In GTA Online, sending a mugger is a fun and chaotic way to interact with other players in Freemode. Instead of just engaging in races or firefights, you can hire an NPC thief to target someone else’s character, knock them out, and steal some of the cash they’re carrying. This feature adds an unpredictable element to the world of Los Santos, allowing players to strategize, prank friends, or cause mayhem. Knowing how to send a mugger, when it becomes available, how it works, and what you can expect makes it easier to use this mechanic effectively. It’s also useful to understand how to defend yourself if you’re on the receiving end of a mugger attack.
What Is a Mugger in GTA Online?
A mugger in GTA Online is an NPC (nonplayer character) that players can hire through an ingame contact to attack and rob another player’s character. When a mugger successfully reaches the target, they knock the player down and steal cash that the player is carrying on them. The amount stolen depends on how much cash the target has on hand. If the target has deposited their money into the bank account, there won’t be any cash to steal. The mugger will then attempt to escape, sometimes even hijacking a nearby vehicle to get away.
Requirements for Sending a Mugger
You can only use the mugger feature once you meet specific prerequisites. These ensure that only players with some experience and progression in GTA Online have access to this mechanic.
Minimum Player Level
To unlock the ability to send a mugger, your character must reach at least level 50 in GTA Online. Players under this level won’t see the option in their ingame phone contacts until they reach the required level.
Cost of Hiring a Mugger
After unlocking the ability, sending a mugger costs $1,000 of your ingame cash each time. This fee is paid when you call Lamar Davis and choose the Call Mugger option from his list of services. The cost is taken immediately from your character’s funds.
Target Availability
The player you want to target must be in the same session and not in passive mode. They also can’t be inside a safe house or other protected area, or the mugger may not be able to reach them. If the target is unreachable, the mugger may be called off and you might receive a refund after a short cooldown.
How to Send a Mugger Step by Step
Once you meet the requirements, sending a mugger is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a stepbystep guide
Step 1 Open Your InGame Phone
Press the button or key that brings up your phone menu. This is the same phone you use to access contacts, start missions, or call services.
Step 2 Call Lamar Davis
In the contacts list, find Lamar Davis. He offers various services, including sending a mugger. Selecting his name will initiate a call.
Step 3 Select Call Mugger
Once Lamar answers, choose the Call Mugger option from the menu. This will prompt a list of players in your session eligible to be targeted.
Step 4 Choose a Target
Select the player you want to send the mugger after. The mugger will then be dispatched, and you’ll see a small confirmation that the request has been sent.
Step 5 Wait for the Mugger to Arrive
After selection, the mugger appears near the targeted player. They will pursue them, attempt to knock them out, and steal their carried cash. The mugger doesn’t have superhuman abilities, but they are persistent once they lock onto their target.
What Happens After a Mugger Is Sent?
After calling a mugger, several things can happen depending on the situation and the target’s actions.
Mugger Steals Cash
If the mugger successfully reaches the target, they will steal up to $10,000 from whatever cash the player is carrying. If the target has less than that amount, the mugger takes whatever is available. The amount stolen can vary based on the target’s level.
Target Can Fight Back
The player being mugged can defend themselves. By attacking and killing the mugger before or after the robbery, the target may be able to recover their stolen cash by picking up the dropped money bag. Killing the mugger also contributes to achievements like Full Refund.
The Mugger’s Escape
Once the mugger has stolen the cash, they will try to flee the area. Sometimes this includes stealing the target’s vehicle or any suitable nearby vehicle to make a quick escape. Vehicles make it harder for the target to chase them down, especially if a fast car or aircraft is taken.
Cooldown and Limits
After sending a mugger, there’s a cooldown period before you can call another one. This prevents players from repeatedly sending muggers backtoback. The cooldown typically lasts several minutes in realworld time. During this time, you can’t request another mugger until it expires.
Strategic Uses of Sending a Mugger
Sending a mugger isn’t just for fun; it can also be used strategically in GTA Online.
Disrupt Other Players
When players are completing missions, heists, or deliveries, sending a mugger can interrupt their progress. This distraction might give you or your team an advantage in completing objectives or escaping.
Create Chaos in Freemode
Some players enjoy the chaos of Freemode and use muggers to stir up unpredictable events. Sending a mugger can lead to unexpected fights, short pursuits, and humorous interactions with other players.
Prank or Sabotage Friends
Friendly rivalries or pranks are common in GTA Online. Sending a mugger after a friend who isn’t expecting it can be a humorous way to stir up trouble without resorting to violence directly yourself.
Defending Against a Mugger
If you find yourself on the receiving end of a mugger attack, there are ways to minimize loss or avoid being mugged altogether.
Enter Passive Mode
Turning on passive mode prevents other players from targeting you with a mugger or engaging in direct combat. This is useful if you know there are players in the session with the ability to send muggers.
Deposit Money in the Bank
Muggers only steal cash you are carrying on your person. Depositing money into your ingame bank account protects it from being stolen. This is a simple way to avoid losing money during a mugger attack.
Stay in Safe Areas
Being inside a safe house or protected interior area can prevent a mugger from reaching you. If you’re worried about being targeted, try to stay in places where NPC threats can’t access you.
Sending a mugger in GTA Online is a unique multiplayer mechanic that allows players at level 50 or higher to hire an NPC thief to target other players for a small fee. By calling Lamar Davis from your ingame phone, you can select a target and watch as a mugger pursues them, attempts to knock them out, and steals their pocket cash. While not a primary way to earn money, it adds variety to online sessions and can be used strategically or for fun. Understanding how to send a mugger, the requirements, and the possible outcomes helps players make informed decisions when engaging with this quirky feature of GTA Online.