When God of War Laufey was unveiled a few weeks ago, the titular late wife of Kratos was supposed to be the star of the showcase. Things turned out differently, however, as much of the online discussion was centered around one of Laufey's sidekicks: a square of goo by the fancy name of Phranque. The sludgy sidekick--voiced by Jack Quaid in one of the funniest mo-cap setups we've ever seen--quickly stole the show, whirling and twirling as he helped Faye mow down a mob of foes with shocking agility. The consensus is clear: We stan the cube. It's the boy! Phranque, however, is just part of a long-running legacy of slimes in gaming. These slippery characters have been friend and foe, obstacle and companion, and sometimes even playable heroes. Let's step back and take a look at the trail of game history our bubbly buddies have left behind. Slime monsters have been a staple in pop culture for eons, but the creatures' continued presence across gaming comes primarily from an analog source: the great Dungeons and Dragons. Slime creatures have existed in D&D since its genesis in 1974, but one particular muck-monster has endured in popularity throughout the years: the Gelatinous Cube. This 10-by-10-foot carrion-feeder sweeps dungeons to consume the remains of living things that have perished in the depths.  The famous Gelatinous Cube, now in pinball machine toy form. The Gelatinous Cube's appeal is understandable--there's something fascinating and morbidly humorous about a massive, mindless cube of toxic jelly that feeds on dead adventurers--and the recent uptick in popularity for all things Dungeons and Dragons has given the cube a fresh fanbase (though I wonder if Minecraft's slimes taking a cubical form has also bolstered the AD&D OG's profile). Heck, the Gelatinous Cube even occupies prime real estate on Stern's recent Dungeons and Dragons pinball table. So while Phranque's relatives may lack intelligence, they're certainly not lacking in prestige. D&D would go on to inspire the first wave of computer RPGs, including the legendary Wizardry, which featured slimes as some of your party's earliest enemy encounters. Other early adventure games, like Namco's Tower of Druaga and Hydlide, also featured enemy slimes. But it was Wizardry's success and direct influence that led to the creation of gaming's most famous slime. Dragon Quest owes much of its early inspiration to Wizardry. Creator Yuji Horii wanted to make his own game with similar ideas--including the sorts of monsters that appeared. Wizardry had slimes, so it made sense for them to be in Dragon Quest as well. That's when famed manga artist and illustrator Akira Toriyama worked his magic to create a gaming icon."Originally when we thought up the slime, it was a pile of goo," said Horii in a 2007 interview. "We had imagined…an icky pool of slime, but when (Akira Toriyama) came back with that perfectly shaped tear-drop monster, we thought it was perfect." Fear them The baby-blue monster was different from the popular image of slimes. Instead of being a gross, messy pile of sludge, the simple design oozed with charm, greeting players with a big, goofy smile that almost made you feel bad about grinding levels from them. The Dragon Quest slime quickly became the face of the series, becoming even more iconic than many of the human cast members. Through sequels, minigames, and spin-offs, players became able to interact with slimes in ways beyond battle. The slimes even got their own spin-off series of games--only one of which, the excellent Rocket Slime for the Nintendo DS, was released outside of Japan. To this day, the Dragon Quest slime remains an icon, decorating all manner of merchandise with its eternal grin. After Dragon Quest, video game slime design took a notable turn away from realistic, nature-inspired molds, algae, and snottites to gradually embrace round, jiggly cuteness. You definitely still had old-school slime designs, like the recurring early-game demon recruit in the Shin Megami Tensei series, and creatures like the Final Fantasy series's Flan monsters mixed anthropomorphic features like big googly eyes with toothy snarls. But mass appeal and marketability for slime characters was definitely in--and a surprise puzzle hit was poised to capitalize on that. Puyo Puyo from the Switch Sega Ages collection Puyo Puyo was originally a spin-off of developer Compile's RPG series Madou Monogatari--a game in which the wobbly, squishy Puyos appeared as enemy mobs