Los Santos never sleeps, and neither does the player base of Grand Theft Auto V. More than ten years after launch, the game is still the most colorful crime sandbox on the market. Whether you want to blitz through Hollywood-style heists, collect rare cars, or build an empire in GTA Online, this guide will walk you through all the must-know steps.

Think of this course as your fast pass to the coolest parts of GTA V. We will cover hidden money tricks, combat shortcuts, vehicle tuning, and the newest Online businesses that actually pay. Ready to swap small-time chaos for next-level mastery? Let’s hit the freeway.

Setting Up for Success

Choosing Your Edition and Platform

GTA V now exists on three console generations plus PC. The Expanded & Enhanced release for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S delivers up to 60 FPS, ray tracing, and faster loading. If you value mods, the PC version is still king. Whichever platform you pick, be sure you have at least 100 GB free storage for the base game and updates.

Graphics and Control Tweaks

• Brightness: Raise it two notches to spot loot in night missions.
• Motion Blur: Switch off for cleaner driving lines.
• Targeting Mode: Pick “Assisted Aim – Partial” for smooth auto-lock without feeling on rails.
• First-Person Lens Distortion: Disable to avoid car sickness during long drives.

Controller users should increase Dead Zone to 0.10 so your aim sticks less on tiny stick movements. Mouse and keyboard players can set ADS sensitivity at 0.7 for balanced flick shots.

Story Mode Mastery

Meet the Three Heroes

Michael is the stealthy shooter, Franklin the wheelman, and Trevor the wildcard with the best melee damage. Switch characters often to keep their stats even and unlock unique side missions.

Earning Money Fast in Early Game

• Complete “The Jewel Store Job” using the Smart approach and select the cheapest gunman. He drops his take, giving you extra cash.
• Right after, invest all characters’ savings in Debonaire stocks before “The Vice Assassination.” Sell high, then buy Redwood for a second payout.
• Run the strangers and freaks mission “Grass Roots” with Franklin; it gives $100,000 for only two minutes of work.

Best Tools for Heists

Try the Heavy Pistol with Extended Clip and Suppressor for silent entrances. For getaway driving, Franklin’s special ability neutralizes traffic. Pair it with a fully upgraded Tailgater or Sultan RS to leave cops in the dust.

Open World Exploration

Hidden Collectibles to Grab First

• Letter Scraps: Collect 50 to unlock a bonus murder mystery and $250,000.
• Peyote Plants: Each plant lets you inhabit an animal; the shark peyote spawns a special submarine.
• Spaceship Parts: Finish all 50 parts as Franklin and receive the Jetpack-like Space Docker.

Activities that Boost Stats

Want a stronger Franklin? Spam wheelies on a motorbike to raise Driving quickly. Michael’s Lung Capacity grows fastest by scuba diving near Del Perro Pier. Trevor’s special meter recovers faster after 30 seconds of Rage kills; use Rampages to level that stat.

Vehicle Guide

Fast Cars You Can Steal

The Dewbauchee Massacro spawns at Vinewood Boulevard behind the Chinese theater. The Lampadati Felon GT can appear outside Rockford Plaza at night. Store them in any purchased garage before customizing to avoid losing them.

Customizing for Performance

• Engine and Transmission first: They give the highest speed gain.
• Turbo last: Worth it only after full engine upgrades.
• Armor: Skip if you prefer speedruns but crucial for Online freemode survival.

Lower the suspension only one level; full drop can make curbs your worst enemy.

Combat and Survival

Weapon Progression

The AP Pistol is the best all-round Sidearm because it fires full-auto inside vehicles. Buy the Carbine Rifle as soon as Ammu-Nation allows; it balances rate of fire and recoil. Later, swap to the Special Carbine MK II with Armor-Piercing rounds for five-star standoffs.

Staying Alive in Five-Star Chases

• Use alleyways with overhanging roofs to break helicopter line of sight.
• Switch to Franklin, activate slow-mo, then take freeway off-ramps for instant cop despawn points.
• If cornered, dive underwater at Del Perro Beach; cops rarely follow if you swim 100 m offshore.

Jumping into GTA Online

Creating a Character

Facial details matter less than Heritage stats. Pick parents with max Driving and Shooting so you skip early grinding. Set your starting lifestyle to “Street Artist” for an extra free Pistol ammo pack and 5 % bonus RP in Tuner races.

Your First Million in 10 Steps

1. Finish the Tutorial race and the first Gerald mission.
2. Claim the free Karin Sultan Classic (from the Weekly Event) if available.
3. Spin the Lucky Wheel at the Casino for potential car or cash.
4. Complete all Simeon Export Requests—each pays up to $20,000.
5. Run the Time Trial “Del Perro Pier” with a fast bike for $100,000.
6. Join Triple Money Adversary Mode playlists; focus on Target Assault.
7. Sell found cars like Gallivanter Baller LE every 48 minutes real time.
8. Do VIP Work “Headhunter” in invite-only sessions using a Buzzard from the CEO menu.
9. Finish the “Fleeca Job” Heist as a driver for $185,000 cut.
10. Buy the Kosatka submarine; launch Cayo Perico finales solo for $1+ m each.

Essential Businesses and Properties

After the submarine, purchase an Arcade near downtown for the Diamond Casino Heist. Next, a Small Auto Shop in Burton unlocks high-paying Contracts and Exotic Exports. Finally, invest in an Agency; its passive $20k every 48 min and Contract finales make it the steadiest income.

Role-Playing and Community Events

Popular Mods and Servers (PC)

FiveM adds custom RP servers with real-world jobs and no griefers. RageMP focuses on high-speed races. Always use a separate “mods” folder and disable them before launching standard Online to avoid bans.

Modding and Extra Content (PC Only)

Install OpenIV first; it manages archives safely. Add NaturalVision Evolved for stunning graphics, Simple Trainer for teleport practice, and LSPD FR if you want to flip sides and play as the law. Back up update.rpf before each install.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Selling your starter apartment too early: keep at least one 10-car garage for duping safety.
• Ignoring Insurance: Always insure rare cars at Los Santos Customs, or one rocket ruins your day.
• Buying the cheapest Bunker: It is too far north; pick Chumash for freeway access.
• Using Passive Mode in CEO Work: Some missions force it off; learn combat instead.

Conclusion: Your Shortcut to Legendary Status

GTA V rewards smart planning as much as wild action. Begin with solid graphics and control settings, push through Story Mode heists for seed money, then jump Online with a clear business path. Mix grinding (Cayo Perico, VIP Work) with fun (races, RP servers) to avoid burnout.

• Log in every Thursday; Rockstar refreshes bonuses then.
• Keep snacks and armor maxed via the Agency’s receptionist—it is the fastest refill.
• Every time you earn $500k, bank half and invest the rest in equipment upgrades.
• Remember: A well-placed sticky bomb saves more time than any lecture on driving lines.

Now fire up Los Santos and make the city your personal playground. See you at the top of Mount Chiliad!