How To Play GTA Online Solo? The Ultimate Guide

Are you wondering how to enjoy Grand Theft Auto Online without relying on other players? This guide, brought to you by gmonline.net, dives into the best strategies and activities for playing GTA Online solo, ensuring you can make money and progress without the need for a crew. Discover tips on maximizing your solo gameplay, uncovering hidden gems, and mastering essential money-making methods, guaranteeing an immersive and satisfying experience in Los Santos with these exclusive GTA Online tips, tricks, and advanced strategies.

1. Can You Really Play GTA Online Solo?

Yes, you can definitely play GTA Online solo. While the game is designed with multiplayer in mind, there are numerous ways to enjoy the game and progress without constantly relying on or interacting with other players.

GTA Online is often seen as a multiplayer experience, but Rockstar Games has incorporated several features and missions that allow players to thrive independently. According to research from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), in July 2025, 67% of GTA Online players engage in solo activities for at least part of their gameplay. This shows a significant demand and opportunity for solo play within the game. You can explore Los Santos, complete missions, and even build your criminal empire without the need for constant interaction with other players. This flexibility makes GTA Online appealing to a wide range of gamers, whether they prefer cooperative play or a more solitary experience.

2. Why Play GTA Online Solo?

There are several compelling reasons to opt for a solo experience in GTA Online. Many players find it a more relaxing and focused way to enjoy the game.

Avoid Griefing: One of the primary reasons players choose to play solo is to avoid griefing. Griefing involves other players disrupting your gameplay, often by killing you repeatedly or destroying your vehicles and cargo. This can be incredibly frustrating and can hinder your progress. Playing in a solo session eliminates this issue, allowing you to complete missions and explore the world without the constant threat of unwanted interference.
Focus on Missions: Solo play allows you to concentrate on completing missions without distractions. When playing with others, there can be disagreements on strategy or objectives, which can slow down progress. Playing solo means you set the pace and make all the decisions, ensuring a more efficient and streamlined experience.
Explore at Your Own Pace: GTA Online’s open world is vast and full of details. Playing solo lets you explore this world at your own pace, discovering hidden gems and completing side activities without feeling rushed. You can take your time to appreciate the environment and engage with the game in a more relaxed manner.
Maximize Earning Potential: Many money-making activities in GTA Online can be efficiently done solo. Businesses like gunrunning, vehicle cargo, and special cargo can be managed and operated without the need for additional players. This allows you to maximize your earnings and build your wealth more effectively.
Personalized Experience: Playing solo provides a more personalized and immersive experience. You can customize your character, vehicles, and properties to your liking without compromise. This level of control enhances the sense of ownership and investment in the game.

3. How Do You Start a Solo Session in GTA Online?

Starting a solo session in GTA Online is simple and allows you to enjoy the game without interference from other players.

Boot Up GTA 5: First, launch Grand Theft Auto 5 and navigate to the main menu.
Go to Online: From the main menu, select the “Online” tab.

GTA Online menu to find a new session
Find a New Session: In the “Online” menu, choose “Find New Session.”
Select a Closed Session: You will see several options, including “Public Session,” “Closed Friend Session,” “Closed Crew Session,” and “Solo Session.” Select “Solo Session” or “Closed Friend Session” if you prefer to play entirely alone or with invited friends, respectively.
Enjoy Your Solo Session: The game will load a new session where you are the only player. Now you can freely roam Los Santos and Blaine County without any interruptions.

Choosing a “Closed Friend Session” allows you to invite specific friends to join your private session, offering a blend of solo and cooperative play. This is useful for completing missions or activities with a trusted group while avoiding random players.

4. What Activities Can You Do Solo in GTA Online?

GTA Online offers a wide array of activities that are perfectly suited for solo players, allowing you to earn money, gain experience, and enjoy the game on your own terms.

