How to Access GTA Online: Beginner Guide (2024)

Here's how to connect to GTA 5 Online, and a few beginner tips to help get you started.

How to Access GTA Online: Beginner Guide (2024)
Rockstar Games

GTA Online launched way back in October 2013 and, since then, has continued to flourish with an average monthly player count of 100,000, a testament to the immense content support the game continues to receive. This article is here to help get you started in Grand Theft Auto Online, from getting connected to how to gain Reputation Points (and level up) to important icons on your map. Let's begin!

How to Access GTA 5 Online:

First, here's how to actually connect to GTA Online.

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Rockstar Games

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You will not be able to connect to GTA Online multiplayer until you have completed the story prologue of the base game. You will then view a cutscene of Michael DeSanta undergoing a home therapy session, before gaining control of Franklin Clinton. As soon as you have control of Franklin's character, GTA Online is playable.

You can access GTA Online mode by opening your menu and switching, or by selecting 'Online' on the main menu after launching the game.

GTA Online Beginner Tutorial:

Once you are connected to GTA Online, take some time to create your character.

Grand Theft Auto V Online - Character Creation - YouTube
Rockstar Games

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We would highly recommend that you then play through the GTA Online tutorial to get a grasp of the basics, those being car theft, robberies, handling job assignments and more under the guidance of your first contact, Lamar Davis.

How to Level Up in GTA Online:

Leveling up in GTA Online unlocks tons of new content, from weapons and gun upgrades to new locations like the shooting range, and new vehicle customization parts like suspension, exhausts, and hoods.

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Rockstar Games

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You level up in GTA Online by gaining Reputation Points, and you can earn these by doing pretty much anything, such as:

  • Completing jobs
  • Completing Heists
  • Killing other players (only doable if you are playing in the default PvPvE mode)
  • Evading the police
  • Stealing cars

Your map will give you a ton of icons that are well worth learning, and that will help to guide your first few days in GTA Online. Pick up missions from Lamar (LD on the map), visit the Rockstar Games icons for an ever-changing batch of activities, or a store to stock up on supplies of snacks.

That's how to get started in GTA Online within just a few minutes, and without bogging you down with a ton of finer details. Have fun exploring San Andreas!

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