GTA Online
Flare Gun GTA Online
GTA Online Wiki Team · Updated:
The Flare Gun is a Weapons item in GTA Online, available from Ammu-Nation for FREE, known for its combat effectiveness.
Reliable option suitable for most players.
The Flare Gun costs FREE with 25/100 damage and 40/100 accuracy. Reliable weapon for general gameplay.
| Price | FREE |
|---|---|
| Category | Weapons |
"A signaling flare gun."
Editor's Verdict
Is the Flare Gun Worth Buying in 2026?
Editor's Take
The Flare Gun is a niche purchase at $0. Stronger alternatives exist at this price point for both racing and freemode. Buy it for the collection factor or personal preference, not competitive advantage.
Compared to the RPG, the Flare Gun trades 75 damage points for a higher fire rate.
Best Uses for the Flare Gun
Useful in heist finales and prep missions.
Budget-friendly weapon for new players.
For Grinders
The Flare Gun serves its purpose but isn't specifically optimized for grinding. Focus on income-generating assets first if you're still building your empire—businesses and passive income sources should take priority over utility purchases until you're earning $1M+ per play session.
For Beginners
Consider this a mid-game purchase. Beginners should focus on establishing income first, but the Flare Gun makes a good goal to work toward. Spend time in contact missions to get comfortable with its fire rate and recoil before taking it into PvP encounters.
For Racers
As a weapon, the Flare Gun is used in combat, not racing. For weaponized game modes like Motor Wars or Arena War, prioritize damage output and fire rate over accuracy.
For PvP Players
The Flare Gun is better suited for PvE missions than dedicated PvP. In player combat, higher-damage alternatives like the Special Carbine Mk II or Heavy Sniper Mk II will outperform it in most engagements.
For Collectors
Worth owning for collection completeness, though the Flare Gun isn't particularly rare or prestigious among dedicated collectors. Nice to have in a themed garage, but not a priority purchase unless you're specifically building a weapons showcase collection.
Bottom line: Buy it for the collection factor or personal preference, not competitive advantage.
How Fast Is the Flare Gun?
When NOT to Buy
- Not ideal for high-level PvP. The Flare Gun is outperformed by higher-tier weapons in damage output and accuracy.
How It Compares
The Flare Gun sits at the top of the Weapons tier; here is how it stacks up against its true rivals.
| Vehicle | Price | Top Speed | Rank | Class | HSW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flare Gun | FREE | — | — | — | No |
| Heavy Sniper Mk II | $165,375 | — | — | — | No |
| Marksman Rifle Mk II | $149,000 | — | — | — | No |
| Combat MG Mk II | $119,000 | — | — | — | No |
| Special Carbine Mk II | $135,000 | — | — | — | No |
Heavy Sniper Mk II
An upgraded heavy sniper rifle with explosive rounds capability.
Marksman Rifle Mk II
A semi-automatic marksman rifle with excellent accuracy.
Combat MG Mk II
An upgraded combat machine gun with improved damage.
Special Carbine Mk II
An upgraded assault rifle with excellent accuracy.
How Do You Upgrade the Flare Gun?
This weapon can be upgraded to MK II status at the Weapons Workshop, available in the MOC, Avenger, Terrorbyte, Kosatka, or Agency. MK II upgrades unlock new ammunition types (incendiary, armor-piercing, explosive), extended magazines, and improved optics. The upgrade cost is typically $100,000-$200,000 depending on the weapon. Special ammunition types dramatically change combat effectiveness: armor-piercing rounds are essential for PvP, while incendiary rounds excel against NPCs in missions.
Modifications Available
- Engine
- Brakes
- Transmission
- Suspension
- Armor
- Respray
- Wheels
- Liveries
Recommended Order
- 1MK II Conversion — Unlocks the Flare Gun's full modification tree. This is always step one.
- 2Extended Magazine — More rounds before reloading gives the Flare Gun a major edge in sustained firefights.
- 3Scope/Optics — Compensates for the Flare Gun's base accuracy. Especially impactful at medium range.
Special Features
- Weapon can be customized at Ammu-Nation with attachments and skins.
- MK II upgrade available at the Weapons Workshop for enhanced performance.
Can You Get the Flare Gun for Free?
As of 2026, no confirmed permanent free unlock method has been documented for the Flare Gun. The methods below are community observations and time-limited opportunities, not guaranteed acquisition paths.
- 1This weapon may drop from enemies during certain missions - check if you can pick it up permanently.
- 2Complete specific heist setups that provide access to this weapon in your weapon locker.
- 3Look for hidden weapon pickups around the map that refresh periodically.
Where to Find
Purchase from: 🔫 Ammu-Nation
- Available for purchase at any Ammu-Nation store in Los Santos, with the Pillbox Hill location being the most central.
- May drop from enemies during certain Contact Missions and Heists, allowing you to test it before committing to a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Flare Gun cost in GTA Online?
The Flare Gun costs $0 in GTA Online.
What is the top speed of the Flare Gun?
The Flare Gun does not have a confirmed top speed figure from community testing at this time.
Is the Flare Gun worth buying?
Yes. The Flare Gun offers solid performance for its price of $0. Prioritize essential business properties before luxury purchases.
Can I get the Flare Gun for free?
As of 2026, no confirmed permanent free unlock method exists for the Flare Gun. It has appeared during weekly GTA Online events, Lucky Wheel spins at the Diamond Casino, and as a Prize Ride at the LS Car Meet. Check Rockstar's Newswire for current promotions.
What is the sell price of the Flare Gun?
The Flare Gun sells for $0 at Los Santos Customs, which is 60% of the original purchase price. Upgrade investments are only partially recovered when selling.