The Arena War workshop is among the most valuable yet underused businesses in Grand Theft Auto Online. With the Arena War update came dozens of new vehicles and a workshop to modify them, a popular trend in many of the game's updates, into lethal killing machines. These vehicles can be tricked out with unconventional yet devastating upgrades, transforming even the most basic rides in GTA Online into vehicles similar to something out of Mad Max or an insane and unforgiving dystopian future.

RELATED: GTA Online: The Best Vehicle Of Every Class

Players can participate in deadly events known as Arena War Series using these over-the-top and hazardous vehicles. These game modes are exceptionally hectic, but so are the streets of Los Santos, making Arena War vehicles a viable option for treading the dangerous and unpredictable roads of the city, where literal war machines roam free, and every person comes equipped with an arsenal of weapons. Whether a player likes the Arena War Series game mode or not, it is hard to deny the allure of these modular death machines.

Updated June 26, 2023, by Christopher Anaya: GTA Online continues to spoil players with choice, offering new missions, game modes, businesses, and luxuries with every update, but even the influx of new additions cannot overshadow the astounding yet exceedingly dangerous Arena War vehicles. These rides are war machines equipped with weapons unconventional and established, all of which are dangerous. The sheer lethality of Arena War vehicles makes them a cut above many of GTA Online's rides, but how do they stand against each other?

There are twelve Arena War vehicles in GTA Online, each with its own unique means of unleashing havoc in the arena or on the streets of Los Santos. Some stand as irreproachable machines of carnage, while others barely suffice against even the most dangerous vehicles. Although all Arena War vehicles are astounding additions to any player's collection, heavily customizable additions, some are a cut above the rest, standing among the most deadly rides in GTA Online. Here is every Arena War vehicle in GTA Online, ranked by many factors, the most prominent being their ability to wreak havoc.

12 MTL Cerberus

The cerberus in gta online is big and bad but hard to handle and blows up fast
  • Standard Price: $3,870,300
  • Trade Price: $2,910,000 (Sponsorship Tier Reward)
  • Conversion Vehicle: None
  • Requirements: Arena War Workshop
  • Speed: 66
  • Acceleration: 48
  • Braking: 8
  • Handling: 49
  • Seats: 2

Pros

Cons

Good Ram

Slow and Clunky

Bulletproof Windows

Terrible Armor

Flamethrowers

Too Expensive

The Cerberus is a massive piece of machinery that can take the world by storm, under the right circumstances. With its monstrous plow, this beastly truck can effortlessly barrel through the streets of Los Santos, uprooting even the most well-grounded vehicles. With some modification, players can equip the Cerberus with two flamethrowers capable of incinerating players and vehicles alike.

Although it seems like a devastating machine, the Cerberus is among the worst of the Arena War vehicles. As a result of its massive size, it lacks maneuverability and is an easy target. This machine can get stuck on even the most accommodating roads and cannot effectively recover should that happen. Moreover, the slow speed of the Cerberus makes it an even more susceptible target.

11 Benefactor Bruiser

The glendale in gta online is great at pushing cars but has poor defense and handling
  • Standard Price: $1,609,000
  • Trade Price: None
  • Conversion Vehicle: Benefactor Glendale ($150,000 or $200,00)
  • Requirements: None
  • Speed: 70
  • Acceleration: 65
  • Braking: 17
  • Handling: 53
  • Seats: 4

Pros

Cons

Good Ram

Slow and Clunky

No Bulletproof Windows

Limited Firepower

Too Expensive

The Bruiser is surprising for many players, even those familiar with the insanity of Arena War vehicles. This Arena War vehicle is massive, to say the least, so much so that it can block several lanes of traffic with ease. Due to its size, the Bruiser suffers from the same issues as driving a Cerberus, but its speed and handling make it far more manageable. Its size gives it much stability and ramming power, allowing it to tear through dozens of vehicles with enough speed.

This Bruiser is very durable and grounded, but it is susceptible to the most powerful weapons in GTA Online and the weakest. Its massive size makes it a big target for heavy guns and explosives, lessening the need for care or accuracy. The Bruiser also lacks bulletproof windows, leaving the player vulnerable to bullets. The guns on the vehicle are not its strong point, excluding the ram, which tramples even the most behemoth vehicles effortlessly, making it an okay choice in or outside the Arena War Series.

