Should You Buy an Arcade in GTA Online?
Let’s rewind a bit. Remember when you were grinding through missions just to earn a few thousand bucks? The idea of having a passive income stream was like a distant dream. But here comes the arcade, promising regular income, access to the Diamond Casino Heist, and a whole underground empire waiting for you to manage. Sounds perfect, right? Not quite. There’s a catch.
The Real Cost
Purchasing an arcade might seem like a small investment in the grand scheme of things, especially when you’ve raked in some serious cash from heists and missions. The base price for an arcade ranges from $1,200,000 to $2,530,000, depending on the location. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. The real expenses come with customization, game machines, and the upgrades you’ll need to maximize your profit.
| Arcade Locations | Base Price ($) | Max Potential Earnings/Day ($) |
|---|---|---|
| La Mesa | 1,875,000 | 5,000 |
| Vespucci Canals | 1,545,000 | 5,000 |
| Pixel Pete’s (Paleto Bay) | 1,235,000 | 5,000 |
| Davis | 2,083,000 | 5,000 |
At first glance, you may think you're just paying for the property. But without investing in game cabinets, you're not going to see much of a return. These machines can cost anywhere between $100,000 and $400,000 each. Want more variety and better earnings from the arcade? Get ready to drop more cash. For example, some top-tier games such as “Street Crimes: Gang Wars Edition” will cost you $360,000 upfront.
What about the income?
Your arcade generates income from people who visit and play the machines, but don’t get too excited. You’ll earn a maximum of $5,000 per in-game day (48 minutes in real life). It’s not exactly enough to retire, but when combined with your heist profits and other businesses, it’s a nice little boost.
Is the Heist Setup Worth It?
The most attractive feature of owning an arcade is access to the Diamond Casino Heist planning room. This is where the real money is. The Diamond Casino Heist allows you to steal anywhere from $2.1 million to $3.6 million, depending on the approach and the crew’s performance. The arcade’s basement is the nerve center of the operation, and it's vital for running the setup missions for the heist.
However, keep in mind that you’ll need a crew to complete the heist, and it involves planning, preparation, and execution. Each approach (Silent & Sneaky, Big Con, or Aggressive) comes with its own challenges, and you’ll need to carefully weigh the risks and rewards.
The Fun Factor
If you’re just looking to have fun and diversify your businesses in GTA Online, the arcade is an excellent choice. It adds a unique flavor to the game, and setting up heists is a thrill in itself. You can also invite friends over, play the arcade games you’ve installed, and show off your establishment.
But if you’re solely focused on making money, the arcade isn’t your most efficient option. Bunker sales, vehicle cargo, or the nightclub often offer a more straightforward path to riches. In fact, many veteran players recommend focusing on other income streams first before jumping into the arcade business.
The Verdict
So, should you buy an arcade in GTA Online? Yes, but with a few caveats. If you’re a casual player who loves the thrill of heists and enjoys building an empire from the ground up, the arcade is a must-have. The Diamond Casino Heist alone can pay off the initial investment if executed properly. Plus, the passive income from the arcade games is a nice bonus, even if it's not going to make you a millionaire overnight.
However, if your primary focus is making the most money as quickly as possible, you might want to hold off. The upfront costs, combined with the slow return on investment from arcade earnings, mean it’s not the best business for maximizing profits. In that case, consider investing in more lucrative businesses first, such as the bunker or nightclub, and come back to the arcade later when you’ve got extra cash to burn.
Pro Tips
- Choose Your Location Wisely: Arcades located closer to the city center (like La Mesa) are easier to access and make it simpler to recruit crew members for the heist.
- Don’t Skimp on Upgrades: While it may seem costly, investing in the best arcade machines will increase your daily earnings. Prioritize the high-end machines to attract more customers.
- Leverage the Heist: The Diamond Casino Heist is where the real money lies. Focus on completing it as efficiently as possible. The arcade’s planning room is critical for executing the heist.
In conclusion, buying an arcade is not just about the money; it’s about the experience and the doors it opens in GTA Online. If you’re looking for a fun, interactive business with the potential for massive payouts through heists, the arcade is well worth considering.
Top Comments
No Comments Yet