In its new Criminal Enterprises update, GTA Online graces players with several quality-of-life changes, making grinding easier and griefing harder.
The newest addition to Grand Theft Auto Online, the Criminal Enterprises update, is out now and brings with it some of its players’ most anticipated quality-of-life changes. In addition to new missions, upgrades, and vehicles, the update is also introducing a number of changes to better balance the online experience. For players who operate or participate in any of GTA Online‘s businesses, life is about to become far easier.
Among the many activities available to players in GTA Online is the option to become the owner of several different types of businesses, from motorcycle clubs to cargo warehouses. In order to efficiently run these operations, players must regularly procure and sell various products, resulting in consistent streams of in-game income. Traditionally, players looking to sell their products had to complete special Sell missions that could only be launched in public lobbies. As of GTA Online‘s Criminal Enterprises update, that is no longer the case, which is sure to be exciting news for VIPs and their employees.
Before this update, the only way for players to actually profit from their businesses was to physically deliver their products to designated locations. These missions were locked to public lobbies, and the entire lobby is shown a notification when a player begins such a mission, as well as a waypoint on their map should they wish to interfere. Members of the organization can purchase a temporary upgrade that hides them from other players in exchange for in-game currency, but otherwise, malicious players are free to destroy others’ cargo. There is a monetary bonus for completing a Sell mission with rival players in the lobby, but it’s hardly worth the effort. Excessive grinding in recent years has made GTA Online stop feeling fun, but this update may be a step in the right direction.
Since players can now sell their business’ products without worrying about powerful players griefing them, this part of GTA Online‘s grind could start to feel like less of a hassle. Of course, there’s still plenty of money to be made in order to participate in all of the game’s most expensive activities, but now that process isn’t as harrowing. In addition, the Criminal Enterprises update continues GTA Online‘s recent trend of increasing the amount of money players earn for completing missions and other activities. Heists now provide increased payouts, and players participating in business activities will receive higher periodical paychecks across the board. These continuous improvements to the boring grind of making money in GTA Online are already substantial and could be a sign of great changes yet to come.
GTA Online‘s grind isn’t just easier now, it’s also more varied. The new update introduces a new questline called Operation Paper Trail, as well as new missions for each kind of business to conduct. Nightclub, bunker, bike shop, and executive office owners will gain access to unique new missions for each type of property, enabling them to engage with their businesses in refreshing ways. By injecting some more variety into the game’s business activities while simultaneously making them safer to complete, it certainly seems like Rockstar is listening to fans’ complaints.
With the Criminal Enterprises update, GTA Online players who’ve been ignoring businesses can take comfort in the fact that the system is finally being changed for the better. While interfering with other players’ activities is in the spirit of the franchise, it’s also incredibly frustrating, so having the option to sell products without worry is an undoubtedly positive change. If this level of accessibility is indicative of trends to come, Grand Theft Auto Online will surely continue to thrive until the next major Rockstar release.
Alex Chapman is a Gaming Features writer for Screen Rant. As a lifelong fan of video games and tabletop games alike, Alex loves writing about them almost as much as he loves playing them. Alex is passionate about writing and analyzing the stories of games, and takes pride in doing so with integrity as a Screen Rant writer. Alex is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Game Design, and takes advantage his professional and academic experiences while writing about the game industry. When he’s not writing for Screen Rant, Alex works on independent games, makes content for Dungeons & Dragons, and plays with his dogs.
