GTA Online guide: tips, quick cash and easy RP

Whether you're gearing up for next-gen or just returning to Los Santos multiplayer, here's some quick and easy tips to getting levelled up and loaded in Grand Theft Auto Online.

General tips

Rockstar regularly hosts special weekends offering double experience (RP) and cash (R$). These are themed around the latest DLC content packs so get involved. There's a great sense of community and you'll level up and fill your bank account much quicker.

All DLC released so far for Grand Theft Auto Online has been free. We can't argue with that. Once it's all downloaded make sure you check it out. Some of it is novelty nonsense, some of it is cool as f**k. Find what's right for you but don't be tempted to buy something just because it's new. The musket rifle in the Independence Day Special is pretty horrible (and expensive) and the majority of new rides in the I'm Not A Hipster update are slow and clunky. Shop around.

Be warned: If you play like an idiot you'll be put on a server with other Bad Sports. Quit out of matches early, shoot innocents, attack other players who don't have a red dot icon - all of these things will brand you as a Bad Sport. If that's how you want to play, then fine. But be aware you actions affect your character's mental state and have reactions.

When you enter a game first check out the red dots on the map - these are people with violent tendencies. If in doubt, pull out a gun when they come close and kill them before they kill you.

And sing in the shower once you've got an apartment. Make sure your Xbox/PS3 microphone is attached and you'll earn a little extra RP for busting out a few tunes. Right then, on to more easy ways to make money...

GTA Online: vehicles, cars, bikes, 4x4, locations

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GTA Online: robbing stores, easy cash, earn RP