GTA 5: How to Buy Arcade (Buying, Setup & Maximize Profit)

To buy an arcade in Grand Theft Auto V, you need to meet with Lester Crest at Mirror Park first. During this meeting, a cutscene featuring Lester Crest and Georgina Cheng will play. After this cutscene, you can proceed to buy an arcade from their in-game phones. This additional requirement serves as a gateway to owning an arcade, which is essential for setting up The Diamond Casino Heist.

Requirements for Buying an Arcade

Game Version: You must have GTA 5 Online. The arcade business is not available in the single-player version of the game.
Level Requirement: While there is no strict level requirement to buy an arcade, being at a higher level can give you more capital and resources to invest in your new business.
Initial Purchase: The cost of the arcade varies depending on the location. The cheapest one starts at $1,235,000, and the price can go up to $2,530,000 for premium locations.
Customization Costs: Customizing the interior, adding games, and other aesthetic changes can cost extra. Budget at least an additional $500,000 for these.
Operational Costs: While the arcade generates its own income, it's a good idea to have some extra money for operational costs like utility bills, which can be around $500 per in-game day.

How to Buy Arcade

When buying an arcade in GTA 5 Online, location is key. Opt for a centrally located arcade near the Diamond Casino if you plan to engage in heists, as this will save you valuable time during prep missions. Consider the proximity to other businesses you own, as this can streamline your operations and make management easier.

Step 1: Open Maze Bank Foreclosures

Open your phone and go to the internet.
Navigate to "Money and Services."
Scroll down and click on "Maze Bank Foreclosures."

To initiate the process of buying an arcade, you'll first need to access the Maze Bank Foreclosures website. Open your in-game phone by pressing the designated button, navigate to the internet browser, and then go to the "Money and Services" section. Here, you'll find the Maze Bank Foreclosures website. Clicking on it will open a map showing various properties, including arcades, that are up for sale.

Step 2: Choose Your Arcade

On the Maze Bank Foreclosures site, click on the "Arcade" tab.
You'll see various locations on the map. Click on each to see the price and location details.

Once you're on the Maze Bank Foreclosures site, you'll see a tab specifically for arcades. Click on it to filter the properties and only show available arcades. The map will display various icons representing different arcade locations. Each icon can be clicked on to reveal more details about the arcade, including its price and location. Take your time to browse through the options and find one that suits your needs and budget.

Step 3: Evaluate Locations

Location	Arcade Name	Price	Pros	Cons
Vinewood	Pixel Pete's	$1,235,000	Central location, close to most activities.	Can be crowded.
La Mesa	Videogeddon	$1,875,000	Cheaper, relatively central.	None noted.
Rockford Hills	Insert Coin	$2,345,000	High-end area.	Expensive.
Davis	Warehouse	$2,135,000	Good location.	A bit expensive.
Downtown Vinewood	Eight-Bit	$2,530,000	Very central.	Most expensive.
Strawberry	Wonderama	$1,565,000	Affordable, decent location.	None noted.
Mission Row	The Pink Cage	$1,605,000	Close to police station.	Proximity to police can be a con.
Little Seoul	The Diamond	$1,705,000	Close to the beach.	Not central for other activities.
Vespucci Canals	The Royal	$1,815,000	Scenic location.	Not practical.
Textile City	The Palace	$1,720,000	Decent location.	Better options for the price.
Pillbox Hill	The Den	$1,605,000	Close to hospital.	None noted.
East Vinewood	The Forum	$1,830,000	None noted.	Not central, a bit expensive.
Hawick	The Box	$1,875,000	Decent location.	Not the best value for money.
Burton	The Hideout	$1,955,000	None noted.	Expensive for what it offers.
Alta	The Spot	$1,515,000	Cheaper option.	Not very central.

Choosing the right location for your arcade is crucial for both the Casino Heist and your passive income. Locations like Vinewood are expensive but offer the advantage of being centrally located. La Mesa is a more budget-friendly option but is farther away from the casino. Paleto Bay is the cheapest but is located far from most activities. Weigh the pros and cons of each location before making a decision.

Step 4: Buy the Arcade

Once you've chosen a location, click on it.
You'll have customization options like the style of the arcade, its name, etc. These are optional and will cost extra.
Click "Buy" to finalize the purchase.

After you've decided on a location, click on the corresponding icon on the map. A new page will open, offering various customization options such as the arcade's interior style, its name, and additional features like a garage. While these are optional, they do add to the overall cost. Once you're satisfied with your choices, click the "Buy" button to finalize the purchase. You'll receive a confirmation and the property will be added to your portfolio.

How to Setup Arcade

Upon completing the purchase, you'll receive a phone call from Lester, who will guide you through the setup process. You'll need to complete a setup mission that involves going to the arcade and performing various tasks to get it up and running. This is a crucial step as it unlocks the arcade's full functionality, including its use as a base for heist preparations and as a source of passive income.

Step 1: Answer Lester's Call

After completing your purchase, you'll receive a call from Lester Crest.
Answer the call and listen to Lester's instructions. He will guide you through the initial steps of setting up your arcade.

Step 2: Go to the Arcade Location

Drive to your newly purchased arcade.
Enter the building, and you'll find a cutscene that introduces you to the arcade's interior.

Step 3: Access the Laptop

Inside the arcade, you'll find a laptop usually located on a desk or table.
Walk up to the laptop and press the prompted button to access it.

Step 4: Customize Your Arcade's Style

On the laptop, you'll find options for customizing your arcade.
You can choose different styles, themes, and decorations. Note that these will cost extra.

Step 5: Add Games and Attractions

You'll also have the option to add various arcade games and attractions.
Each game will cost money but will also attract more NPCs, generating more passive income.

Step 6: Hire Staff (Optional)

You can hire staff to manage the arcade, although this is optional.
Staff can help maintain the games and manage the cash register, but they will also require a salary.

Step 7: Stock Up the Safe

Your arcade comes with a safe where the daily earnings are stored.
Make sure to empty the safe regularly to ensure continuous income.

Step 8: Set Up the Master Control Terminal (Optional)

The Master Control Terminal allows you to manage all your other businesses from the arcade.
This is an optional but highly recommended upgrade, especially if you own other businesses in GTA 5 Online.

Step 9: Complete Setup Missions

Lester will give you a series of setup missions to complete.
These missions will help you get your arcade fully operational and are necessary if you plan to use the arcade as a base for the Diamond Casino Heist.

Step 10: Open for Business

Once all setup missions are complete, your arcade is officially open for business.
You can now start generating income, both passively through the arcade games and actively through the Diamond Casino Heist.

How to Maxime Profit

Using your arcade as a central hub for Heist preparations will consolidate all your criminal activities, making your operations more efficient. You should consider the placement of games within the arcade to attract more NPC traffic, as this can indirectly affect your arcade's popularity and, subsequently, its profitability.

Invest in Games

The more games you have, the more NPCs will visit your arcade, generating more passive income. While the initial investment might seem steep, the long-term benefits are worth it. Each game can attract a different crowd, and the more diverse your arcade, the more money you'll make in the long run.

Manage Your Safe

Once it's full, you won't earn any more money until you've made space. Make it a habit to empty the safe either before logging off or after completing major missions. This ensures that your arcade continues to generate income even when you're not actively managing it.

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