Beginner Tips for Los Santos
Grand Theft Auto V is huge, and the first few hours can feel overwhelming. Three protagonists, a giant map, dozens of systems and a story that keeps throwing new ideas at you. The good news is that a few simple habits make everything smoother. These tips are aimed at players starting their first run, but even veterans might pick up something new.
- Save often and use more than one save slot
- Switch characters regularly to keep all skills growing
- Use each character for what he does best
- Train weak skills at Flight School and the shooting range
- Don’t rush the side content; much of it unlocks later
1. Save Often, and Not in One Slot
You can save by sleeping in a safehouse bed or through quick save on your phone. Use several slots. A second save protects you from losing progress, and it is essential for things like stock market plays and the final story choice.
2. Switch Characters Regularly
Skills only improve for the character you are playing. If you play as Franklin for ten hours straight, Michael and Trevor will stay where they started. Switching often keeps all three capable and also reveals fun little scenes, since the characters carry on with their lives while you are away.
3. Match the Job to the Character
Best for driving: chases, races and getaways.
Best for shooting: his bullet time wins firefights.
Best for flying and surviving: rage mode turns fights around.
When you can choose who handles a task, pick the one whose skills and special ability fit it.
4. Use Special Abilities at the Right Time
The yellow bar under the minimap shows how much special ability you have. It refills through play, so don’t be afraid to use it, but try to save a full bar for the toughest moments of a mission. A well-timed slow-motion moment can save you from restarting a whole sequence.
5. Train Skills on Purpose
Low skills make some tasks harder than they need to be. A few Flight School lessons make flying much easier for Michael and Franklin, the shooting range improves accuracy, and sports like tennis raise strength. Stamina grows from running, swimming and cycling, so a quick bike ride is never wasted.
6. Learn to Lose the Police
The police in this game search based on what they can see. Breaking line of sight, waiting for the stars to flash and leaving the searched area is the reliable way to escape. Our guide Escaping the Wanted Level covers this in detail.
7. Look After Your Car
Los Santos Customs lets you repair and upgrade vehicles, and upgrades like better brakes, engine tuning and armor make a big difference in chases. Personal vehicles you modify are worth keeping safe; park them in a garage at your safehouse.
8. Don’t Spend All Your Money Early
Money is tight at the start, and the biggest earning opportunities come later. Prioritize armor, weapons and essential upgrades. Expensive properties and supercars can wait. Keep a healthy balance going into the late story so you can invest it.
9. Check Mission Objectives
Missions have optional objectives that determine your medal. You don’t need to chase them on the first run, but glancing at them can teach you a better way to play a mission. You can replay missions later for gold.
10. Explore Between Missions
Some of the best content is hidden off the main path. Random events appear as blue markers, Strangers and Freaks show up as question marks, and the countryside of Blaine County is full of surprises. Taking a detour every now and then makes the world feel alive.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cheats when you want achievements; they disable them for the session
- Doing all of Lester’s assassinations too early; only the first one is required
- Shooting down a helicopter at three stars and turning it into four
- Forgetting to save before the final story choice
- Ignoring Flight School before aircraft-heavy missions
Know the Controls Basics
Good to know: special abilities are activated by pressing both thumbsticks on a controller, character switching uses a selection wheel, and the phone is your hub for quick saves, contacts, the internet and cheat numbers.
With these habits, the early hours become far less stressful and much more fun. When you’re ready, head to the home page and make your first move in Los Santos.