10 Vapid Slamvan

The slamvan in gta online is another bad arena war vehicle because of its horrible balance and lack of offense
  • Standard Price: $1,321,875
  • Trade Price: None
  • Conversion Vehicle: Vapid Slamvan ($37,125 or $49,500)
  • Requirements: None
  • Speed: 73
  • Acceleration: 68
  • Braking: 13
  • Handling: 56
  • Seats: 2

Pros

Cons

Decently Fast

No Bulletproof Windows

Good Scoop

Terrible Armor

Spinning Blades

Bad Guns

The Slamvan is another Arena War vehicle lower on the list due to poor handling and offensive capability. It is not the most straightforward ride to drive, and the chances of taking down enemies with it are slim because of its lackluster weaponry, especially the ram that hardly does anything. While this vehicle can endure a rocket and survive, the large windows leave players vulnerable to bullets even with the armor plating.

The Slamvan boasts some machine guns on the hood, but hitting targets requires careful positioning and constant fire to be effective. Using it in Arena War Series is a challenge, especially when pitted against more impressive Arena War vehicles. On the streets of Los Santos, however, the Slamvan is dependable enough. But it is still a clunky ride that lacks the control and weapons to be reliable in the Arena War Series.

9 Weeny Issi

The Issi Classic arena war vehicle in gta online flips easily and has no defense
  • Standard Price: $1,089,000
  • Trade Price: None
  • Conversion Vehicle: Weeny Issi Classic ($270,000 or $360,000)
  • Requirements: None
  • Speed: 75
  • Acceleration: 85
  • Braking: 13
  • Handling: 13
  • Seats: 2

Pros

Cons

Decently Fast

No Bulletproof Windows

Good Scoop

Flips Easily

Hard to Hit

Bad Guns Position

Good Armor

Too Expensive

Mortar

Mortar Limited to Arena War Series

The Issi is nothing more than an annoyance compared to other vehicles featured in the Arena War update. Although more capable than and nearly as customizable as its base model, the Issi cannot face other vehicles without falling short and, consequently, meeting an unfortunate yet expected demise. However, unlike most Arena War vehicles, the Issi can be equipped with a mortar-like weapon capable of demolishing others.

RELATED: Best Vehicles In GTA Online, RankedAside from this cataclysmic modification, the Issi has little going for it. This lackluster vehicle has trouble flipping cars without flipping itself, and its windows are incredibly fragile, leaving whoever is within open to gunfire. Among the features of the Issi, its awkward guns set atop the roof are the worst. Although they are centered, these guns cannot hit low targets unless the player is far away from them, making shooting a lot less effective.

8 Declasse Brutus

The brutus in gta online is a decent arena war vehicle that can push cars but gets knocked around easily
  • Standard Price: $2,666,650
  • Trade Price: $2,005,000 (Sponsorship Tier Reward)
  • Conversion Vehicle: None
  • Requirements: None
  • Speed: 75
  • Acceleration: 68
  • Braking: 20
  • Handling: 61
  • Seats: 2

Pros

Cons

Decently Fast

No Bulletproof Windows

Good Ram

Too Expensive

Spinning Blades

Limited Firepower

The Brutus is another vulnerable and unwieldy vehicle in the Arena War Series. Its towering height makes it easy to tip over, so much so that it takes nothing more than a slight nudge or reckless turn to topple. Once tipped over, destroying the Brutus becomes painfully easy, as it cannot move and will take a while to recoup. Doing anything with this vehicle is challenging, as it will likely fall prone before it can, but if it keeps upright, it is a dangerous war machine.

The Brutus is formidable and will require only the best weapons in the game to destroy it if it is not lying flat on its back. The Brutus has potential and can cause problems for other players in the arena unless it loses control and falls prone, setting it above a few other Arena War vehicles. Another unfortunate thing about the Brutus is that, despite being a van, players cannot use the back to carry more people, further limiting the capabilities of this vehicle.

