While players can certainly enjoy the open-world freedom of *Grand Theft Auto Online* by cruising through Los Santos and committing the occasional crime, there's more to character progression than just money and notoriety. The game features a robust Statistic system that affects overall performance — with Strength being one of the most impactful attributes.
Strength plays a crucial role in determining how much damage a character can absorb, how effective they are in melee combat, and even how well they perform in certain sports like golf. However, compared to other Statistics, boosting Strength can be a bit challenging without knowing the right strategies. Fortunately, there are several efficient methods players can use to level up their Strength quickly and effectively.
Good Old Fashioned Punching
Fighting Barehanded Raises Strength
Similar to RPG mechanics found in titles like *The Elder Scrolls*, players can increase their Strength by engaging in hand-to-hand combat. Every 20 punches landed on an opponent increases Strength by 1%. This applies to both AI pedestrians and real players, meaning you can team up with a friend and trade blows for mutual gain. While firearms dominate the streets of Los Santos, taking the time to brawl is one of the most direct ways to boost this attribute.
Fail The Bar Resupply
It’s All About The Failed Delivery
With the *Criminal Enterprises* DLC installed, players who own a Motorcycle Club Clubhouse can access the “Bar Resupply” mission. One variant involves intimidating an NPC to reveal the location of supplies. Instead of completing the mission, players can punch the target until the mission fails due to timeout. The game still rewards Strength experience for the punches landed. Repeat this process for fast gains, though note that mission selection may vary each time.
Get A Helping Hand
Cheat One’s Way To Strength Gains
Sometimes, two heads (or fists) are better than one. Players can exploit the Strength gain mechanic by working with a friend. Have your partner sit inside a vehicle while you punch the car — the game interprets this as punching the person inside. Switch roles after a few minutes and repeat the process. This passive method allows both players to steadily gain Strength without needing to engage in actual combat or missions.
Spam A Titan Of A Job
No Need To Steal A Plane
Players at Rank 24 can start the “A Titan of a Job” mission, which involves stealing a Titan aircraft. Before reaching the airport, however, no Wanted Level is active. Use this window to punch NPCs in high-population areas. Equip a knuckle duster from Ammu-Nation for increased effectiveness and stay in this phase to maximize Strength gains before proceeding with the mission.
Abuse Pier Pressure
Fight Everyone At The Beach
The “Pier Pressure” mission tasks players with intercepting a drug deal between the Lost and the Vagos. However, since no Wanted Level is triggered during early phases, players can head to Del Perro Beach and punch NPCs freely. With no police interference and plenty of civilians around, this becomes a prime spot to rack up Strength experience quickly and safely.
Stall Death Metal
Another Way To Abuse No-Wanted Level Missions
In the “Death Metal” mission, players sabotage a Ballas drug deal but aren’t pursued by law enforcement during the early stages. Take advantage of this by heading to a populated area — such as the beach — and begin punching NPCs. Since there’s no risk of a Wanted Level, this creates a safe environment for continuous Strength training before continuing with the mission.
Join A Fists-Only Deathmatch
For Fun, For Co-Leveling
Content Creators often host custom matches where only fists are allowed. These deathmatches are not only fun but also excellent opportunities to grind Strength. Many players are aware of this trick, so finding a match shouldn’t be difficult. Alternatively, players can create their own event and invite others to join in on the brawling action.
Create A Survival Mission
Test A Game To Oblivion
Using the Content Creator, players can design a Survival mission featuring unarmed enemies. Even testing the mission grants Strength experience every time an enemy is punched. Set the difficulty low and spawn waves continuously for optimal results. This method is ideal for solo players looking to train quietly without interference.
Close The Metro For A Fistfight
Brute-Force NPCs Into A Chokehold
NPCs naturally congregate in metro stations, making them perfect for mass brawling. Block the station entrance with a large vehicle and trap pedestrians inside. Then, punch them repeatedly as they attempt to escape. Over time, new NPCs will respawn, giving players a near-infinite supply of targets to keep increasing their Strength stat efficiently.
Get Golfing
A Casual Sport That Improves Strength
Believe it or not, playing golf can help improve a player’s Strength. As Strength increases, so does driving distance and accuracy. To access the mini-game, simply open the map and select the golf course. Whether playing solo or with friends
