goals leads to frustration. The game is designed to be played in stages, unlocking content over time. Focus on steady growth instead of rushing. For best GTA 5 in-game items like modded accounts, cars, outfits, cash and rank, you should visit DamnModz because there you can find everything for your GTA 5 needs. You can get GTA 5 modded items on all platforms including PC, Xbox, and PS.
Final Thoughts
GTA Online in 2025 is more complex than ever, but beginners don’t have to feel lost. By avoiding common mistakes, like wasting money on flashy cars or joining chaotic lobbies too early, you’ll build a strong foundation. With patience and strategy, even new players can rise quickly without falling into the traps that frustrate so many.
Rick Heicksen is the Vice President of Sales at Chetu, Inc., a renowned global software development company. He manages accounts in multiple sectors, including Food & Beverage, Agriculture, Transportation, Energy, and IT Service Management. With his expertise in business development and exceptional customer service, Rick has helped many clients grow their businesses. Rick is known for his versatility and ability to keep pace with technological advancements, which has significantly influenced his success at Chetu. He earned his degree from Chapparal Community College and is passionate about staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends. Since joining Chetu in 2019, he has risen quickly and established himself as a thought leader within the Food and Beverage community, helping the company grow into an award-winning organization.
