Getting the Acid Lab in GTA Online is one of the best investments you can make in Los Santos — it delivers reliable passive income once you run through a short mission chain and do a one-time setup. The whole process starts with the First Dose contact missions and ends with a custom mobile lab parked inside your very own Freakshop.
The Acid Lab was introduced as part of The Criminal Enterprises update. It is a GTA Online exclusive — you cannot access it in Story Mode. The good news is that the unlocking missions are completely free, the Freakshop is awarded at no charge, and the lab itself requires only a short setup mission before it starts producing product.
What You Need Before Starting
- A copy of GTA 5 (available on PC, PlayStation 4/5, and Xbox One/Series).
- Access to GTA Online — no GTA+ subscription required.
- Enough GTA$ for the optional (but recommended) Equipment upgrade (~$250,000).
- Around 1–2 hours to complete all six First Dose missions in one session, or spread them across multiple play sessions.
How to Get the Acid Lab in GTA 5 Online
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Step 1: Launch GTA Online
Start Grand Theft Auto V and choose Play GTA Online from the main menu. You can join any public, invite-only, or solo session — the First Dose missions are available in all of them. If you are brand new to GTA Online, complete the short introduction before the open world unlocks.
Select Play GTA Online — the Acid Lab is not available in Story Mode. -
Step 2: Complete the First Dose Mission Series
The Acid Lab is gated behind six contact missions called First Dose, given by a character named Dax. Look for the green LD contact icon on your in-game map, or call Dax directly from your phone contacts. The six missions are:
- Welcome to the Bail Office
- Designated Driver
- Fatal Incursion
- Uncontrolled Substance
- Make It Count
- Off the Rails
Each mission takes roughly 10–20 minutes and can be completed solo on a lower difficulty. Simply follow the GPS and complete each objective in order — these missions tell the story of how you fall into the acid business alongside Dax and his crew.
Complete all six First Dose missions in order — the final one, Off the Rails, unlocks the Freakshop. -
Step 3: Unlock the Freakshop
After finishing the sixth mission, Off the Rails, the Freakshop is automatically awarded to your character at no cost. This converted auto-shop in Rockford Hills serves as your Acid Lab headquarters. A notification confirms the unlock, and you can drive straight there from the mission end screen. Once inside, you will find Dax managing the operation and several interaction points for managing your lab.
The Freakshop is free — it is given to you automatically after completing Off the Rails. -
Step 4: Run the Setup Mission and Upgrade Your Lab
Inside the Freakshop, interact with the laptop or speak to Dax to start the Acid Lab Setup mission. This mission requires you to acquire the Brickade 6x6 — a large armoured truck that serves as the mobile lab itself. The truck can be purchased from Warstock Cache & Carry for around $750,000, or stolen during the setup mission for free.
Once the setup is complete, it is strongly recommended that you buy the Equipment upgrade ($250,000) from the Freakshop management screen. This upgrade roughly doubles your production rate and makes the business far more profitable per hour. The Staff and Security upgrades are helpful but lower priority.
Complete the setup mission and buy the Equipment upgrade to maximise your lab's output. -
Step 5: Source Supplies and Start Production
Your Acid Lab needs Supplies to produce product. You have two options: run a free steal supplies mission (similar to biker business resupply runs) or simply buy supplies for around $75,000. Stealing is more profitable if you have time; buying is faster if you want to keep the lab running passively.
Once supplies are loaded, production begins automatically. You do not need to stay in the Freakshop — the lab produces while you do other activities. Check the laptop at the Freakshop periodically to see your product level rising.
Steal supplies for free or buy them — production runs automatically in the background. -
Step 6: Sell Your Product for Maximum Cash
When your stock is full (or as full as you want it), use the Freakshop laptop to initiate a sell mission. You will drive the Brickade 6x6 to one or more delivery points across the map. A full stock delivers up to approximately $220,000 per sale. Selling solo means you keep the entire payout, making the Acid Lab one of the most efficient solo businesses in GTA Online. Restock immediately after each sale to keep the cycle going.
A full-stock sale delivers up to ~$220,000 — sell solo to keep the full cut.
Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Acid Lab
- Always buy the Equipment upgrade first. It is the single biggest boost to your profit per hour and pays for itself within a few sale cycles.
- Steal supplies instead of buying them to maximise your margin. The steal missions are straightforward and usually take under 15 minutes.
- Sell at full stock. You earn more per unit when the product bar is completely full, so be patient and let it fill before triggering a sale.
- Run in a private lobby. To avoid griefers destroying your Brickade during a sale mission, start an invite-only session or a solo public session using a VPN or network trick.
- Pair it with other businesses. The Acid Lab runs passively, so you can manage a nightclub or MC businesses at the same time for stacked income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Acid Lab free in GTA Online?
The First Dose missions and the Freakshop (your lab's base of operations) are completely free. However, you will need GTA$ for the optional Equipment upgrade ($250,000) and for buying supplies ($75,000 per restock) if you choose not to steal them.
How long does it take to unlock the Acid Lab?
Completing all six First Dose missions takes roughly one to two hours depending on your playstyle and difficulty settings. You can spread them across multiple sessions — progress is saved after each mission.
Can you do First Dose missions solo?
Yes. All six First Dose missions are designed to be completable solo. Lowering the in-game difficulty in your session settings makes them even more manageable if you find combat sections challenging.
How much does the Acid Lab make per hour?
With the Equipment upgrade installed and supplies stolen rather than purchased, the Acid Lab generates roughly $150,000–$220,000 per hour of active time, making it one of the better solo passive businesses in GTA Online.
Do I need GTA+ to access the Acid Lab?
No. The Acid Lab is available to all GTA Online players at no subscription cost. You only need the base game and access to GTA Online.
Final Thoughts
Getting the Acid Lab in GTA 5 Online is a straightforward process once you know the steps: load into GTA Online, work through the six First Dose missions with Dax, claim your free Freakshop, run the setup, buy the Equipment upgrade, and start your supply-and-sell cycle. For more on making money in Los Santos, visit the official GTA Online page for the latest updates and promotions.