not unlike Dragon Quest's slimes. First released for MSX and Famicom Disk System in 1991, Puyo Puyo would find massive success with an arcade release in 1992 that emphasized a fast-paced versus mode. The rules of Puyo Puyo were simple: Link Puyos of the same color together to erase them, and set up big chains to rain a hail of garbage on your opponent's playfield. Puyo Puyo played faster than Tetris and was just as easy to grasp, plus it featured a charming cast of delightful weirdos that fans ate up. But the Puyos themselves were the crux of the gameplay, and they became iconic in their own right. Puyo Puyo continues to be one of the most popular falling-piece puzzle games out there, and rights-owner Sega markets the cute little blobs in a variety of ways--including continuing a decades-long tradition of making Puyoman, a sweet treat based on the blobs. With the newfound popularity of slime monsters in media, it only made sense for a game about critter collecting to feature a globular representative. While Pokemon's original lineup of 151 beasties drew design inspiration from all manner of sources, Ditto stands out from the pack. It's a surprisingly basic-looking concept--a somewhat lumpy blob with two beady eyes and a laid-back smile--but its ability to morph into other Pokemon and use their abilities is entirely unique. Despite not being a headliner Pokemon like Pikachu, Ditto has lots of fans--particularly those invested in Pokemon husbandry, as it is a universal mate. And recently, Ditto got to assume the spotlight in Pokemon Pokopia, a building/simulation title where Dittos assume humanoid form to create a lively living space, but are able to utilize their transformation capabilities to learn and use other Pokemon's skills. The recent success of Pokopia raises a question: there are lots of games where you interact with slimes in some way, but are there other titles where you are the goo? Perhaps unsurprisingly, it can be difficult to make a game focused on a creature who lacks traditional limbs and movement. That hasn't stopped developers from trying, however. One obscure gem in the slime-protagonist genre actually comes from a pre-Pokemon Game Freak. In the early days of the Super NES's life, Game Freak produced Smart Ball--known as Jerry Boy in Japan--a game about a boy turned into a slime creature. The game has some interesting ideas for how the player character attacks and moves, as you're able to stretch and cling to walls, as well as absorb (and toss out) items into your gelatinous mass. It's a charming, colorful platformer that also serves as a good look into what Game Freak was doing before its mega-success--but sadly, the sequel got canceled before it ever released. Another more infamous example of player-controlled slime is The Ooze, a Genesis/Mega Drive exclusive developed by Sega Technical Institute. Hero Dr. Caine is transformed into a puddle of bubbling green slime as he's preparing to expose a nefarious plot by his former employer to poison the planet. Not only must he foil the plan, but he also needs to find a way to become human again. Like many Sega Technical Institute games, The Ooze is unique and ambitious but not all that fun to play--controlling the slime-ified Caine is awkward, and managing your supply of goo (which increases your size, and thus, your hitbox) is a messy, frequently frustrating affair. The Ooze is mostly remembered for being a very late console release and having some interesting physics for the time--and, well, being a game starring sludge.  If there's one section of gaming where slimes are getting plenty of love nowadays, it's the indie sphere (or cube). One of modern indie gaming's first breakout hits, 2008's World of Goo (and its 2024 sequel), has you building structures to solve physics puzzles using a supply of slimes. Slime Rancher 1 and 2 are cozy nurturing sims where you raise, feed, and breed oodles of adorable slimes on colorful planets far away from Earth. Indie developers are embracing slime protagonists. The cutesy co-op  souls-like Slime Heroes is available across multiple platforms. Former Epic Games artist Asher Zhu has been showcasing development on a 3D slime game with beautiful visuals.  Slime Rancher With Phranque soon to be making his mark and an illustrious legacy of gooey glory, one thing's for sure: as friends or as foes, as blobs, cubes, or slithering piles of mucky mass, Slimes will forever be one of gaming's greatest monster archetypes.

