One more year goes by without a blaze of controversy as GTA Online readies its free summer update. The Criminal Companies bundle arrives to introduce fresh missions and a wave of improvements across Los Santos. Players will find new opportunities for Criminal Races, additional Contact Missions, and much more starting Tuesday, July 26.
As if the present moment had a pulse, the southern San Andreas economy is strained: fuel prices surge to record highs, supply chains buckle, and a heatwave blankets the state. The scenario hits home for players who recognize the familiar chaos of a bustling virtual metropolis.
In this volatile climate, executives, bikers, nightclub owners, and arms dealers may see benefits. A spike in gasoline costs draws the attention of the IAA, who suspect the corrupt Duggan family, leaders of the petrochemical empire, are exploiting the situation. The agency will seek players to flag irregularities and assist with investigations.
‘Criminal Companies’ – GTA Online
‘Criminal Companies’ is a comprehensive update that adds new missions and reflects many community-requested improvements. It expands freedom of choice as players climb the ranks in the criminal hierarchy. The update also introduces new content from the developer, including higher earnings through varied income streams, fresh vehicles, and collectibles. Players can explore dealerships to browse, test, or purchase a fleet of new rides, plus special events throughout the summer.
Hugely expand your business
Whether someone starts in GTA Online via the job creator or has become a seasoned crime strategist, the update caters to entrepreneurs of all kinds. Regardless of the chosen criminal path, players will now conduct all business activities in private sessions—invitation-only, Crew, or friends—and include sales missions within those sessions.
For those who run enforcement offices, a new team leader in warehouses arrives. Lupe proves to be a diligent helper, assisting with special orders to stock shelves. Managers can also take on a fresh side role, receiving daily shipments of goods from the warehouse, pre-packed and ready for delivery to the docks.
Cyclists, arms dealers and nightclub owners
Clubhouses gain a personal workshop upgrade. Cyclists can raise their reputation and earnings by completing two new venue contracts posted on the club boardroom wall. Ammu-Nation recognizes your supply of quality goods at fair prices and may offer a renewed income stream. For nightclub owners, reaching out to Yohan for merchandise or contacting Tony to begin club management duties becomes a smart move.
Stealth jobs, new tools and upgrades
The rise in fuel costs powers opportunities for the oil dynasty, a staple in the Los Santos economy. The IAA suspects a broader conspiracy and will introduce Operation Tech Trace, where teams of players work as sworn agents to investigate the petrochemical giants. Players can tackle these tasks via multiple escape routes, with new vehicles rolling out through the season. Those seeking a high-tech edge can install two new Imani devices to enable remote control, missile lock prevention, and other enhancements from the expert hacker at F. Clinton & Partner.
Criminal Companies will also bring financial changes, including permanent reward increases in races and Enemy Modes, higher loot in the original Heists and Doomsday Heist, better salaries for Bodyguards, Partners, and Biker Club members, and more. The content launches on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC on July 26. [citation: Rockstar Games]