GTA Online: what to buy first (beginner guide)

GTA Online is full of things to buy, and it's easy to waste your first cash. Golden rule: income before luxury. Here's the smart order.

The rule: earners first

Don't spend your first millions on cars or gadgets. Buy an income source first, it's what funds everything else, fast and stress-free.

1. Your first earner: Kosatka or Acid Lab

• Kosatka (submarine) → unlocks the Cayo Perico Heist, the game's best solo earner (over a million $ per run). See our Cayo Perico guide.
• Acid Lab → cheaper, mobile, excellent time-to-payout: perfect if your budget is tight to start.

2. Passive income: the Nightclub

Once you have a few millions, the Nightclub generates background income while you do other things. The foundation of an economy that "runs itself." Details in our businesses ranking.

3. For variety: Agency, Auto Shop, Bunker

• Agency → Payphone Hits + the Dr. Dre contract.
• Auto Shop → deliveries + the Union Depository contract.
• Bunker → a big weapons stock to sell.

They add variety once your cash machine is running.

What to avoid buying too early

• Luxury / super cars: zero income.
• Gadgets and expensive weapons before you have a business.
• Any "fun" purchase until your income source is set up.

For the full starting plan, see our getting started in GTA Online and how to make money.

FAQ

What should you buy first?

An income source: the Kosatka (Cayo Perico) or an Acid Lab. The rest comes after.

Should you buy an expensive car to start?

No, luxury earns nothing. Invest first in what generates money.