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With the GTA 6 release date creeping up ever faster, you might want to scratch the GTA-shaped itch that we're all getting. GTA Online has been around for years, but there's never been a better time to jump into the sprawling sandbox. If you've never stepped foot in Rockstar's shared open-world multiplayer experience, here's a full guide on how to get started. What is GTA Online? GTA Online is an open-world shared multiplayer experience for servers of up to 32 people. It's set in Los Santos, which is a representation of Los Angeles, California. You can choose to play in private, invite-only lobbies or lobbies that are exclusive to your crew. Crews are similar to clans; anybody can create one, and it's free to do so. The aim of GTA Online is to get as much money as you can, and invest that in properties and businesses. In turn, this will allow you to get even more money, or make it easier to do so. You can use that money to buy vehicles, from supercars to military armored trucks, as well as other things like mansions. There is a ranked progression system, and you can be placed in lobbies against players of varying levels. You can opt for a pacifistic approach, but there's always the chance of other players taking a slightly more violent route. Passive mode is a good way to avoid hostile players. As a new player, everyone will have better stuff than you. But that's where we come in to help--we've got an extensive GTA Online guides hub with advice on everything from making more money to which businesses are the best ones to buy early on. Create your character When you first start GTA Online, you'll be prompted to create your custom character. You won't need to worry too much about getting every detail perfect, as your appearance can be changed later. Many of your decisions in the early game will have little-to-no long-term impact. Complete the tutorial If this is your first experience with GTA Online, we'd really recommend that you complete the tutorial. It'll introduce you to several key mechanics, including combat, driving, shopping, missions, how multiplayer works, and gives you some useful starter rewards. GTA$ GTA$ is the game's primary currency, used to buy vehicles, weapons, properties, businesses, upgrades, cosmetics, clothing, and more. Almost every activity in GTA Online either requires or rewards you with GTA$, making it the most important resource. After all, the long-term goal is to be rich. RP RP, or Reputation Points, are rewarded for completing activities. These points function as GTA Online's experience system, and the more RP you have, the higher level you will be. As you earn RP and rank up you can gain access to new weapons, vehicle upgrades, equipment, and activities. Aim to increase your rank alongside your cash balance, as it'll give you access to tools to make gaining money even easier. What to do first in GTA Online After you've completed the tutorial, you'll want to focus on several options. Claim all of your starter rewards to give yourself the best advantage. Complete any and all introductory missions that pop up. Buy snacks to help replenish health, and armor to take less damage from the more hostile players on your server. Complete the most profitable activities and begin saving for your first business, as this will provide you with a reliable method of passive income. Invest in businesses early. It's definitely tempting to buy a flashy car right away, but the business is more likely to help you increase your GTA$ balance faster, meaning the cars can wait. How to earn your first million GTA$ This should be considered your first major milestone in GTA Online, and it's easier than it sounds. You'll have to complete missions, look for contact missions as they give a good amount of cash and help you learn about combat and mission mechanics at the same time. You'll also want to play the weekly bonus activities. These reset each week and contain missions that will grant double or triple rewards for a quick boost to your balance. There's no limit to the number of times you can replay these missions, so you could grind them until you get to a million if you really wanted. The Cluckin Bell Farm Raid missions are a good way to make money. The Cluckin' Bell Farm Raid is a great series of missions to complete entirely solo, requires zero up front capital to start, and rewards $500,000. A run through should take between 45 and 60 minutes, so it's a small time sink to your first million if that's the path you choose. Invest in a business We've got more detailed GTA Online business guides, but as a general rule, choosing the right first business is key. Some recommendations include the Acid Lab, since it's relatively affordable but has strong profits and is solo-friendly to run, and the Agency, since it offers story content and consistent money-making opportunities. Having said that, there are definitely businesses to avoid early on. Steer clear of anything commercial and expensive, or businesses that require a lot of upgrading before they'll become profitable, like the Document Forgery Office or the Vehicle Warehouse. Getting your vehicles The Armored Kuruma is one of the best mission vehicles in the game since it has exceptionally strong bullet protection. It'll make your early missions significantly easier. The Duke O'Death is a durable, relatively affordable muscle car. The Buzzard Attack Chopper will be the best way to get around the map. You