GTA V Master Guide: Survive, Thrive and Rule Los Santos

Imagine diving into a world where you can drive supercars, pull off wild heists, and explore a huge city full of action. This is what Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) promises, and it keeps its promise every time you play! More than ten years since release, GTA V stays one of the most loved games in the world. With its massive open world, three unique main characters, and endless possibilities, it’s always fresh and exciting.

If you want to dominate Los Santos, master missions, or just have fun messing around, this guide will give you the must-know GTA V tips and tricks. Short on time? Looking for secrets? Or just want to become the richest player? Get ready—we've got you covered!

Main Guide: Mastering GTA V from the Ground Up

Getting Started: Controls, Settings, and Basics

Before you take over the city, get comfortable with the basics!

• Adjust your settings: Go to the options menu. Set your preferred camera perspective (first-person or third-person), and tweak sensitivity and subtitles to fit your playstyle.
• Know the map: Los Santos is huge. Bookmark important places: Ammu-Nation (weapons), clothing stores, Los Santos Customs (car upgrades), and safehouses.
• Character switching: Use the character wheel to play as Franklin, Michael, or Trevor. Each has unique skills—Franklin drives, Michael shoots, Trevor goes wild!

Essential Tips for New Players

• Save often. Use both autosave and manual save before risky missions.
• Don’t rush the story. Explore, do side missions, and enjoy the city. There’s loads to do!
• Pick up money and ammo from every enemy. Never let loot go to waste.
• Check your phone for missions, emails, and funny texts. Some side quests only appear this way.

Money: How to Get Rich Quick

Money rules in Los Santos! Here are the best ways to earn fast cash:

• Heists: Big jobs like ‘The Jewel Store Job’ or ‘The Big Score’ pay well. Plan, recruit the right team, and follow strategies for best results.
• Stock market: After Lester’s assassination missions, invest in stocks. Buy before the hit, sell after the price spikes!
• Random events: Help (or rob) strangers you find with blue dots. Many pay big rewards.
• Rob stores: Point a gun at any store clerk, collect the cash—escape before the police come!
• Explore the ocean: Use scuba gear to find hidden briefcases with money.

The Best Vehicles and Customization

• Early game cars: Franklin’s Bravado Buffalo or Michael’s Obey Tailgater are good for starters.
• Supercars: Save up for the Pegassi Zentorno, Truffade Adder, or Entity XF for the best blend of speed and control. Steal them or buy when you are rich!
• Customization: Go to Los Santos Customs. Upgrade armor, engine, and bulletproof tires. Unique paint jobs make your car stand out.
• Choppers and planes: Visit the airport or helipads for faster travel and escape option.

Missions: How to Beat the Toughest Challenges

• Use cover: Always take cover before shooting. Use walls, cars, or crates for protection.
• Upgrade weapons: Add suppressors for stealth, extended mags for longer fights, and scopes for accuracy.
• Replay missions: Try again for gold medals. Use mission select in the pause menu to redo any story mission for better rewards.
• Side quests: Strangers and Freaks missions are fun and often reward you with unique vehicles and weapons.

Best Weapons and How to Get Them

• Pistol: Basic but reliable. Keep it close for emergencies.
• Carbine Rifle/Assault Rifle: Excellent for open combat. Buy attachments whenever possible.
• Sniper Rifle: Perfect for stealthy takedowns. Use in heists and to clear guarded areas from a distance.
• Sticky Bombs: Use them for car chase ambushes or to kick up tough targets.
• Melee: Baseball bat or knife can be handy for silent attacks. Don't forget them!

Police, Wanted Levels, and How to Escape Fast

• Lose wanted stars by: Hiding in alleys, changing cars, or using spray paint shops (Los Santos Customs).
• Watch the minimap: Police have a cone of vision. Avoid it till your wanted level drops.
• Helicopters: Get indoors or under bridges to avoid detection from above.
• Cheat codes: Use them for fun! Try “L1, L1, Circle, R2, Left, Right, Left, Right, L1, L1, L1” on PlayStation for invincibility (offline only)! **Don’t use cheats during missions if you want achievements.**

GTA Online: Starting and Succeeding

• Create your character: Spend time on customization, appearance, and stats.
• First jobs: Complete races and contact missions to earn quick cash and level up.
• Buy properties: After earning enough, buy an apartment with a garage. It’s safe and lets you start heists with other players.
• Save for vehicles: Start with a good car and maybe a bike. Avoid wasting money on weapons early on—upgrade later.
• Join a crew: Play with friends or join public crews for special bonuses, new friends, and teamwork!

Secret Locations, Easter Eggs, and Fun Stuff

• UFOs: Find strange saucers at Mount Chiliad, Fort Zancudo, and Sandy Shores (after 100% completion).
• Ghost: Visit Mount Gordo at midnight for a spooky spirit sighting!
• Hidden weapons: Explore the city and countryside—many rare weapons are hidden in odd places.
• Underwater mysteries: Dive around Paleto Bay and Vespucci Beach to uncover shipwrecks, crashed planes, and treasure.

Conclusion: Become a GTA V Legend

GTA V is more than just a game—it’s your action movie playground. Learn the map, master heists, and collect the best cars. Try everything: side quests, deep-sea diving, high-speed chases, and online adventures. Remember, the game is even better with friends!

Final tips: Save often, don’t be afraid to experiment, and if you get stuck, there are always new things to do. Don’t forget to have fun—after all, that’s what GTA V is all about. See you in Los Santos!