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+--- Thread: GTA Online in 2026: beginner's guide — what to actually do first (/thread-9.html)
GTA Online in 2026: beginner's guide — what to actually do first - ice - 07-05-2026
Starting GTA Online in 2026 is intimidating — a decade of content gets dumped on you at once. Here's the path that skips the suffering:
First session
- Do the intro/tutorial missions until the game sets you loose
- Play a few of Lamar's missions and early contact missions for starter cash
- Don't buy ANY vehicle yet. Your starter cash matters more elsewhere.
First real goal: a Kosatka submarine (~$2.2M)
That unlocks the Cayo Perico heist, which is how solo players actually make money (separate thread in this section). Yes, it feels far away at first. Contact missions + any weekly 2x event will get you there faster than you think. If GTA+ or a career builder bonus is available on your platform, that shortcuts it massively.
Things veterans wish they knew:
- Play in an Invite Only session while grinding — griefers can't touch you there, and almost everything works in solo lobbies now
- Never buy shark cards out of frustration; buy setup-unlocking properties in the right order instead (Kosatka → Agency → Nightclub)
- The Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack (often bundled/free) gives a decent property head start if you have it
- Armor and snacks are in the Interaction Menu. Use them. Everyone forgets.
It's honestly a good time to start — the player base is warming up again ahead of GTA 6, and lobbies are lively.