Currently in GTA Online, one of the best ways to earn money is doing the Cayo Perico Heists. This particular heist came with the Cayo Perico update, which is considered one of the biggest and most impactful in GTA Online‘s nearly decade-long history. Along with all the new content, players can participate in the various missions that come with the heist. The most appealing aspect of these missions, excluding the potential payouts, is that players can choose any method to complete them. However, the basis of completing these missions is to unlock the Kosatka submarine.

The Kosatka was the first submarine introduced in GTA Online and it remains the only one players can purchase. It is used as a base of operations for Cayo Perico missions, but can also be used however players see fit. This means that when players aren’t planning heists, they can take the sub through the waters surrounding Los Santos.

Below, we’ll see what players need to do to unlock and purchase the Kosatka submarine in GTA Online.

Buy the Kosatka submarine

To first unlock the ability to purchase the submarine, players must speak to Miguel Madrazo. This is the main NPC associated with the heists in Cayo Perico. Players can find it at the new Music Locker location below the Diamond Casino. Once they talk to him, they’ll start preparing for their first heist in Cayo Perico.

In order to help Madrazo pull off this heist, players must purchase the Kosatka submarine. After talking to Madrazo, Warstock Carry and Cache will now have the sub for sale. Players can access their Eyefind browser and then navigate to the Warstock website. From there, it’s pretty easy to find the sub, as it’s the only one listed on the website.

As players will see, the Kosatka costs $2.2 million. While it’s by no means the most expensive vehicle in GTA Online, it’s a lot of money for a vehicle that won’t be seen. Of course, that’s also part of the allure that comes with buying a submarine. Players can glide across the seabed to reach a destination, use the submarine to help search for treasure in the ocean, and use it as a base of operations for Cayo Perico heists.

Once players purchase the Kosatka, they will also be able to upgrade it. These upgrades can range from separate vehicles to on-board weapons. One of the most useful upgrades is buying the Sparrow Helicopter. This made our list of the best helicopters to buy in GTA Online thanks to its association with the submarine. Players can purchase both vehicles separately but use them together. The Sparrow will also help players complete Cayo Perico heists, as they can take off and land directly on the submarine.

As with the other upgrades, Guided Missiles are somewhat useful if players need to take out enemies underwater and Sonar Detection is also useful for players using it correctly. Outside of any upgrades, though, we’d recommend prioritizing the Sparrow over others, as it’s the most useful right away. Players will need to shell out a few extra million in cash if they want to fully upgrade the Kosatka in GTA Online.