7 HVY Scarab

The scarab tank in gta online is not good at offense and players inside can be shot out of it
  • Standard Price: $3,076,290
  • Trade Price: $2,313,000 (Sponsorship Tier Reward)
  • Conversion Vehicle: None
  • Requirements: None
  • Speed: 54
  • Acceleration: 25
  • Braking: 23
  • Handling: 68
  • Seats: 2

Pros

Cons

Fastest Tank

Clunky

Good Scoop

Limited Firepower

Good Armor

No Bulletproof Windows

The Arena War game mode would be incomplete without a massive vehicle boasting many of the best qualities seen in GTA Online's tanks: treads, armor plating, and the ability to demolish most vehicles. Unfortunately, the Scarab is much better on paper than in practice. as it suffers from poor handling and speed. Despite being faster than the Cerberus, it has poor handling and remains notably slow, making it an easy target for most vehicles in GTA Online, especially if something manages to overturn it.

RELATED: Grand Theft Auto Online Players Can Protect Personal Vehicles With This TipThe most valuable aspect of the Scarab is its durability, being able to endure multiple rockets before exploding and tearing through traffic or other obstacles without a scratch. The offenses of this vehicle include a sizable plow and a roof-mounted machine gun. While the plow proves effective when dredging past obstacles, the machine gun is too high to inflict real damage. But, the Scarab is well-rounded enough to be a challenge in the Arena War Series and on the tumultuous streets of Los Santos.

6 Declasse Impaler

The impaler in gta online is good at the arena war and has good handling but poor defense
  • Standard Price: $1,209,500
  • Trade Price: None
  • Conversion Vehicle: Declasse Impaler ($249,500 or $331,835)
  • Requirements: None
  • Speed: 81
  • Acceleration: 78
  • Braking: 20
  • Handling: 71
  • Seats: 2

Pros

Cons

Decent Speed

No Bulletproof Windows

Good Scoop

Bad Guns Position

Good Armor

The Impaler is where the Arena War vehicles start to get good. This vehicle has outstanding armor, protecting players inside from countless dangers, such as bullets and missiles. Similar to the Dominator, the Impaler has impressive speed and handling. It is a capable and worthwhile vehicle for the Arena War Series or the streets of Los Santos. The Impaler is not without some flaws, however.

Challenging enemies head-on is not optimal because of its lackluster offensive capabilities, but the low-positioned guns are far better than other Arena War vehicles. The Impaler's most significant fault is its lightweight frame, which leaves it susceptible to flipping and ramming from the heavier hitters in Arena War. These are prevalent dangers in the Arena War Series and even the streets of Los Santos, making the Impaler an easy target for hard-hitting vehicles.

5 Vapid Dominator

The dominator in gta online is easy to handle but has poor defense
  • Standard Price: $1,132,000
  • Trade Price: None
  • Conversion Vehicle: Vapid Dominator ($26,250 or $35,000)
  • Requirements: None
  • Speed: 80
  • Acceleration: 94
  • Braking: 27
  • Handling: 71
  • Seats: 2

Pros

Cons

Good Ram

No Bulletproof Windows

Good Armor

Bad Guns Position

Tombstone

Limited Firepower

The Dominator is better than the Impaler because of one thing, the tombstone. In and out of the arena, the Dominator can be used to wreak havoc. It has powerful machine guns mounted on the hood. These guns can hit targets with little effort but can miss smaller vehicles because of spacing. Even so, the Dominator is a harrowing and formidable machine capable of handling other Arena War vehicles.

RELATED: GTA Online: Every Cayo Perico Vehicle, Ranked

The most pressing downside of the Dominator is its overall lack of protection. The armor on the vehicle is acceptable everywhere but the windows, which offer little shielding. Although shooting the windows seems challenging, a well-placed shot or spray of bullets can spell doom for the Dominator's occupants. In addition, its lackluster armor does not fare well against more aggressive Arena War vehicles.

