If you’re new to GTA Online, or just coming back ahead of the GTA 6 release date, you might want to know the best first purchases. Joining, or rejoining, the game can feel a bit overwhelming due to its size and the number of regular updates GTA Online has had since its release in 2013. While it might be tempting to fill a garage with supercars, there are several purchases you should focus on that might help to increase your GTA$ rather than drain it.
After you’ve read through our GTA Online beginner tips, you’ll want to check out our breakdown of the best early purchases, what they do, how much they cost, and where to buy them.
Armored Kuruma
- Price: $698,250
- Where to buy: Southern San Andreas Super Autos
This heavily-armored sports car adds an additional layer of protection against incoming gunfire, making it an effective PvE mission vehicle. Difficult early missions will become safer as a result of the armored protection, and it can absorb most incoming NPC fire thanks to the roof and cabin bulletproof panels. It has bulletproof windows and protective frames over the lights for additional protection.
Acid Lab
- Price: $750,000
- Where to buy: Freakshop
The Acid Lab is actually an upgrade for the 6×6 Brickade. To get the Brickade, you’ll need to complete the First Dose missions, and then it’s unlocked for free. If you don’t want to do that, you can purchase the Brickade for $1,450,000 from Warstock Cache and Carry. Then, use the Freakshop interaction area to purchase the Acid Lab upgrade for $750,000. This mobile drug production business will generate passive income, making it one of the best early purchases if you’re looking to make money fast.
The Agency
- Price: $2-2.8 million, depending on location
- Where to buy: Dynasty 8 Executive
The Agency is a high-end property that unlocks multiple missions. You can purchase only one from a selection of available agency locations, with optional extras such as an armory, vehicle workshop, and accommodation. After purchase, it is the central hub of the F. Clinton and Partner business. If you’ve played the main GTA 5 story, you’ll recognize F. Clinton as Franklin. The Agency will unlock multiple jobs from Franklin’s clients, which scale as you complete more of them. The top earner, though, is the Dr. Dre VIP Contract, which rewards $1 million upon completion and comes with a ton of story content.
Nagasaki Buzzard Attack Chopper
- Price: $1,750,000
- Where to buy: Warstock Cache and Carry
While the Buzzard reduces travel time between GTA Online locations, it can also be used for combat thanks to its minigun and missiles. If you own a CEO office, you can spawn it instantly from the CEO menu after purchasing it. You can also spot the Buzzard being flown by Jason Duval through the Grassrivers in the second GTA 6 trailer, so it’ll continue to be relevant way into the future. This time around, it has a side-mounted gun, so we may see updates to it in GTA Online soon.
CEO Office
- Price: $1 million and over
- Where to buy: Dynasty 8 Executive
You’ll be able to buy one office location from a selection via Dynasty 8 Executive, with optional extras including gun lockers, safes, or accommodation. You can customize your interior, too. But the reason it’s one of our recommended early-game purchases is the unlocks it comes with. You’ll get access to the Volatus CEO vehicle, and you can start an organization. You can also access special cargo, vehicle cargo, and special vehicle work via the office PC. If you have the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack, the Maze Bank West office is completely free. The most expensive office is Maze Bank Tower at $4 million, but your most affordable entry route is paying $1 million for Maze Bank West (if you don’t have the Criminal Enterprise pack).
Special Carbine
- Price: $14,750
- Where to buy: Ammu-Nation
The Special Carbine rifle is a highly reliable assault rifle that performs well in most combat scenarios. You’ll be getting into a lot of these, so you’ll need a go-to weapon to take with you on missions, heists, and in general PvP combat. It’s got a great balance of damage and accuracy, and it’s pretty affordable. Grab it as soon as you can.
AP Pistol
- Price: $5,000
- Where to buy: Ammu-Nation
You’ll find yourself in need of a fast-firing pistol for shooting while driving, or drive-by missions. Its name is short for Armor-Piercing Pistol, and it does what it says on the tin. Grab the AP Pistol early on from any Ammu-Nation store.
Snacks and Armor
- Price: Free to low cost for snacks, $500 to $5,000 for armor
- Where to buy: Convenience stores, Ammu-Nation
These consumable items are used for protection during combat. Snacks act as a health pack, instantly restoring HP in tight situations. Armor protects against receiving that damage in the first place, often saving missions from failure.
