How to Play GTA Online Alone

Grand Theft Auto 5

By M. Salman Shahid

Published May 21, 2024

Rockstar did the unthinkable by releasing GTA V not once but twice across two console generations. While the game is 11 years old, it remains popular, mostly due to GTA Online. GTA Online encourages players to come and play together, but why shouldn’t said players have the option to play alone?

Many players simply want to focus on making money and buying cars or properties, and believe they will fare better alone. This is largely due to griefers. With this in mind, this guide will cover everything there is to know about playing GTA Online solo, along with other useful information.

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How to play GTA Online alone

One of the biggest reasons for playing GTA Online solo has to do with griefers. The last thing you want is to be blown to bits by a random player. If you are in a lobby with toxic players, you should find a new session. However, if you want to play solo, you can start a “Closed Friend Session” instead. When starting a “Closed Friend Session,” it is not mandatory to invite friends, meaning you can play alone for as long as you'd like. After starting a “Closed Friend Session,” you can play the game as you see fit. You will never have to worry about other players being a hindrance again.

Tips for playing GTA Online alone

If you are playing GTA Online solo, you cannot play most heists. Starting a heist will start matchmaking until you have at least two players to assist you. All is not lost, though, as there are two heists where you can play solo, which are as follows:

The Cluckin’ Bell Farms Raid
The Cayo Perico Heist

Playing GTA Online alone can get lonely, but there are plenty of activities available to solo-players. The list of activities below can all be played without others:

Contact Missions: You can contact Lamar, Gerald, and Martin Madrazo to play contact missions solo.
Simeon’s Export Requests: Steal from a weekly list of vehicles and deliver them for cash.
Criminal Enterprise: As the CEO of a criminal organization or President of a motorcycle club, you will have plenty of things to do independently.
Gun-running Business: If you can afford a bunker, you can start a gun-running business. It may not seem like much, but a lot of management is involved.
Salvage Yard: After buying a salvage yard, you can make cash towing cars or completing mini-heists.