don't need a garage full of supercars to succeed in GTA Online ... although I will concede that it's much more fun to do so. Weapons and firepower You'll want to have a small collection of reliable weapons. It's more useful and cost-efficient than owning every gun. The best ones to grab early on are the Special Carbine, AP Pistol, Homing Launcher, and Heavy Sniper. Always carry snacks Snacks are healing items, and one of the biggest mistakes new players make is ignoring them. They'll help you out in a pinch by restoring health instantly. Similarly, armor provides additional protection in combat. You should be stocked up on these items before every mission. Session types There are several different session types in GTA Online. Public sessions are open lobbies containing up to 32 players. They're unpredictable, but if you want the most authentic GTA Online experience, go for this option. Invite-only sessions are private lobbies available only to invited players. You can create an invite-only session, or get invited to an existing one. Businesses and activities can still be completed here if you'd prefer to make your money solo. Activities are a reliable source of income. Friend sessions are restricted to those on your friends list, and work in a similar way to invite-only sessions. Crew sessions are designed for members of the same crew, but you won't have any control over exactly which crew members are included. Avoiding griefers Not everyone in Los Santos wants to play fair. If you're trying to earn money efficiently, there are several things you'll want to keep in mind. You can use invite-only sessions to have full control of the players in the lobby and eliminate unwanted interruptions. Passive mode can also be enabled, where you won't be able to take incoming damage from other players. Bear in mind though, you also won't be able to dish out any pain. Make sure to deposit your cash in the bank regularly, as you'll lose GTA$ every time you die. Depositing money means it's safe in the bank, so reduces potential losses if you get into a war with other players. Using armored vehicles can also help to improve your survivability, as they'll take more incoming damage before being destroyed. That's pretty much it for the basics of getting started in GTA Online. Remember the golden rules and you'll be fine: don't spend your first million on a supercar, invest in business early, play weekly bonus activities, carry snacks and armor, and focus on long-term progression over instant wealth. The game can seem intimidating for a beginner, but remember that passive mode is always an option, and our GTA Online guides hub has got you covered for every question you'll have.

If you've been playing GTA Online for a little while now, you might be familiar with the basics but there's so much more hidden under the surface. The game has come a long way since its 2013 launch, adding new businesses, heists, vehicles, and other improvements that make Los Santos more accessible than ever. Whether you're fairly new to the game or returning to GTA Online in anticipation of the GTA 6 release date, there are plenty of mechanics, shortcuts, and money-saving tricks that Rockstar barely mentions. Here are 15 things that you might not know about GTA Online. In This Article You can run most businesses in invite-only sessionsMaking your first million is more important than getting your first supercarSnacks are basically health packsFocus on passive incomeThe Oppressor Mk II is worth the grindYou don't need to play GTA Online with friendsDon't ignore the weekly bonusesArmored vehicles are better than fast carsDon't think of the nightclub as a nightclubThere are lots of freebies, actuallyRanking up isn't pointlessInsurance is everythingDon't be afraid to call for helpThe fastest route isn't always the bestThere's not that much Grand Theft Auto in GTA online You can run most businesses in invite-only sessions In its initial years, you could only make money from activities in public lobbies. This forced players to deal with griefers and ran the risk of random attacks, but this is no longer the case. Many businesses, including the Acid Lab, Bunker, Agency, and Nightclub, can be managed entirely in invite-only sessions. If you're a solo player or just want a more relaxed experience, you can make your millions in peace this way. Making your first million is more important than getting your first supercar The dream is logging into GTA Online, jumping into a flashy car, and blitzing around the map. Don't do that. Filling your garage with exotic cars can come later. Invest your first million dollars in a profitable business, and watch your balance multiply faster down the line. Snacks are basically health packs While GTA Online briefly introduces snacks, it doesn't reiterate their importance down the line. All experienced players are stocked up on snacks at all times since they give an instant burst of healing during combat. They can be the difference between completing a difficult mission and being forced to reload a checkpoint. Businesses are a good way to maximize your income. Focus on passive income If you're a new player, you're probably surviving solely on income from missions. While missions are important and definitely fun, the richest players in GTA Online have established a reliable passive income stream. Invest in something like the Acid Lab, Nightclub, or Bunker, and they'll continue to generate profit while you're doing other activities, allowing