miyakore I guess Google Play is essential after all.
Not at all, If, your willing to adapt then Google can be left behind in your wake...
It all depends on how much you are willing to put up with.
As an example, download an app from F-droid on your PC, check it, double check it, then load it into a secondary android phone and use it, see if it misbehaves or not. If not then try it on your GrapheneOS phone, OR, just trust Google, knowing their previous history, and download it to the GrapheneOS phone.
I dont have Google in my phone, my choice, I adapted and feel the benefit. Completely your choice, your phone, your rules. Dont forget thats what GrapheneOS gives you over Google, choice.