Heists are the most exciting and rewarding missions in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V). Whether you’re playing the Story Mode or GTA Online, mastering heists is the key to earning big money, unlocking special items, and experiencing some of the game’s most cinematic moments. This walkthrough covers everything you need to know about planning, executing, and succeeding in GTA V heists.

🔑 What Are Heists in GTA V?

Heists are multi-part missions that require careful planning, crew selection, and execution. In story mode, they form the backbone of the main narrative, while in GTA Online, they are cooperative missions that demand teamwork and coordination.

Each heist typically involves:

  1. Planning Phase – Choosing the approach (loud or stealth).

  2. Setup Missions – Gathering equipment, vehicles, or disguises.

  3. Final Job – Executing the heist for maximum payout.

🎮 GTA V Story Mode Heists (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a breakdown of all the main heists in Story Mode:

1. The Jewel Store Job

  • Approaches: Smart (gas the store, use getaway bikes) or Loud (smash and grab).

  • Crew Matters: Choose the best gunman, driver, and hacker for higher profits.

  • Pro Tip: Pick Rickie Lukens as the hacker early to improve his skills cheaply.

2. The Merryweather Heist

  • Approaches: Freighter or Offshore.

  • Tip: Offshore requires a submarine and is trickier, but cinematic.

3. The Paleto Score

  • One of the biggest action-heavy missions. Requires heavy weapons and good shooting.

4. The Bureau Raid

  • Approaches: Covert (Fire Crew) or Loud (Roof Entry).

  • Tip: Fire Crew is safer with fewer gunfights, but Loud is more explosive.

5. The Big Score (Final Heist)

  • Approaches: Subtle or Obvious.

  • Subtle requires precise teamwork; Obvious is all-out chaos.

  • Tip: Choose wisely depending on your preferred playstyle.

🌐 GTA Online Heists (Money-Making Guide)

GTA Online introduced several heists, each offering high payouts when completed with a good crew:

  • The Fleeca Job (Starter heist, 2 players)

  • The Prison Break (4 players, $400k+ payout)

  • The Humane Labs Raid

  • Series A Funding

  • The Pacific Standard Job (One of the most profitable early heists)

  • Doomsday Heist (3 Acts) – High-end missions with big payouts.

  • The Diamond Casino Heist – Flexible approaches with huge earning potential.

  • The Cayo Perico Heist – Solo-friendly, one of the best money-makers.

💡 Pro Strategies for Successful Heists

  1. Choose the Right Crew (Story Mode)

    • Cheap crew members = less skill = more mistakes.

    • Balance costs vs. efficiency.

  2. Team Communication (Online)

    • Always use a headset and coordinate roles (driver, hacker, shooter).

  3. Plan Your Escape Routes

    • Fast cars or helicopters save valuable time.

    • Avoid crowded highways when escaping cops.

  4. Use Stealth When Possible

    • In many setups, stealth prevents unnecessary firefights and increases success rates.

  5. Replay for Better Payouts

    • Replaying heists with different crew members improves skills and can maximize profit.

💰 Best Heist for Making Money Fast

  • Story Mode: The Big Score (Obvious Approach) → Highest payout possible.

  • GTA Online: Cayo Perico Heist → Can be done solo, repeatable, and extremely profitable.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Heists are the heart of GTA V, blending strategy, teamwork, and high-stakes action. By choosing the right crew, planning carefully, and using smart strategies, you can maximize profits, minimize risks, and enjoy the most thrilling missions GTA V has to offer.

Whether you’re chasing 100% story completion or grinding millions in GTA Online, mastering heists is your ticket to success.