In GTA Online, the rebreather is an essential tool for players who plan to spend extended time underwater. Whether you’re completing heist prep missions, exploring hidden underwater wreckage, or trying to evade enemies in the ocean, having a rebreather equipped can make a major difference. Without one, your character is limited by a short breath-holding time, which can severely limit what you can do beneath the surface. Understanding how to get and equip the rebreather properly is key to making the most of your underwater capabilities in GTA Online.
What Is a Rebreather in GTA Online?
The rebreather is a special item that allows players to breathe underwater for a limited time. Unlike scuba gear, which requires you to wear a full suit, the rebreather is compact and can be equipped while wearing regular clothing. This makes it ideal for quick dives and stealth missions where flexibility and subtlety are needed.
Each rebreather provides a short burst of oxygen, and players can carry multiple units at once. Once one is used up, the game automatically switches to the next available rebreather in your inventory. This feature makes them especially useful during missions involving water-based objectives or combat near oceans, lakes, or rivers.
When You Need a Rebreather
While not always required, the rebreather becomes highly useful in several scenarios:
- Heist missionsthat require underwater approaches, such as The Cayo Perico Heist.
- Exploring underwater wrecksor collecting hidden caches in the ocean.
- Escaping from police or enemiesusing the sea as a hiding spot.
- Freeroam activitiesthat take you beneath the waterline.
It’s a simple tool, but when used correctly, it opens up a new layer of tactics in both missions and free exploration.
How to Buy a Rebreather
Before you can equip a rebreather in GTA Online, you need to make sure you’ve purchased some. Rebreathers are not unlimited by default. Here’s how you can acquire them:
Visit Ammu-Nation
The most common place to buy a rebreather is at any Ammu-Nation store. Follow these steps:
- Enter any Ammu-Nation on the map.
- Walk up to the counter or browse the gear section.
- Find the rebreather listed among the gear options.
- Purchase up to the maximum limit (usually 20 units).
Once you’ve purchased them, they are automatically added to your inventory and can be used whenever needed during underwater activities.
How to Equip the Rebreather in GTA Online
Equipping a rebreather isn’t done through a clothing menu or loadout, but rather through the interaction menu while you’re in the game. Here’s a detailed guide on how to equip your rebreather before or during underwater missions:
1. Open the Interaction Menu
Hold down the appropriate button for your platform:
- PC: M key
- PlayStation: Hold the touchpad
- Xbox: Hold the view/back button
2. Navigate to Style
In the Interaction Menu, scroll down to the Style option and select it. This menu controls your outfit accessories, animations, and gear.
3. Select Gear
Once inside the Style menu, find the Gear section. This is where you can manually toggle equipped gear such as night vision goggles, earpieces, and rebreathers.
4. Choose the Rebreather
Scroll through the gear options until you find the rebreather. Press the corresponding key or button to equip it. Your character should now visibly wear the rebreather over their face. Once equipped, it will automatically activate when you enter the water and dive beneath the surface.
5. Automatic Activation Underwater
After it’s equipped, you don’t need to do anything else. The rebreather activates automatically when your character is submerged and low on breath. You’ll notice a small icon on the HUD indicating that the rebreather is in use. Each unit provides a limited amount of oxygen, and the game will switch to the next available one when the first runs out.
Managing Rebreather Supply
Rebreathers are consumable items, which means they will run out after use. Each one gives you around 30 seconds of underwater breathing. Once all your units are depleted, you’ll return to relying on your character’s regular breath-holding ability.
To avoid being caught without any rebreathers, remember the following tips:
- Check your supply before starting missions involving water.
- Replenish them at Ammu-Nation after use.
- Monitor your underwater time carefully to conserve them.
Difference Between Rebreather and Scuba Suit
Some players confuse the rebreather with the scuba suit in GTA Online, but they serve different purposes. The scuba suit is a complete outfit that gives you unlimited breathing underwater while wearing it. However, it has to be selected as a saved outfit and worn before entering the water.
The rebreather, on the other hand, can be used with any outfit and is better suited for quick, unexpected underwater situations. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Rebreather | Scuba Suit |
|---|---|---|
| Breathing Time | Limited (one per unit) | Unlimited |
| Outfit Restriction | Works with any outfit | Must wear full suit |
| Best Use | Quick dives, stealth, heists | Extended underwater travel |
Best Uses for Rebreather in Missions
There are specific missions and scenarios in GTA Online where having a rebreather gives you an edge:
The Cayo Perico Heist
This heist often involves swimming into the compound or escaping through the water. Equipping rebreathers ensures you don’t drown while trying to avoid detection or gunfire. Even when taking the long underwater route to infiltrate the compound, multiple rebreathers can keep you alive longer than just your breath alone.
Treasure Hunts and Hidden Caches
GTA Online frequently adds treasure hunts and underwater collectibles. Some of these are located in deep waters. A rebreather lets you reach and explore them with minimal risk.
Freemode Escapes and Combat
When escaping other players or the police in freemode, diving underwater with a rebreather can be an effective evasion tactic. Few opponents expect you to disappear beneath the waves and stay submerged longer than normal.
Learning how to equip the rebreather in GTA Online can give you a major tactical advantage in missions and exploration. Whether you’re planning a stealthy approach to Cayo Perico or diving for hidden loot, the rebreather ensures you can stay underwater longer and complete objectives safely. By purchasing rebreathers from Ammu-Nation, equipping them through the interaction menu, and managing your supply wisely, you’ll be ready for anything Los Santos’ waters throw your way. Make sure to stock up, dive smart, and use this powerful tool to your advantage.