4 Bravado Sasquatch

The sasquatch in gta online is great in the arena war and has special grenade launchers
  • Standard Price: $1,530,875
  • Trade Price: None
  • Conversion Vehicle: Bravado Rat-Truck ($28,125 or $37,500)
  • Requirements: None
  • Speed: 70
  • Acceleration: 100
  • Braking: 22
  • Handling: 69
  • Seats: 2

Pros

Cons

Good Speed

Big and Clunky

Bulletproof Windows

Weak Armor

Good Scoop

Grenade Launcher

Can Crush Cars Easily

The Sasquatch is by far one of the best vehicles the Arena War update has to offer. This vehicle is a literal monster truck that can easily plow through and crush targets. In truth, the Sasquatch has the best ramming power in the game, as it can barrel through most vehicles with ease. The Sasquatch's unbridled potential for destruction makes it an unparalleled vehicle in and outside the Arena War Series.

The Sasquatch has more in its arsenal besides sheer force. It gets special weapons like a massive fist for ramming and dual grenade launchers for blowing things up. These launchers fire low and can easily hit targets without any height issues. The ramming weapons can easily move and destroy vehicles that get in the way. Outside the arena, this vehicle is a blast to use and can cause some major mayhem.

3 Vapid Imperator

The imperator in gta online is one of the best arena war vehicles for its giant saw blade ramming weapon and great handling
  • Standard Price: $2,284,940
  • Trade Price: $1,718,000 (Sponsorship Tier Reward)
  • Conversion Vehicle: None
  • Requirements: None
  • Speed: 81
  • Acceleration: 91
  • Braking: 17
  • Handling: 68
  • Seats: 2

Pros

Cons

Decently Fast

No Bulletproof Windows

Spinning Blades

Mortar

The Imperator has great handling, speed, and acceleration to get players through the arena. It also possesses phenomenal defensive and offensive capabilities. For defense, the Imperator gets great armor that surrounds the player and a mortar to help prevent others from getting too close. Thus, allowing it to fend against dangers up close and from afar.

Instead of a traditional ramming weapon, players can choose to add spinning blades to the front of the Imperator that can throw cars and instantly kill players. This vehicle also gets mounted machine guns that are easy to hit targets with. These catastrophic weapons make the Imperator an exceedingly dangerous vehicle, especially in the Arena War Series.

2 Western Deathbike

GTA Online Deathbike
  • Standard Price: $1,269,000
  • Trade Price: None
  • Conversion Vehicle: Western Gargoyle ($90,000 or $120,000)
  • Requirements: None
  • Speed: 79
  • Acceleration: 78
  • Braking: 37
  • Handling: 62
  • Seats: 1

Pros

Cons

Good Speed

Player Out in the Open

Good Mobility

Bad Armor

Hard to Hit

Spinning Blades

The Deathbike is one of the greatest vehicles players can buy in GTA Online. Not only is it among the fastest motorcycles, but it also gets great upgrades that help keep players alive. A large shield can be added to the back of the Deathbike that can protect the player from bullets.

The downside to this shield is that it can eventually blow up despite not being connected to the gas tank. The size of this vehicle keeps players safe in the arena and the speed helps them get away from danger. The one downside of this vehicle is that it can easily be destroyed by explosives.

1 Annis ZR380

The ZR380 in gta online is the best arena war vehicle for its great handling, amazing weapons, and good defense
  • Standard Price: $2,138,640
  • Trade Price: $1,608,000 (Sponsorship Tier Reward)
  • Conversion Vehicle: None
  • Requirements: None
  • Speed: 85
  • Acceleration: 88
  • Braking: 27
  • Handling: 76
  • Seats: 2

Pros

Cons

Good Speed

No Bulletproof Windows

Good Armor

Good Guns

Spinning Blades

The ZR380 is regarded by many as the best Arena War vehicle, and for good reason. This car boasts impressive maneuverability, speed, and handling, which are lacking in other Arena War vehicles. In addition, the ZR380 utilizes a devastating arsenal capable of untold destruction. Particularly antagonistic players will think twice about attacking someone in this monstrous machine of mayhem.

The ZR380's dual machine guns are centered and low, allowing them to hit most targets in range. Additionally, with some modifications, players can implement various blades on this vehicle. These blades deal significant damage to other vehicles and instantly kill those that get too close. The ZR380 has considerable protection that encompasses the car, including the windows.

Grand Theft Auto Online is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

MORE: The Most Expensive Items In GTA Online (& How Much They Sell For)