How to start your GTA Online criminal empire in 2025: A beginner's guide

If you’ve just jumped into GTA Online in 2025, you’re stepping into a world of fast money, high-stakes crime, and endless chaos. The good news? You can build your own criminal empire from scratch. The bad news? So can everyone else. But don’t worry. This quick guide will show you exactly how to go from broke to boss, fast.
Step 1: Start Smart — Get the Right Career Builder PackageWhen you first enter GTA Online in 2025, take advantage of the Career Builder tool. Choose Executive, Biker, Gunrunner, or Nightclub Owner — we recommend Executive for balanced earnings and strong business potential.

You’ll get a free property, a vehicle, weapons, and some startup cash (around $4M). Spend wisely — don’t blow it all on flashy cars.


Step 2: Secure Your Office and Start CEO WorkBuy the Maze Bank West Office — it’s affordable and gives you CEO status. From here, register as a CEO via the Interaction Menu.
Now, you can:

• Run VIP Work for quick money
• Purchase a Special Cargo Warehouse to start long-term profits
  

Step 3. Make Fast Cash with Contact Missions & HeistsNeed money to move? Start with Contact Missions (Solo-friendly) and Security Contracts from the Agency (Dr. Dre update). Once you’ve stacked about $100K–$200K, join or host heists. The Cayo Perico Heist is still the most profitable — solo capable, low setup time, big payout.
Step 4: Expand with a NightclubOnce your passive businesses (like Cargo or Biker) are rolling, buy a Nightclub. It’s low-maintenance and lets you stack passive income from all your existing operations.
Maximize profits by:

• Hiring good staff
• Upgrading equipment
• Promoting your club weekly

The Nightclub also stores and sells products from your other businesses.


Step 5: Invest in the Right VehiclesYou’ll need firepower and mobility to survive and thrive:

• Get the Oppressor Mk II: It’s pricey, but it’s the ultimate mission-runner. Combine it with the Terrorbyte for instant client jobs.
• Armored Kuruma: Budget-friendly and bulletproof—perfect for early game missions
• Kosatka – For solo heists.

Step 6: Grind Smart, Not Hard

• Join a Crew: Bonus RP, cash, and allies when things go sideways.
• Avoid Public Lobbies: Use Invite Only sessions to grind in peace.
• Time Your Sales: Bonuses during event weeks = more money for the same work.

Starting your criminal empire in GTA Online is all about strategy and hustle. Make smart moves, reinvest profits, and keep upgrading your setup. Don’t blow your cash on yachts and gold chains — until you’re swimming in millions. Now get out there. Los Santos won’t take over itself.