1. The Jewel Store Job
Rob the Vangelico jewelry store in Rockford Hills. Michael, Franklin, and the crew grab jewels and escape on bikes through the sewers. The money helps pay off Martin Madrazo.
Approaches:Loud: guns and brute force, smash in and shoot your way out. Smart: gas the store, grab jewels in masks, escape quietly. Smart usually pays better for first-timers.
Tip: Your choice in Casing the Jewel Store locks the approach. Setup missions change based on what you pick.
2. The Merryweather Heist
Steal an experimental weapon from Merryweather Security at the Port of Los Santos. Lester forces you to return it right after so Merryweather does not hunt you forever.
Approaches:Freighter: steal a Cargobob from Fort Zancudo and lift a container off a ship. Offshore: use a mini-sub to attach charges underwater. Freighter is easier; Offshore pays slightly more.
Tip: Pick your approach during Scouting the Port. Only do the setup missions for the path you chose.
3. The Paleto Score
Rob the Blaine County Savings Bank in the small town of Paleto Bay, far north of Los Santos. Massive police response and a huge shootout through the countryside.
Approaches:Loud: heavy firepower and chaos inside the bank. Smart: drill into the vault more quietly. Both end in a big escape through rural Blaine County.
Tip: Scout the town in Paleto Score Setup first. The bank is isolated, so plan your getaway route.
4. The Bureau Raid
Break into the FIB headquarters downtown and steal files for Steve Haines. Michael, Franklin, and Trevor work together to infiltrate the building and escape.
Approaches:Covert: dress as firefighters and enter through the building interior. Roof Entry: rappel from a helicopter onto the roof and fight down. Covert is stealthier; Roof Entry is more action-heavy.
Tip: Do The Wrap Up first to steal the files you need. Setup missions depend on your approach choice.
5. The Big Score
The final heist. Hit the Union Depository and steal a massive gold haul. This is the biggest payout in the story and leads directly into the ending choice.
Approaches:Subtle: use modified cars to block traffic and drill into the vault from below. Obvious: use construction gear and brute force in broad daylight. Subtle is cleaner; Obvious is louder and faster.
Tip: Scout the depository in Planning The Big Score. Save before the finale if you want to retry the approach.
Heist payouts and order
Heists 1–4 pay off debts to Martin Madrazo and FIB blackmail, the money mostly goes to story expenses, not your wallet. Heist 5 (The Big Score) is where you actually pocket millions. Setup missions do not pay; only the finale does. Do all setups for your chosen approach before launching the finale.
Tip: Heists 1–4 pay off story debts. See Make Money in Story Mode for what you actually keep.
General heist tips
Always do the optional setup missions. They make the finale easier (better getaway vehicles, extra armor, etc.). Your approach choice in the planning mission locks which setups appear. Switch characters when the game prompts you. Each protagonist has unique skills. Use Michael's slow-mo aim for headshots, Franklin's driving for chases, Trevor's rage for shootouts.