How to start a heist in GTA Online: step by step

Every GTA Online heist follows the same 4-step logic. Once you get the principle, you can run any of them. For the payout ranking, see our heists guide.

The principle: 4 steps

Property → planning → preps → finale. It's true for every heist.

Step 1 — The required property

Each heist unlocks via a purchase:

• Cayo Perico → the Kosatka submarine.
• Diamond Casino → an Arcade.

It's the entry investment (see what to buy first).

Step 2 — Start the planning

From your property (Kosatka terminal, Arcade screen…), launch the heist and pick your approach when the heist offers one (stealth, aggressive…).

Step 3 — The prep missions

You run preps: grab equipment, an approach vehicle, scope the target. On Cayo, scoping the island (primary target + secondary loot) is the key step.

Step 4 — The finale (the heist)

The main event: infiltrate, grab the loot, exfiltrate. That's where the payout lands. Tip: on Cayo, fill your bag with gold; at the Casino, target gold too.

Where to begin?

• Solo / beginner → Cayo Perico (our Cayo guide).
• Team / big take → Diamond Casino (our Casino guide).

FAQ

How do you start a heist?

Buy the property that unlocks it (Kosatka/Arcade), start the planning, run the preps, then the finale.

Which heist first?

Cayo Perico: the only major heist fully solo and the most profitable to start with.