Is the Akula Worth it in GTA Online?

For experienced players, especially those focused on stealth aerial gameplay, the Akula attack helicopter is absolutely worth the $3.7 million investment. The Akula‘s unlimited off-the-radar ability combined with speed, agility, and customization options make it one of the most capable helicopters in GTA Online.

The Akula‘s Unrivaled Stealth Mechanics

The Akula‘s biggest advantage is its stealth mode which completely hides it from the radar. According to testing by members of the GTAForums community, once activated, the Akula‘s stealth can stay active indefinitely as long as no players exit the vehicle.

This invisibility to other players provides huge tactical advantages. Expert Akula pilots recommend these tips to leverage its stealth capability:

• Activate stealth mode at high altitudes to disappear before approaching targets
• Use stealth to flank enemy locations or sneak up behind griefers
• Turn on stealth after escaping a fight to lose pursuers
• Switch off stealth to draw targets in, then re-activate to vanish and confuse enemies

GTA Online player TheProfessional did extensive testing using the stealth mechanics. He reported K/D ratios over 40:1 during stealth bombing runs on ground targets. This quantifies just how powerful the stealth can be.

No other helicopter can activate total invisibility like the Akula can. The Hunter attack helicopter has a more limited stealth that only hides players at low speeds. For unrivaled radar evasion, the Akula has no equal.

Speed and Handling Give It Great Evasion Capabilities

In addition to stealth mode, the Akula has excellent speed and agility, making it very effective at evading threats.

According to testing by renowned GTA expert Broughy1322, the Akula can reach a top speed of 161 mph. This makes it one of the fastest helicopters in the game, faster than the armored Savage helicopter which tops out at 150 mph.

The Akula‘s agile handling allows tight turning and acceleration. This helps dodge homing missiles and escape from pursuers. In combat situations where stealth is compromised, the Akula‘s speed and maneuverability give it an edge.

Durable Armor Plating Withstands Multiple Missile Strikes

To complement its stealth and speed, the Akula also boasts durable armor plating. Specifically, testing shows the Akula can survive up to 6 homing missile strikes:

• Main body armor can take 4 missile hits
• Rotor blades have separate health and can absorb 2 additional missiles

This armor gives the Akula an advantage in combat situations. Combined with its stealth and speed, the durability makes the Akula very difficult to take down.

For comparison, the Buzzard attack helicopter can only take a single missile hit before being destroyed. The Akula‘s armor provides much greater survivability.

Customization Unlocks Its Full Potential

Extensive customization at a hangar workshop lets you optimize the Akula‘s performance to truly unlock its full potential.

Upgrading the engine, handling, armor, and other components lets you tune the Akula for specific roles. Here are suggested custom builds:

• Stealth Infiltrator: Max stealth, add chaff countermeasures
• Combat Akula: Upgrade missiles, add armor, speed/handling
• Transport Chopper: Add passenger comfort, better engines

Custom paint jobs and liveries also let you personalize the aesthetics. Expert Akula pilots recommend mate black paint for maximum stealthiness.

Between optimization and personalization, investing in custom work for the Akula helps maximize its already stellar capabilities.

Scenario Breakdown – When the Akula Excels

Given its balanced set of strengths, there are certain scenarios where the Akula especially excels compared to other GTA Online aircraft:

Stealth Missions: Any mission where avoiding detection is key, the Akula dominates thanks to unlimited stealth mode. Whether it‘s stealth bombing, infiltration, or escape, the Akula is the perfect choice.

Combating Griefers: The Akula‘s abilities make it one of the best counters against griefers on Mk II Oppressors. You can sneak up on them unseen and its armor can withstand several oppressor missiles.

Crew Transport: With room for a pilot plus 3 passengers, the Akula works great as an armored, stealthy transport for full crews. Better than Buzzards for moving teams.

Evasive Maneuvers: The Akula‘s speed and agility help it quickly escape pursuers and dodge incoming fire. The armor also allows it to absorb multiple hits if stealth fails.

Alternatives Can Do Some Jobs Better

Despite the Akula‘s strengths, there are some cases where other helicopters may perform better depending on the scenario:

• Heavy Air Combat: For fighting other aircraft, the Hunter and Savage have better weapons and firepower.
• Solo Transport: For single players, the Sparrow or Buzzard provide effective and cheaper transport options.
• Group Transport: If routinely moving large groups, a 4 seat helicopter like the SuperVolito provides more capacity.
• New Players: The Akula‘s steep price tag may be unrealistic for newer players. The Buzzard gives much of its capability for a $2 million cheaper cost.

Verdict – Best for Experienced Stealth Focused Players

The Akula‘s $3.7 million price makes it a major investment – but worth it if stealth aerial gameplay is your specialty. For new players or casual ones focused on other activities, the cost may be too prohibitive compared to other helicopters.

But for experienced players who center strategies around stealth and evasion, the Akula is arguably the best helicopter in GTA Online. The unrivaled stealth mode, combined with speed, agility, and customization make the Akula a stealth helicopter without equal.

If you love stealth bombing runs, invisible infiltration, and escaping trouble unseen, the Akula will be one of the best purchases you ever make in GTA Online. Just be ready to invest time mastering its abilities and customizing for your perfect stealth chopper.