for a valuable income boost. The Oppressor Mk II is worth the grind The Oppressor Mk II is an expensive end-game hover vehicle. While the barriers to obtaining it are pretty high, its value comes in dramatically reducing the time it takes to traverse the map. It's even got homing missiles to handle any unexpected PvP situations that pop up. It'll set you back a cool $8 million via Warstock Cache and Carry, but it's worth it. You don't need to play GTA Online with friends While the multiplayer aspect of GTA Online can be fun, and it's true that certain activities benefit from teamwork, you can complete a large portion of GTA Online solo if you want to. Many businesses, contracts, missions, and activities are designed with solo players in mind. Don't avoid GTA Online because you don't have a regular group of friends to log on with. Don't ignore the weekly bonuses Sure, Rockstar is pretty good at advertising its weekly bonuses, but don't forget to complete them. Every week, payouts are boosted for specific activities, and those bonuses can completely change your personal economy. An activity that pays average rewards one week might become one of the best money-making opportunities the next week. Check which activities currently offer double or triple rewards when you next log in. Armored vehicles are better than fast cars If you're looking for survivability, armored vehicles are the way to go. While supercars are good at winning races, unless that's all you're focusing on then turn your attention to armored vehicles. The Armored Kuruma is one of the most popular vehicles in the game for a reason, and it'll help to make PvE content dramatically easier. Don't think of the nightclub as a nightclub We all have an image of a nightclub in our minds as soon as the word comes up, but don't think about it as a place for dancing, drinking, and making friends. Instead, use it as a central warehouse for your other businesses. It'll safely store cash and bring in resources from your other businesses while you barely need to think about it. In that way, it's more like the nightclub in The Sopranos--it's your office. There are lots of freebies, actually While GTA Online does focus on making money, and making it fast, there are lots of useful free services dotted around Los Santos. Head to the ammunition stores, clothing shops, vehicle customization garages, property access points, and mission hubs to see what you can get. Secondly, checking updates, events, and challenges can get you some freebies. The Duke O'Death can be a reward for returning players on some platforms, and if you link a Rockstar Social Club account, you'll get the Elegy RH8. Completing missions and collectibles will get you the Navy Revolver, Double-Action Revolver, Stone Hatchet, and more. There are more freebies than you think. Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack owners get a free bunker, office, clubhouse, and more. Some event weeks offer free or heavily discounted properties, too. You can get free GTA$ from daily objectives, treasure hunts, collectibles, weekly challenges, career progress rewards, promotional bonuses, and seasonal event rewards. As a brand-new player, the treasure hunts can earn you hundreds of thousands of GTA$. You can refill your snacks and armor from the Agency snack bar, Arcade snack bowl, Kosatka gallery, and Auto Shop for free. Ranking up isn't pointless Higher ranks unlock new weapons, equipment, vehicle upgrades, and other features, so focus on your level where possible. You might have access to better tools with a higher rank but lower bank balance. Insurance is everything Yes, it's fun to grief other players and shoot a rocket launcher into their expensive supercar, but if it's insured it'll cost you. Likewise, losing your own uninsured vehicle can be an expensive lesson. Pay attention to insurance before taking any risks. Similarly, taking a low-value civilian car off the street to your garage and insuring it will imply ownership. Sorry, random NPC. Don't be afraid to call for help There are a multitude of NPCs in your phone waiting to offer you help. Try calling for a vehicle delivery, ammunition, transportation, mission support, or for removing wanted levels. They'll make some tricky situations easier to handle. The fastest route isn't always the best If you're looking for the best GTA Online money method, you might be focused on the amount of profit you can make per hour. That might not be the most fun way though, and burning yourself out via the maximum efficiency methods can suck the fun out of the game. Instead, choose activities that you enjoy that are also profitable. The Cluckin' Bell Farm Raid series of missions is a fun yet worthwhile activity, for example. There's not that much Grand Theft Auto in GTA online Sure, you can steal civilians' cars and make them your own, and of course there's a lot of other crime such as robbing banks and completing other heists, but it's actually more like a management simulator if you're doing it right. The richest players aren't constantly pulling off heists, they're managing businesses and optimizing their income streams. If you want a garage packed full of supercars, you'd do the same. While it may have evolved into a massive multiplayer experience with deep levels, Rockstar expects players to figure that out for themselves pretty much. Once you understand these hidden systems and the best ways to spend your time, you'll be gloating with the game's richest.

