5 MUST-DO’s on Your First Day
Are you brand new to GRA RP? Not sure where to start? Here are 5 MUST-Do’s I recommend doing on your very first day!
Your First Day in the City
So, you have your first character. You created someone unique… someone memorable. Someone… interesting. You came up with an engaging backstory that will intrigue anyone you come across. You have a signature look people will recognize. A witty catchphrase to spark conversations. And a bag full of tricks, jokes, or curveballs at the ready for even the most hardcore RPers you may come across.
But how do you meet other RPers? Where… do you go? What do you say? How do you start a slow burn storyline or an epic roleplay experience when… you have… no experience?
Look no further! Today we’re going to cover the top five things I highly recommend doing on your very first day in the city to help get you started. And get you on your way to developing a fantastic story arc for your character. AND set you up for a strong start on your roleplay journey.
However, before we get started, if you’re still working on your first character and you need help hammering out the details or creating an interesting backstory that stands out from the rest, check out this guide where we take a deep dive into character creation as well as my FREE character backstory template you can use to really fine-tune the specifics and help you get accepted on some A-list RP servers like no pixel.
Furthermore, if you have no idea which servers to join or how to apply, here is a guide on the BEST public and whitelisted servers out there and how to apply to them.
Okay, so you’ve got your character, you’re on a server and you’re ready to jump into some legendary RP scenarios with other creative RPers. Here are my top 5 MUST-DO’s on your very first day of GTA RP.
Explore Your Surroundings!
#1 Acquire a vehicle
Firstly, when it comes to vehicles, every server is different. Some will give you a starter vehicle right from the start while others will require you to pass before you can even buy one. If your server requires you to take a drivers test or get a license in order to drive a vehicle, I would recommend doing this right away so you have a means of transportation.
Accessing your vehicle can vary per server as well. On the server I play on, TRP, I can do so at any parking garage. By opening my player menu, I can retrieve or store my vehicles.
Be sure to unlock your car before getting inside. And always lock it when not using it so no one can steal it or so it doesn’t get impounded – trust me, it happens. Keybinds may vary per server, but you can do things like honk your horn, open your trunk to store items or hop in for a ride when they’re aren’t enough seats.
Vehicles can be upgraded, customized, and repaired when damaged by either a mechanic, with a repair kit or at a mech hub.
#2 Get a job
Secondly, visit the job center for instance, and get a job to start earning money. Each server will have a variety of jobs you can choose from. You can even choose to be unemployed! Jobs may include state jobs such as taxi, delivery or player-run businesses such as car dealer, mechanic or realtor. You can even do petty crime and sell weed to the locals for some quick cash.
Most servers will even let players submit business proposals to open their own businesses such as restaurants or cannabis stores where they can hire other players to work there. To get hired, visit the job center or the corresponding job icon on your map.
Some jobs such as State Trooper (cops), EMS (Emergency Medical Services) or lawyer are whitelisted and will require you to apply, IC, and possibly even have an interview for a position. You can apply for these at the DOJ (Department of Justice).
Note: These jobs may take more of an investment on your part. Being knowledgeable about what you do can help you get hired. And further your RP potential and even gain you respect in the community.
For example: If you want to be a lawyer, have basic knowledge of the law and how court cases work, the terminology, etc.
#3 Check Twitter
Thirdly, see what’s happening in the city. Are there any events going on? Look for business advertisements or activities to get an idea where people are hanging out. Or feel free to post yourself! Maybe something as simple as “just moved here. what’s happening?
You can use Twitter to promote city events or your business. You can also inquire about vehicles being sold or post photos of you and your friends. With most servers, you can even create animated gifs and upload them to imgur so you can share them in-game.
Note that on some servers, you may have to go to your phone settings and turn on mouse control to do certain actions like this.
#4 Get to know your map
For instance, get familiar with the areas on the map and major locations like Pillbox hospital so you know your way around. Players will often refer to common areas like “Sandy” or “Interstellar”. Getting to know the map will make it easier when meeting up with other players or trying to evade the cops in a car chase.
In addition, take note of the different icons on the right, sorted alphabetically to help you navigate around Los Santos. You’ll see several icons like stores, garages where you can access your vehicles, gas stations and other places you’ll be visiting often. Remember you can also ping locations and view the route on your mini map when in a vehicle or on a bike. You can also share your GPS coordinates to a friend via text by using your phone.
Note, your map may be referred to as your GPS when IC. Quick tip: Typically you’ll know a business is open if their icon appears on the map.
#5 Meet other players
As a new player in town, don’t hesitate when introducing yourself! Meet as many people as you can! Ask them what they do for work, for fun, try to remember something about them whether it’s their accent, the way they dress or a fun fact about them to help you remember who is who.
In the same respect, make sure your interactions with others are memorable. Does your character have a go-to catchphrase or emote? Use it! Whenever you meet someone new, make your interaction meaningful in some way so you make a lasting impression.
And make sure to explore popular locations on your map such as mech shops or the casino where people could be hanging out. Add people’s numbers to your phone contacts. Plan some activities! Before you know it, you’ll have a ton of friends in the city at any given time you can hang out with. Don’t be afraid to be the one to get things going. It can even help shy RP-ers come out of their shell, the more welcoming you are.
Remember, the more people involved, the more hilarious, ridiculous or exciting things will be. Things can get a little hectic at times, but I always think of it like: the more RPers, the more spontaneous ideas, and the more things could go wrong which usually makes for some entertaining content.
I play a character that’s always getting into trouble, yet I still introduce myself to everyone to make them feel included. Whether some chooses to join you is of course, up to them. But in general, try to be friendly and don’t intentionally exclude anyone. The best way to do this is to always have an agenda in mind and invite whoever you come across to join in the fun.
Check out these hilarious stream highlights featuring some awesome RPers!
Looking for more beginner tips? Check out my Complete Beginner Guide to GTA RP!
Drinker of Coffee, Lover of Games, Creator of Content