While the single-player mode for GTA 5 has mostly received nothing but praise over the years, the Online mode has had its fair share of criticisms directed towards it. Regardless of the credibility of these criticisms, one thing cannot be denied, Rockstar is very good at implementing exotic, and often outlandish, yet fun-to-use vehicles, giving us a fascinating collection for GTA Online.
This article will not necessarily focus on the most expensive purchases a player can make, but rather on the ones that they would get the most value out of. While it would be nice to simply focus on the flashiest, or perhaps the fastest and most easily controlled cars, the GTA Online world can be quite hostile, especially at the late stage of its lifespan where most players are experienced.
Must-Have Vehicles in GTA Online
In GTA Online, the most valuable vehicles aren’t always the most expensive. Instead, they’re the ones that provide the best combination of speed, protection, and special abilities. Here are some standout examples:
1. Oppressor Mk II
Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire. This flying motorcycle is arguably the most versatile vehicle in the game. Its ability to fly, hover, and fire missiles makes it invaluable for both missions and free-mode activities. While extremely annoying to deal with when it is used against you, it’s undeniably useful for quick traversal and self-defense.
2. Armored Kuruma
This heavily armored sports car offers nearly impenetrable protection from gunfire while maintaining good speed and handling. It’s excellent for missions and heists where you need to stay mobile while under fire. You get to practically ignore the shooting mechanics from the enemies, and breeze through even the most difficult of challenges.
3. Nightshark
A fast, heavily armored SUV that can withstand multiple explosive hits. It’s perfect for navigating the dangerous streets of Los Santos when other players are on the warpath, and when you do not feel like being in passive mode.
4. Itali GTO Stinger
Inspired by the top Ferrari models, it is a must to include at least one normal, traditional supercar. This one makes the cut due to being the fastest on-land vehicle in the game, being one of a kind. There is a high-risk, high-reward element inherently attached to it though, as with any fast vehicle, one mistake means a death and a retry.
5. Akula
A stealth helicopter that can go off the radar at will, making it ideal for sneak attacks or evading hostile players. It is a nice piece of utility, especially compared to most entries due to giving the players the ability to access the skies and do it under cover.
Acquiring Funds in GTA Online
Of course, these high-value vehicles come with equally high price tags. GTA Online offers various methods for players to earn the necessary funds, some more efficient than others.
Heists remain one of the most lucrative activities in the game. The Diamond Casino Heist, for example, is one of the most lucrative and popular ones. It was introduced in the Diamond Resort Casino update, offering potentially massive payouts, especially when playing with a skilled team.
This casino update provides a unique casino system, in the absence of actual missions, making it a part of the overall map. With the heist, players can rob the casino for potentially massive payouts while engaging in games that resemble online casino real money. From slot machines to roulette, these games enable players to earn and spend in-game currencies, just like at a real-world casino. The Diamond Casino itself represents a vibrant aspect of the GTA world, offering fascinating real-money casino experience within the game.
Interestingly, once you get to a sufficient financial state at a casino, you can even start thinking about owning the said casino business, which would ironically completely shift your previous role of a robber to a high-value individual trying to grow the brand.
Speaking of businesses though, there are more from various updates, such as the Motorcycle Club, Gunrunning, and Nightclub DLCs, which provide passive income streams that can accumulate substantial wealth over time. The Arcade from the Casino Heist update also generates a steady passive income.
For solo players, VIP/CEO Work and Client Jobs (launched from the Terrorbyte) offer quick, repeatable missions with decent payouts. When combined with the passive income from businesses, these can form a reliable money-making routine.
It is worth noting that Rockstar offers an alternative to grinding for cash: Shark Cards. These microtransactions allow players to purchase in-game money with real-world currency. While this can be a quick way to afford desired items, many players and critics have voiced concerns about the balance between grind and microtransactions in GTA Online.
The high prices of many vehicles and properties and the time investment required to earn them through gameplay can push some players toward purchasing Shark Cards. This model has been criticized for potentially creating a pay-to-win environment and for making the game feel gritty for those who choose not to spend additional money.
Conclusion
While supercars have their place, initially players should invest in versatile, high-utility vehicles that can withstand the chaos of the online environment. After you acquire the necessities, of course, you can purchase anything you want.
Earning the funds for these vehicles can be a challenge, but with strategic use of heists, businesses, and repeatable missions, players can amass significant wealth. While microtransactions offer a shortcut, many players prefer the satisfaction of earning their prizes through gameplay.