If you're new to GTA Online, or just coming back ahead of the GTA 6 release date, you might want to know the best first purchases. Joining, or rejoining, the game can feel a bit overwhelming due to its size and the number of regular updates GTA Online has had since its release in 2013. While it might be tempting to fill a garage with supercars, there are several purchases you should focus on that might help to increase your GTA$ rather than drain it. After you've read through our GTA Online beginner tips, you'll want to check out our breakdown of the best early purchases, what they do, how much they cost, and where to buy them. Armored Kuruma Armored Kuruma Price: $698,250 Where to buy: Southern San Andreas Super Autos This heavily-armored sports car adds an additional layer of protection against incoming gunfire, making it an effective PvE mission vehicle. Difficult early missions will become safer as a result of the armored protection, and it can absorb most incoming NPC fire thanks to the roof and cabin bulletproof panels. It has bulletproof windows and protective frames over the lights for additional protection. The Acid Lab Acid Lab Price: $750,000 Where to buy: Freakshop The Acid Lab is actually an upgrade for the 6x6 Brickade. To get the Brickade, you'll need to complete the First Dose missions, and then it's unlocked for free. If you don't want to do that, you can purchase the Brickade for $1,450,000 from Warstock Cache and Carry. Then, use the Freakshop interaction area to purchase the Acid Lab upgrade for $750,000. This mobile drug production business will generate passive income, making it one of the best early purchases if you're looking to make money fast. The Agency The Agency Price: $2-2.8 million, depending on location Where to buy: Dynasty 8 Executive The Agency is a high-end property that unlocks multiple missions. You can purchase only one from a selection of available agency locations, with optional extras such as an armory, vehicle workshop, and accommodation. After purchase, it is the central hub of the F. Clinton and Partner business. If you've played the main GTA 5 story, you'll recognize F. Clinton as Franklin. The Agency will unlock multiple jobs from Franklin's clients, which scale as you complete more of them. The top earner, though, is the Dr. Dre VIP Contract, which rewards $1 million upon completion and comes with a ton of story content. Buzzard Attack Chopper Nagasaki Buzzard Attack Chopper Price: $1,750,000 Where to buy: Warstock Cache and Carry While the Buzzard reduces travel time between GTA Online locations, it can also be used for combat thanks to its minigun and missiles. If you own a CEO office, you can spawn it instantly from the CEO menu after purchasing it. You can also spot the Buzzard being flown by Jason Duval through the Grassrivers in the second GTA 6 trailer, so it'll continue to be relevant way into the future. This time around, it has a side-mounted gun, so we may see updates to it in GTA Online soon. CEO Office entry CEO Office Price: $1 million and over Where to buy: Dynasty 8 Executive You'll be able to buy one office location from a selection via Dynasty 8 Executive, with optional extras including gun lockers, safes, or accommodation. You can customize your interior, too. But the reason it's one of our recommended early-game purchases is the unlocks it comes with. You'll get access to the Volatus CEO vehicle, and you can start an organization. You can also access special cargo, vehicle cargo, and special vehicle work via the office PC. If you have the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack, the Maze Bank West office is completely free. The most expensive office is Maze Bank Tower at $4 million, but your most affordable entry route is paying $1 million for Maze Bank West (if you don't have the Criminal Enterprise pack). Special Carbine Special Carbine Price: $14,750 Where to buy: Ammu-Nation The Special Carbine rifle is a highly reliable assault rifle that performs well in most combat scenarios. You'll be getting into a lot of these, so you'll need a go-to weapon to take with you on missions, heists, and in general PvP combat. It's got a great balance of damage and accuracy, and it's pretty affordable. Grab it as soon as you can. AP Pistol AP Pistol Price: $5,000 Where to buy: Ammu-Nation You'll find yourself in need of a fast-firing pistol for shooting while driving, or drive-by missions. Its name is short for Armor-Piercing Pistol, and it does what it says on the tin. Grab the AP Pistol early on from any Ammu-Nation store. Snacks restore HP Snacks and Armor Price: Free to low cost for snacks, $500 to $5,000 for armor Where to buy: Convenience stores, Ammu-Nation These consumable items are used for protection during combat. Snacks act as a health pack, instantly restoring HP in tight situations. Armor protects against receiving that damage in the first place, often saving missions from failure.