Heists in GTA 5 are the ultimate way to make big money, pull off epic missions, and feel like a true criminal mastermind. Whether it’s planning the perfect getaway, hacking security systems, or sneaking past guards, heists give you that adrenaline rush that normal missions just can’t match.
However, this does not suit every one who prefers to play with random players who may bail out in the middle of a mission or spoil the strategy. That is where the solo mode of playing heist comes in. You can do the whole operation yourself, pocket all the cash and have a good time at it with the proper approach.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to tackle GTA 5 heists alone and earn big without relying on a team.
First, Can You Really Do Heists Solo?
Back when GTA Online launched its original heists (like the Fleeca Job, Pacific Standard, etc.), you had to play with other people. Those missions were built for teams – driver, hacker, gunman, and all that.
But later, Rockstar started adding solo-friendly heists where you can go full lone wolf and handle everything on your own.
Here’s the good news – you don’t need teammates for these newer heists:
- Cayo Perico Heist (from the 2020 update)
- The Contract missions (Franklin DLC content)
- Some setups and prep missions in the Casino Heist
So if you hate waiting for teammates or want all the cash to yourself – these are perfect.
The Best Solo Heist: Cayo Perico
Let’s be real – Cayo Perico Heist is the king of solo money-making in GTA 5 Online. You can play the whole thing completely solo and still make over $1.5 million per run if you do it right.
You’ll just need:
- A Kosatka Submarine (your main HQ for the heist)
- Some patience for setup missions
- And a good plan to sneak in and out quietly
It’s basically GTA’s version of “Ocean’s Eleven,” but you’re all the characters rolled into one badass.
You fly to a private island owned by a drug lord named El Rubio, steal his valuables, and escape without getting caught. You can do it sneaky or go loud – but solo players usually prefer stealth.
How to Prepare for the Heist
Here’s the simple version of what you need to do before the big score:
- Buy the Kosatka Submarine from Warstock Cache & Carry.
- Use the planning screen inside the sub to start the Cayo Perico Heist.
- Scope out the island using the free plane trip from Los Santos.
- Find primary targets (like the Panther Statue, Pink Diamond, or Bearer Bonds).
- Choose your approach vehicle (usually the Longfin boat or Kosatka sub).
- Finish setup missions for equipment and weapons.
Then you’re ready for the finale – where all the action (and cash) happens.
How Much Money Can You Make?
The payout depends on what you steal and how you do it. But here’s a rough idea:
- Panther Statue (event item): up to $2 million+
- Pink Diamond: around $1.3 million
- Bearers Bonds/Gold: about $1 million
- Cash or Artwork: usually $900k – $1 million
And the best part? You keep 100% of the money since you’re playing solo. No sharing. No random players taking half your cut.
You can also collect secondary loot like weed, cocaine, and cash for some extra bonus money.
Also Read: GTA 5 Stock Market Guide: How to Make Millions Fast
Tips to Maximize Profit
Alright, here are a few simple tricks that can help you earn even more:
- Always go stealth mode – less guards, less heat.
- Turn off NPC alerts by using a suppressor on your weapons.
- Scope out everything carefully before the heist.
- Do the heist on Hard Mode for an extra payout boost.
- Use the Longfin Boat or Kosatka Submarine as your entry – they’re easier to escape with.
Once you get good, you can finish a full Cayo Perico run in under 45 minutes – and that’s easily a million bucks per hour.
Other Ways to Earn Solo in GTA Online
As fun as the Cayo Perico Heist is, doing it over and over can get repetitive. Luckily, GTA Online offers several other solo-friendly ways to make money that are both engaging and profitable.
VIP/CEO Work
Once you have at least $1 million in your account, you can register as a VIP or CEO using the Interaction Menu. This lets you launch quick missions like Sightseer or Headhunter.
- Sightseer involves hacking phones and collecting data packages around the city. It usually takes about 10 minutes and can pay up to $25,000.
- Headhunter has you tracking down and eliminating four targets. It’s fast-paced and pays around $20,000–$25,000 per run.
These missions can be repeated multiple times and are perfect for earning steady cash while playing solo.
Auto Shop Contracts
If you own an Auto Shop, you can complete Contracts, which are mini-heists with two prep missions and a final job. Most of these can be done solo.
Payouts are $150,000 to $180,000 per Contract. The Superdollar Deal and The Union Depository Contract are some of the well-known Contracts. Also, your Auto Shop will bring in small passive revenues in form of repair deliveries, bringing you additional cash with no additional work.
Nightclub Management
Owning a Nightclub is one of the simplest ways to make passive money. Your nightclub manager handles the day-to-day operations, while you promote the club periodically to maintain popularity.
The club’s safe fills up as more patrons visit, often generating around $70,000. If you own other businesses, your nightclub technicians automatically collect goods and stock them for later sale, which can net you between $500,000 and $1 million depending on the inventory.
Agency Missions with Franklin
Through The Contract DLC, Franklin returns with Agency missions, offering both story-driven and repeatable tasks.
Owning an Agency unlocks VIP Contracts, Security Contracts, and missions like the Dr. Dre storyline, which can pay up to $1 million. Agencies also generate passive income of about $20,000 every 48 minutes. Security Contracts, such as recovering stolen cars or dealing with gangs, are easy solo missions that typically pay $30,000–$45,000 each.
Final Thoughts
Playing GTA 5 heists solo is no longer just a dream – it’s the move for grinders who don’t want to deal with randoms.
Rockstar really nailed it with Cayo Perico, giving players a way to make big money, play on their own schedule, and have fun doing it.
So next time you log in, skip the chaos of public lobbies. Hop in your sub, plan your heist, and go rob El Rubio blind.
Because in Los Santos… sometimes, the best crew is you. 😎
FAQS
What are the newest heists added in GTA Online?
The newest heists are the Cayo Perico Heist and missions from The Contract DLC, both solo-friendly.
How many heists are in GTA 5 story mode?
It consists of five principal heists: Jewel Store Job, Merryweather Heist, Paleto Score, Bureau Raid and The Big Score.
Which heists pay the most and what are setup costs?
Cayo Perico pays the most online ($1.5–2M). In story mode, The Big Score has the highest payout, but setups reduce total profit slightly.
What are the positions in GTA 5 heist and how is it optimized?
There are Driver, Hacker, Gunman and Lookout roles. Streamline this by having experienced crew or do everything alone and cautiously.
Which GTA 5 heists are the hardest or most fun?
The Big Score (Obvious Approach) is the hardest in story mode. Cayo Perico is the most fun online, especially solo, with stealth and high payouts.