Contact Missions: Contact Missions are a great way to earn money and RP (Reputation Points) solo. These missions are offered by various characters in the game, such as Gerald, Lamar, and Martin Madrazo. Keep an eye out for weekly updates that often feature double GTA$ and RP for specific Contact Missions, maximizing your earnings.
Simeon’s Export Requests: Simeon, the owner of Premium Deluxe Motorsport, regularly sends out lists of vehicles he wants you to steal. If you find one of these vehicles and deliver it to him, you can earn a decent amount of money, typically around GTA$20,000 per vehicle. This is a simple and straightforward way to make extra cash while exploring the city.
Salvage Yard Operations: The Salvage Yard is a business you can purchase that offers several solo activities. After buying the Salvage Yard, you can tow cars for quick cash or undertake Salvage Yard Robberies, which are multi-part mini-heists that offer significantly higher payouts. The initial investment in the Salvage Yard pays off quickly with consistent solo gameplay.
Gunrunning Business: Owning a bunker allows you to set up a Gunrunning Business. This involves managing supplies, manufacturing weapons, and delivering weapon shipments. While it requires some initial investment and management, it provides a steady income stream that can be maintained entirely solo. Resupplying the bunker and completing delivery missions are engaging and rewarding tasks.
Special Cargo Warehouses: As a CEO, you can purchase warehouses to store special cargo. These warehouses can be filled by completing sourcing missions, which involve acquiring goods from various locations. Once the warehouse is full, you can sell the cargo for a substantial profit. The sourcing and selling missions can be done solo, making this a lucrative venture for independent players.
Vehicle Cargo Warehouses: Similar to special cargo, vehicle cargo allows you to steal and sell high-end vehicles. By purchasing a Vehicle Warehouse, you can source vehicles and store them until you are ready to sell. Selling these vehicles requires completing delivery missions, which are typically straightforward and can be done solo. This is a reliable way to generate income and expand your criminal empire.
Time Trials and Stunt Jumps: Time Trials and Stunt Jumps are solo activities that test your driving and flying skills. Completing these challenges rewards you with cash and RP, and they can be a fun way to improve your abilities. Time Trials require you to reach a destination within a specific time limit, while Stunt Jumps challenge you to perform impressive aerial maneuvers.
Bounty Hunting: Bounty Hunting missions involve tracking down and eliminating or capturing wanted individuals. These missions are typically simple and can be completed quickly, offering a small but consistent payout. They are a good way to break up other activities and earn some extra cash on the side.
Treasure Hunts: Treasure Hunts are unique missions that involve finding hidden items or locations. These hunts often lead to substantial rewards, such as the Double-Action Revolver or the Stone Hatchet. Completing these hunts can be a fun and engaging way to explore the world and earn valuable items.
Collectibles: GTA Online features various collectibles scattered throughout the world, such as playing cards, action figures, and signal jammers. Collecting these items can unlock rewards, such as cash, RP, and exclusive items. This is a great way to explore the map and discover new areas while earning bonuses.

5. Can You Do Heists Solo in GTA Online?

Most heists in GTA Online require multiple players, but there are exceptions. The Cayo Perico Heist and the Cluckin’ Bell Farm Raid can be completed solo.

Cayo Perico Heist: The Cayo Perico Heist is one of the most popular and lucrative heists in GTA Online, and it can be completed entirely solo. This heist involves infiltrating the private island of a notorious drug lord and stealing valuable assets.

GTA Online promo art for the Cayo Perico Heist
1. Starting the Heist: To start the Cayo Perico Heist, you need to meet Miguel Madrazo at The Music Locker nightclub. This will trigger the heist storyline and give you access to the Kosatka submarine.
2. Purchasing the Kosatka: The Kosatka submarine is essential for the Cayo Perico Heist and costs around GTA$2,000,000. This is a significant investment, but the payout from the heist more than makes up for it.
3. Completing the Heist: The Cayo Perico Heist involves several prep missions that can be done solo, such as gathering intel, acquiring equipment, and planning your approach. The heist itself can also be completed solo, allowing you to control every aspect of the operation and maximize your earnings.
Cluckin’ Bell Farm Raid: The Cluckin’ Bell Farm Raid is a newer heist that can also be completed solo. This heist involves taking down a conspiracy of corrupt cops and a drug ring operating out of a Cluckin’ Bell farm.

GTA Online promo art for the Cluckin’ Bell Farm Raid
1. Starting the Raid: Unlike the Cayo Perico Heist, the Cluckin’ Bell Farm Raid does not require any initial investment. You can start the heist directly after meeting the requirements.
2. Completing the Raid: The Cluckin’ Bell Farm Raid involves a series of missions that can be completed solo. These missions include gathering evidence, infiltrating the farm, and taking down the corrupt cops and drug dealers. The payout for this heist is decent and it’s a great option for solo players looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

6. CEO vs. Biker: Which Is Better for Solo Play?

When playing GTA Online solo, choosing between being a CEO or a Motorcycle Club (MC) President can significantly impact your gameplay experience. Both offer unique opportunities, but one tends to be more suitable for solo players.

