Best Arcade Setup in GTA Online

Grand Theft Auto Online offers a plethora of opportunities for players to engage in various businesses, one of which is the arcade business. The arcade is more than just a fun place to play retro games; it is a vital hub for managing the Diamond Casino Heist, one of the most profitable activities in the game. Setting up the best arcade in GTA Online involves selecting the optimal location, upgrading facilities, and maximizing revenue through additional income sources like the Master Control Terminal (MCT) and passive income machines. This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to create the best arcade setup, ensuring you can maximize profits and enhance your gameplay experience.

Location Selection

The first and most crucial step in setting up your arcade is selecting the right location. GTA Online offers six arcade locations:

1. Pixel Pete's in Paleto Bay: This is the cheapest option, costing $1,235,000. However, its remote location makes it less convenient for managing heists and other businesses.
2. Wonderama in Grapeseed: Priced at $1,565,000, this arcade is still quite far from the city's core activities.
3. Warehouse in Davis: This arcade costs $2,135,000 and is much closer to the action, making it a more viable option.
4. Insert Coin in Rockford Hills: At $2,345,000, this location is central and ideal for quick access to various businesses and missions.
5. Videogeddon in La Mesa: Costing $1,875,000, this arcade is close to the city center, making it an excellent choice for convenience.
6. Eight-Bit in Vinewood: This is the most expensive option at $2,530,000, but its prime location near other businesses and high-end areas justifies the cost.

Recommendation: Eight-Bit in Vinewood is the best choice if you can afford it, due to its strategic location. However, Videogeddon in La Mesa and Insert Coin in Rockford Hills are also great options for their balance between price and proximity to key areas.

Upgrades and Customization

Once you've purchased your arcade, the next step is to upgrade and customize it. The following upgrades are essential:

1. Master Control Terminal (MCT): Priced at $1,740,000, this terminal allows you to manage all your businesses from the arcade, saving time and enhancing efficiency.
2. Garage: A three-car garage can be added for $215,000. While not essential, it provides convenient access to vehicles when planning heists or other missions.
3. Personal Quarters: This upgrade costs $150,000 and allows you to set your spawn point at the arcade, making it easier to start sessions directly from your business hub.
4. Arcade Machines: To maximize passive income, purchase as many arcade machines as possible. These machines generate money over time, adding a steady flow of cash to your account.

Recommended Setup: Master Control Terminal (MCT) and Personal Quarters are the most crucial upgrades, followed by filling your arcade with a variety of machines to maximize passive income.

Maximizing Income

The arcade offers several ways to generate income:

1. Diamond Casino Heist: The arcade serves as the planning hub for the Diamond Casino Heist. By completing the setup missions and executing the heist, players can earn millions in profit. Ensure you hire competent crew members and choose the approach that best suits your playstyle (Silent & Sneaky, The Big Con, or Aggressive).
2. Passive Income from Arcade Machines: As mentioned, arcade machines generate passive income. The more machines you have, the higher your income will be. A fully stocked arcade can generate up to $5,000 per in-game day.
3. Master Control Terminal Operations: By using the MCT, you can efficiently manage all your other businesses (Nightclub, Bunker, etc.) without having to travel to each location, optimizing your time and profit margins.

Income Table:

Income Source	Potential Earnings
Diamond Casino Heist	$2,115,000 - $3,619,000 per heist
Passive Income from Machines	$5,000 per in-game day
Business Management via MCT	Varies based on businesses owned

Strategies for Maximization:

• Heist Planning: Regularly run the Diamond Casino Heist with different approaches to avoid repetition and maximize payouts.
• Arcade Machines: Invest in a variety of machines to diversify the passive income stream. Machines like "The Love Professor" and "Race and Chase" are popular choices.
• MCT Efficiency: Regularly check on your other businesses through the MCT to ensure they are running smoothly and generating income. Keep an eye on stock levels and resupply when necessary.

Additional Tips

• Daily Income Collection: Make sure to collect your arcade’s daily earnings from the safe regularly. It can store up to $50,000, so frequent collection prevents missing out on earnings.
• Hiring Staff: While it’s not a direct income generator, having a good staff setup ensures your arcade runs smoothly and looks lively, which can contribute to the overall immersive experience.
• Interior Customization: Personalizing the interior of your arcade doesn’t directly affect income but enhances the aesthetic appeal, making your business hub a more enjoyable place to be.

Final Thoughts

Setting up the best arcade in GTA Online requires strategic investment and planning. By choosing the right location, upgrading essential facilities, and maximizing your income through various streams, you can ensure that your arcade becomes a highly profitable and enjoyable venture. Whether you’re in it for the money, the fun, or both, a well-set-up arcade will serve as the cornerstone of your operations in GTA Online.