The Acid Lab is one of the most profitable businesses in GTA Online, introduced with the Los Santos Drug Wars update. While you can purchase it outright, there’s a way to unlock it completely for free by playing through specific story content. This guide walks you through exactly how to get the Acid Lab without paying a dime upfront.
Step 1: Start the First Dose Missions
To begin your journey toward the free Acid Lab:
- Go to the Liquor Ace store in Sandy Shores.
- Speak to Ron Jakowski to launch the “Welcome to the Troupe” mission — the first of six “First Dose” missions.
- After completing it, a new “D” icon will appear on your map, marking the Freakshop, where you can continue the remaining five missions.
These missions are available to solo players or co-op teams, but only the host will unlock the Acid Lab rewards.
Step 2: Complete All Six First Dose Missions
You must complete all six First Dose missions. They include tasks such as:
- Rescuing and working with Dax and his crew.
- Stealing the Brickade 6×6 truck — the foundation of your Acid Lab.
- Gaining access to the Freakshop, your future base of operations.
Reward: Once all missions are complete, you unlock the MTL Brickade 6×6 for free.
Step 3: Steal and Install the Acid Lab Equipment
After earning the Brickade, you’ll get a new setup mission in free roam:
- Steal Acid Lab equipment from a guarded warehouse.
- Deliver it using a forklift, then drive it back to the Freakshop.
Once completed, visit Mutt at the Freakshop to install the Acid Lab into your truck.
However, installing the lab costs $750,000, unless:
- You’re a GTA+ subscriber.
- You own the GTA V Premium Edition.
If you don’t meet those criteria, you’ll need to pay.
Step 4: How to Cover the $750,000 Setup Fee (Effectively Free)
Even if you’re required to pay the fee, here’s why it’s still effectively free:
- Completing the 6 First Dose missions earns you $600,000.
- Later, completing the 5 Last Dose missions adds another $500,000.
- Total first-time mission rewards = $1.1 million, more than covering the setup cost and allowing you to reinvest in upgrades.
Step 5: Unlock the Equipment Upgrade
Before you start producing acid, upgrade the lab to maximize profits:
- Call Dax and complete 10 Fooligan Jobs (they’re quick, rotating freeroam missions).
- Unlock the Equipment Upgrade in the Freakshop’s customization menu.
- Pay $250,000 to install the upgrade.
This upgrade is crucial — it boosts your profit margins and speeds up production.
Step 6: Run the Acid Lab Like a Pro
Once your Acid Lab is upgraded:
- Buy supplies for $60,000.
- After 2 hours 30 minutes, the lab produces $210,000 worth of product.
- You can now sell the product via missions similar to other GTA businesses.
This setup is as profitable as a fully upgraded Bunker and runs entirely solo-friendly.
If you’re looking to skip the grind and jump straight into high-level content like the Acid Lab business, it’s a great idea to buy a GTA 5 account that already has these features unlocked.
Tips and FAQs
Can you leave the game while supplies cook?
No. You must be logged into a GTA Online session for production to progress.
Can you complete the missions in private lobbies?
Yes. All First Dose and Fooligan Jobs work in Invite Only sessions.
Can multiple players unlock the lab at once?
No. Each player must host the missions themselves to unlock the Acid Lab.
Optional: Buy the Acid Lab Immediately
If you want to skip all missions:
- Purchase the Brickade 6×6 from Warstock Cache & Carry for $1.45 million.
- Pay the $750,000 installation fee.
But this method costs over $2 million, making the mission route the smarter choice.
While the Acid Lab isn’t “free” in every sense, you can earn more than enough from the associated missions to cover all costs and even upgrade the business. By completing the First Dose and Fooligan tasks, you’ll unlock one of the best solo moneymakers in GTA Online — without spending any of your own cash upfront.