Motorcycle Club (MC) President: As an MC President, you can manage various businesses, such as a clubhouse bar, growhouse, and counterfeit factories. These businesses generate income, but managing them solo can be challenging.
1. Supply Missions: Supplying your MC businesses involves completing supply missions, which can be done solo. These missions require you to steal or purchase supplies, which are then used to produce goods.
2. Delivery Missions: The main issue with MC businesses for solo players is the delivery missions. These missions often require multiple vehicles, making it difficult to complete them within the time limit without help. While some delivery missions can be done solo, they are rare and often require precise timing and efficient execution.
GTA Online warning about needing more members in your MC to complete a mission
SecuroServ CEO: Being a CEO offers several advantages for solo players. As a CEO, you can purchase an office and warehouses to store special and vehicle cargo.
1. Special Cargo Missions: Special cargo missions involve sourcing goods from various locations and storing them in your warehouse. These missions can be done solo and offer a good payout when you sell the cargo.
2. Vehicle Cargo Missions: Vehicle cargo missions involve stealing and selling high-end vehicles. These missions are also suitable for solo players and can be very lucrative. The deliveries are almost always doable for a team of one.
GTA Online player standing in an office

For solo players, being a SecuroServ CEO is generally the better option. The special and vehicle cargo missions are more manageable solo, and the payouts are substantial. While MC businesses can be profitable, the delivery missions are often too challenging to complete alone.

7. Tips for Maximizing Your Solo GTA Online Experience

To make the most of your solo GTA Online experience, consider these tips:

Invest in Profitable Businesses: Focus on investing in businesses that are well-suited for solo play, such as the Salvage Yard, Gunrunning Business, and CEO warehouses for special and vehicle cargo. These businesses offer consistent income and can be managed independently.
Prioritize Upgrades: Upgrade your businesses and equipment to improve efficiency and increase profits. For example, upgrading your bunker will speed up weapon production, while upgrading your warehouses will increase storage capacity.
Take Advantage of Weekly Updates: Rockstar Games regularly releases weekly updates that feature bonuses for certain activities. Keep an eye out for double GTA$ and RP events for Contact Missions, heists, and other activities that you enjoy playing solo.
Manage Your Time: Efficient time management is crucial for maximizing your earnings in GTA Online. Plan your activities in advance and prioritize those that offer the best return on investment.
Stay Safe: When playing in public sessions, be aware of your surroundings and take steps to protect yourself from griefers. Use passive mode when necessary and avoid engaging with hostile players.
Use Resources: Take advantage of online resources, such as guides, forums, and videos, to learn new strategies and improve your gameplay. The GTA Online community is vast and supportive, and there are plenty of resources available to help you succeed.
Explore the World: Don’t forget to take time to explore the world of GTA Online. There are plenty of hidden gems, Easter eggs, and side activities to discover. Exploring the world can be a fun and rewarding way to break up the monotony of grinding for cash.

8. Essential Vehicles and Equipment for Solo Players

Having the right vehicles and equipment can significantly enhance your solo GTA Online experience. Here are some essential items to consider:

Oppressor Mk II: The Oppressor Mk II is a flying motorcycle equipped with missiles and a boost. It is incredibly versatile and useful for completing missions, traveling quickly across the map, and defending yourself from griefers.
Armored Kuruma: The Armored Kuruma is a bulletproof car that provides excellent protection during missions and heists. It is especially useful for Contact Missions and other activities where you need to withstand heavy gunfire.
Buzzard Attack Helicopter: The Buzzard Attack Helicopter is a versatile aircraft equipped with missiles and machine guns. It is useful for completing missions, destroying enemy vehicles, and traveling quickly across the map.
Kosatka Submarine: The Kosatka Submarine is essential for the Cayo Perico Heist. It serves as a mobile base of operations and allows you to access the heist prep missions.
Terrorbyte: The Terrorbyte is a mobile command center that allows you to launch and manage your businesses from anywhere on the map. It is especially useful for managing your special and vehicle cargo businesses.
CEO Office: The CEO Office is essential for starting and managing your special and vehicle cargo businesses. It provides access to the SecuroServ network and allows you to purchase warehouses.
Bunker: The Bunker is essential for starting and managing your Gunrunning Business. It allows you to manufacture weapons and deliver weapon shipments.

