When players boot into Grand Theft Auto Online for the first time, they find themselves greeted by a familiar face. For those who completed the campaign, Lamar is a long-time friend and sometimes an annoying side quest, but it is his job to introduce players to the online world. Depending on player experience, Grand Theft Auto Online offers each player a choice between accepting or skipping the tutorial process.
If players have not played in the main Grand Theft Auto 5 campaign, then they should partake in the tutorial process. Aside from the controls, the gameplay experience is different than in previous titles, and there are some unexpected twists for those involved. Not to mention that completing the Grand Theft Auto Online tutorial rewards a car and some cash at the end.
The tutorial starts immediately after the create a character process. After booting into an online session, Grand Theft Auto Online players are greeted by a cut-scene where they take a ride with Lamar. During the drive, Lamar gives a general rundown of the GTA Online experience before coming to a stop and prompting players to get out of the car. Do note that although his summary is rather thorough, multiple updates have added loads of content to the game at Lamar is simply unaware of at this time. Still, he does give fans enough information to at least get started in this new online experience.
Race Tutorial
From the moment that the player leaves the car, they are prompted to join a Grand Theft Auto Online race. There will be a blue ring on the screen where players can simply walk over and join the race menu. From there, the player is presented with several car options, and once a car has been selected, they can alter its color and their personal victory gesture. Once the settings are confirmed, players will be entered into the race where they must complete a lap against an AI-controlled vehicle. This is similar to standard races found throughout the game, and success relies on player reflexes around sharp corners and oncoming traffic.
Dress Tutorial
After the race is successfully completed, Lamar drives the player to Gerard, who will act as a mission provider throughout the player's time in Grand Theft Auto Online. Rather than giving the player a job, Lamar sends them out to find some new clothes prompting a visit to any clothing store where they can acquire new attire. Choose any outfit to complete this step, and do note that most stores in GTA Online offer the same outfits despite their names.
Car Tutorial - Los Santos Customs
Once the player has a new outfit, they will be driven to where they can select a car and fit it with a tracker. Be careful, as once a car has been selected it will act as the default care until a new one is collected. Once a car has been chosen, players can drive it to Los Santos Customs and upgrade it, change its color, and change various other options to customize it to personal preference. Do note that many items are locked until the player's reputation level in Grand Theft Auto Online has increased. do note that a Tracker and Insurance are required to progress fully throughout the tutorial. Once the car is finished, players are released into the world to wreak havoc, buy weapons, and explore Grand Theft Auto Online to their heart's content.
Grand Theft Auto Online is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S as part of Grand Theft Auto 5.