Grand Theft Auto Online continues to receive updates more than a decade after its launch, and the A Safehouse in the Hills update introduces high-end mansions as a new property type. These luxury homes provide players not only with a status symbol but also with functional upgrades that can benefit their criminal enterprises. This article explains how to purchase mansions, what upgrades are available, and how to unlock the new story mission featuring Michael de Santa.
Purchasing Your First Mansion
Mansions are available through the in-game website Prix Luxury Real Estate, which can be accessed from your character’s phone. There are three properties to choose from, each with a different price and location.
The Tongva Estate is the most affordable option at $11.5 million, while the Vinewood Residence costs $12.2 million. The Richman Villa is the most expensive property, priced at $12.8 million. All mansions come with a 20-car garage, an in-house salon, and the option to adopt a pet. Buying a mansion is a major investment, but it also opens up new gameplay opportunities.
Customizing and Upgrading Your Mansion
Once a mansion has been purchased, players can customize it with additional rooms and functional upgrades. Cosmetic options such as wallpapers and furniture allow players to personalize their homes, but the most important upgrades are functional. The armory provides access to the Mk. II weapon workshop, enabling players to purchase and modify weapons from their residence.
The vehicle workshop allows for full vehicle customization, including access to specialized upgrades available to GTA+ members. While the arcade room and car podium are primarily decorative, the armory and vehicle workshop offer practical advantages for players with multiple businesses.
Security is another key upgrade, costing $1.75 million. A mansion security team protects all existing businesses from police raids, improving overall efficiency and reducing interruptions. When a business would otherwise be raided, the AI assistant sends a notification confirming that the situation has been handled.
Each mansion comes with a free AI assistant, available in three voices - Angel, Haviland, and OG. Although the assistants share the same functionality, their dialogue and personality differ. If a player owns multiple mansions, the same AI manages all properties.
Unlocking Michael’s New Mission
A highlight of the update is the return of Michael de Santa for the mission Home Sweet Home. To unlock this mission, players must first purchase a mansion and complete the KnoWay Out contact missions, which involve disrupting driverless taxis and recovering critical documents.
After finishing these missions, players receive instructions from Avi Schwartzman, leading to the new mansion-based story mission. In Home Sweet Home, players work alongside Michael to defend their property from intruders. This mission represents the conclusion of the A Safehouse in the Hills storyline.
Exploring the New Mission Creator
Alongside the update, Rockstar enhanced GTA Online’s mission creator. Players can now design custom missions with cutscenes, unique objectives, enemy placements, and access to previously restricted interiors.
The mission creator allows for greater flexibility in content creation, ensuring that the game continues to receive community-generated content. Rockstar has also provided example missions to demonstrate the system, which can be accessed through the Jobs menu under Rockstar Created Content.
Maintaining Long-Term Value
With mansions, functional upgrades, and the enhanced mission creator, the A Safehouse in the Hills update provides both cosmetic and gameplay benefits. It encourages long-term engagement by offering new ways to manage businesses and create content. These additions help maintain GTA Online’s active player base even as anticipation grows for GTA VI.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much do mansions cost in GTA Online?
Mansions range from $11.5 million for the Tongva Estate to $12.8 million for the Richman Villa. Prices vary based on location and features.
What upgrades are most useful for GTA Online mansions?
The armory and vehicle workshop provide practical benefits for customizing weapons and vehicles. Security upgrades are essential for protecting businesses from police raids.
Do all mansions come with an AI assistant?
Yes, each mansion includes a free AI assistant. Players can choose from Angel, Haviland, or OG, but one assistant manages all properties if multiple mansions are owned.
How do you unlock Michael’s mission?
Players must buy a mansion and complete the KnoWay Out contact missions. Afterward, they are directed to the Home Sweet Home mission, where they defend their mansion alongside Michael.
What is new in the GTA Online mission creator?
The updated mission creator allows players to design custom missions with cutscenes, interior access, objectives, and enemies. Rockstar also provides example missions to demonstrate its capabilities.