9. Understanding GTA Online’s Economy for Solo Players

Navigating the economy of GTA Online is crucial for solo players aiming to maximize their earnings and progress efficiently. Here’s how to effectively manage your finances:

Prioritize Investments: Focus on investments that offer a high return and are manageable solo. Businesses like the Salvage Yard and CEO warehouses are excellent choices. According to financial analysts at gmonline.net, these businesses provide a steady income stream and can be scaled without requiring additional players.
Manage Expenses: Be mindful of your expenses and avoid unnecessary purchases. Save your money for essential upgrades and profitable investments. Avoid impulse buys and focus on items that will help you earn more money in the long run.
Utilize Discounts: Take advantage of discounts and sales to save money on essential items. Rockstar Games regularly offers discounts on vehicles, properties, and upgrades. Keep an eye out for these deals and make your purchases during these periods.
Track Your Progress: Keep track of your earnings and expenses to monitor your financial progress. Use spreadsheets or other tools to track your income and expenses and identify areas where you can improve your financial management.
Avoid Scams: Be wary of scams and fraudulent activities. Do not share your account information with anyone and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unauthorized software. Protect your account and your assets by being vigilant and cautious.

10. Community and Resources for Solo GTA Online Players

Even as a solo player, engaging with the GTA Online community and utilizing available resources can greatly enhance your experience.

Online Forums: Participate in online forums, such as Reddit’s r/gtaonline, to connect with other players, share tips and strategies, and ask questions. These forums are a valuable source of information and support.
YouTube Channels: Follow YouTube channels that provide guides, tutorials, and gameplay footage. Channels like GTA Series Videos and TGG offer valuable insights and tips for solo players.
gmonline.net: Visit gmonline.net for the latest news, updates, and guides on GTA Online. Our website offers comprehensive resources for players of all levels, including tips for solo play, money-making strategies, and business management. Address: 10900 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024, United States. Phone: +1 (310) 235-2000. Website: gmonline.net.
Social Media: Follow Rockstar Games on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest news, updates, and events. Social media is also a good place to connect with other players and share your experiences.
In-Game Chat: While playing solo, you can still use the in-game chat to communicate with other players. This can be useful for coordinating activities or asking for help.

By engaging with the community and utilizing available resources, you can enhance your solo GTA Online experience and stay informed about the latest developments in the game.

FAQ: Playing GTA Online Solo

Can I complete all missions in GTA Online solo?

No, not all missions can be completed solo. Some missions and heists require multiple players. However, many Contact Missions, business operations, and the Cayo Perico Heist can be completed solo.
What is the best way to make money solo in GTA Online?

The best way to make money solo is by completing the Cayo Perico Heist, running special and vehicle cargo businesses as a CEO, and managing the Gunrunning Business.
Do I need to pay for GTA Online?

GTA Online is included with the purchase of Grand Theft Auto V. However, you may need to pay for online services, such as PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold, to access online play.
How do I avoid griefers in GTA Online?

To avoid griefers, play in a solo session or a closed friend session. You can also use passive mode to prevent other players from attacking you.
What are the benefits of being a CEO in GTA Online?

Being a CEO allows you to purchase and manage special and vehicle cargo warehouses, which are profitable businesses that can be run solo.
Can I play GTA Online on my phone?

No, GTA Online is not available on mobile devices. It is only available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles.
How often does GTA Online get updated?

GTA Online receives regular updates from Rockstar Games, including new content, features, and bug fixes.
What is the best vehicle for solo missions in GTA Online?

The Oppressor Mk II is one of the best vehicles for solo missions due to its speed, maneuverability, and weapons.
How do I find other solo players in GTA Online?

You can find other solo players by joining online forums and communities and looking for players who prefer to play alone.
Is it worth playing GTA Online solo?

Yes, it is definitely worth playing GTA Online solo. There are plenty of activities and missions that can be completed solo, and it can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Ready to dominate Los Santos on your own? Visit gmonline.net for more exclusive GTA Online tips, tricks, and advanced strategies. Stay ahead of the game and maximize your solo gameplay today Explore the latest news, find detailed guides, join our community forum, and stay updated on Esports tournaments – all at gmonline.net!