GTA Online has revolutionized multiplayer gaming with its elaborate heist missions that require teamwork, strategy, and precision. Since the introduction of heists in 2015, they’ve become the most lucrative and exciting way to earn money in Los Santos. In this comprehensive ranking guide, we’ll break down every major heist, comparing payouts, difficulty, and overall entertainment value.
Understanding GTA Online Heists
Heists are multi-stage cooperative missions that require 2-4 players working together to complete elaborate criminal operations. Each heist involves setup missions followed by a finale that determines your payout.
Heist Categories
- Original Heists – The classic five heists
- The Doomsday Heists – Save the world missions
- The Diamond Casino Heist – Robbery operations
- The Cayo Perico Heist – Solo-friendly island heist
Complete Heists Ranking Table
| Rank | Heist Name | Max Payout | Difficulty | Time Required | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cayo Perico Heist | $1.9M | Medium | 45-60 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2 | Diamond Casino Heist | $2.1M | Hard | 60-90 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3 | Doomsday Heist Act III | $1.4M | Very Hard | 90-120 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4 | Pacific Standard | $1.25M | Hard | 60-75 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5 | Doomsday Heist Act II | $950K | Hard | 60-90 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 6 | Humane Labs | $675K | Medium | 45-60 min | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 7 | Series A Funding | $505K | Medium | 40-55 min | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 8 | Prison Break | $400K | Hard | 50-70 min | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Top 5 Heists Detailed Analysis
1. Cayo Perico Heist 🏝️
The Cayo Perico Heist is the undisputed champion of GTA Online heists. Introduced in December 2020, it’s the first heist that can be completed entirely solo.
Why It’s #1:
- Can be done solo or with a team
- Fastest payout per hour
- Multiple approach methods
- Repeatable with different strategies
2. Diamond Casino Heist
This heist offers the highest potential payout and incredible replay value with three different approaches.
Approach Comparison:
| Approach | Difficulty | Payout Potential | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent & Sneaky | Hard | High | Stealth experts |
| The Big Con | Medium | High | Smart players |
| Aggressive | Medium | Medium | Combat lovers |
3. Doomsday Heist Act III
The most challenging heist in GTA Online, requiring exceptional teamwork and combat skills. The finale involves stopping a nuclear apocalypse.
4. Pacific Standard
The classic bank heist remains popular for its straightforward objective and decent payout. Perfect for teams that want a traditional heist experience.
5. Doomsday Heist Act II
Known as the “Bogdan Problem,” this heist is famous for its submarine finale and has become a favorite for experienced players.
Payout Efficiency Comparison
| Heist | Average Time | Max Payout | $ Per Hour | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayo Perico | 50 min | $1.9M | $2.28M | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Diamond Casino | 75 min | $2.1M | $1.68M | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pacific Standard | 70 min | $1.25M | $1.07M | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Doomsday Act III | 105 min | $1.4M | $800K | ⭐⭐ |
Heist Requirements and Setup
Property Requirements
- Original Heists: High-End Apartment ($200K+)
- Doomsday Heists: Facility ($1.25M+)
- Diamond Casino: Arcade ($1.2M+)
- Cayo Perico: Kosatka Submarine ($2.2M)
Tips for Maximizing Heist Profits
General Strategy
- Complete all setup missions for bonus payouts
- Use the hard mode for 10% extra pay
- Coordinate with experienced crew members
- Learn optimal routes and strategies
- Invest in useful equipment and upgrades
Best Heist Rotation
For maximum efficiency, experienced players recommend this rotation:
- Cayo Perico Heist (Primary income source)
- Diamond Casino Heist (When cooldown permits)
- Doomsday Act II (For variety)
Final Verdict
While each heist offers unique gameplay experiences, the Cayo Perico Heist stands out as the best overall choice for solo players and small teams. Its combination of high payouts, solo capability, and relatively quick completion time make it the gold standard.
For players seeking challenge and teamwork, the Diamond Casino Heist provides the most engaging cooperative experience with excellent replay value through its multiple approaches.
Choose your heist based on your playstyle, available crew, and time investment. Happy heisting!