Rockstar Offer Their Tips for GTA Online Freemode

GTA Online’s freemode was released two weeks ago, and now Rockstar have released the first of three sets of tips to get the most out of the mode.

These are direct from the creators and cover the Hunt the Beast, King of the Castle, and Moving Target modes as well as a few tips for getting started.

GETTING STARTED

In order to be fully prepared for all Freemode Events, we highly recommend you using these general tips as a credo:

• Stock up. You’ll need lots of firepower and a variety of vehicles so be sure to load up on ammo, armor and snacks and have a diverse mix of rides in your garage, from motorcycles to fast cars to off-road vehicles – be prepared to dial up your Mechanic at the drop of a dime. Similarly, you should also have a chopper or plane at the ready from Pegasus.
• Be generous. Team up and share your cash by going to the Inventory section in your Interaction menu, and select Cash. From there, choose which player you’d like to share with as well as a percentage cut.
• Periodically, purple help text and UI will pop onto your screen. Be on the lookout for these messages as they will provide helpful information specific to the Freemode Events.
• Keep your eyes on the prize. Stay focused on the main objective in all Events rather than getting bogged down in fighting other challengers, risking defeat by another player.
• If you want to avoid auto-targeting your friends during Events, be sure to set your Player Targeting Priority to Strangers.

So far so good, now for the modes themselves

HUNT THE BEAST

Objective
Each player that elects to participate in this hunt-or-be-hunted Freemode Event has a chance to become the ominous Beast – a stronger and faster version of themselves. The Beast’s goal is to visit Landmarks around Los Santos and Blaine County, collecting cash and RP while being hunted by the other players in the session. The Beast’s blip on the Radar is only visible to others for a short time at the start of the Event and after they visit each Landmark.

Tips
Finding the Beast will prove to be challenging, so once you do you’ll want to have it in your sights for as long as possible. To follow the Beast for an extended period of time, use the expanded Radar by hitting Start then Settings and Display (this is also a good tip to follow in general). Keep your ears open and listen closely for any growling sounds – this means the Beast is nearby. As the Hunters, the best strategy is to work together. Arrange for someone to follow the Beast in a chopper to communicate their location to the ground troops, hunt in packs and keep an open line of communication. Just be cautious, as the Beast is a deceptive one; they may be using voice chat to provide Hunters false information and throw them off the scent. Pedestrians will flee from the Beast making it difficult for them to blend in on foot. Hunters surveying the land by air should pay close attention to irregular driving patterns such as fast accelerating vehicles, abrupt lane changes or U-turns. Work in small teams with one person taking the wheel whilst the others navigate and keep an eye out for the Beast.

As for the Beast, in addition to the previously mentioned details, plan your collection route in order to hit the checkpoints as efficiently as possible. You’ll have heightened speed and strength abilities so be sure to take advantage of those as well. If you are discovered by your pursuers keep calm, you can withstand the onslaught for a short period of time. Focus on the Hunters that pose the most immediate threat, try not to get cornered and when you have dispatched of the Hunters, flee the scene as quickly as possible. If you find that you’re being tailed by a helicopter don’t be afraid to stop and destroy it, this will buy you some time as they scramble to find more air support.

Still with me? Good.

KING OF THE CASTLE

Objective
Once the Castle area appears on your Radar, rush over and find a way to secure it to earn yourself both cash and RP. Stay as the King for as long as possible – for each second you’re in the Castle area you earn one point and for each kill you earn five. Until another player is able to forcibly remove you from your Castle and begin a reign of their own, your RP and GTA$ will continue to pile up.

Tips
In your attempts to claim the Castle, you’ll find gunfire and explosions to be plentiful – best to make use of the cover around you whenever possible. Amidst that chaos, focus your sights on the King as killing other players will only benefit the head of the kingdom. The one civilian you should feel free to go after is the points leader. If they aren’t currently the King, taking them out on your way to the Castle area will prevent them from adding to their score. Once you do claim the throne, well-placed proximity mines can be a great defense of the Castle – hopefully helping to extend your reign for a good long while. Merryweather will gladly help out for a small fee so be sure to call in Mercenaries or a Backup Helicopter to dethrone the current King.

One more left

MOVING TARGET

Objective
The safe delivery of a single vehicle is your objective for the round and you may have a friend help with securing the cash and RP bonuses. Moving Target will put your driving or flying skills to the test since all other participants will be rewarded for taking you out. Once the random vehicle appears on your Radar, rush over to its location. If the vehicle requires a gunner, you will receive some much-needed support.

Tips
While you’re busy focusing on steering your picked up vehicle to a safe delivery, have someone ride shotty to help fend off attackers and then share the cash. As in real life, don’t always blindly rely on the GPS – you just might know a shortcut that’s faster or safer.

HOT PROPERTY

Objective
Grab the briefcase and go! Hold onto a Briefcase for as long as you can until the eight minute timer runs out. Jump into a car, bike, boat, motorcycle, P-996 Lazer or just run for the hills. Stay on the move. As long as you are holding onto the Briefcase the other players will know where to find you. At the end of the Event the three players who held on to the Briefcase the longest will score cash and RP bonuses.

Tips
Since the competition can easily locate players holding the Briefcase on their HUD, once you obtain one you should stay on the move as much as possible – a fast car such as the Kuruma is ideal. Fortunately, Briefcases can be picked up from inside your vehicle, allowing you to avoid exiting your car and thus being more vulnerable to enemy fire. Also, consider working with a partner to help secure the Briefcase and then share the cash if you win.

Part two of Rockstar’s top tips will be coming soon.