The Diamond Casino Heist in GTA 5 Online is one of the most exciting and lucrative missions in the game. Offering players a chance to rob the luxurious Diamond Casino & Resort, this heist is packed with action, strategy, and a significant payout. However, starting the casino heist requires careful planning, a solid understanding of the prerequisites, and a step-by-step approach to ensure success. Here’s everything you need to know to get started on this epic mission.
Prerequisites for the Casino Heist
Before you can start the Casino Heist in GTA 5 Online, there are several prerequisites that you need to fulfill:
- Purchase an Arcade Property: To initiate the Casino Heist, you must own an arcade property. This is where you will plan and prepare for the heist. You can purchase an arcade from the Maze Bank Foreclosures website in the game. The cheapest arcade costs around $1,235,000, so be prepared to make a significant investment.
- Complete the Arcade Setup Missions: Once you’ve purchased an arcade, you’ll need to complete a series of setup missions to get it up and running. This includes sourcing arcade machines and completing various tasks to make your arcade operational. After completing these missions, the basement area will be unlocked, where you will find the heist planning boards.
- Meet with Lester Crest: Lester is a familiar character from the GTA series, and he will be your heist coordinator for the Casino Heist. Once your arcade is set up, Lester will contact you to meet him. Head to Mirror Park to meet Lester and trigger the start of the Casino Heist storyline.
Setting Up the Heist
After completing the prerequisites, you can start setting up the heist from your arcade’s basement. Here’s what you need to do:
- Access the Heist Planning Board: The heist planning board in your arcade’s basement is your main hub for all things related to the Casino Heist. This is where you will choose your approach, select your crew, and manage all the preps and setups required for the heist.
- Choose Your Approach: The Diamond Casino Heist offers three different approaches, each with its own unique style and strategy:
- Silent & Sneaky: As the name suggests, this approach involves stealth and avoiding detection. You’ll need to use disguises, hack security systems, and silently take out guards to reach the vault without raising alarms.
- The Big Con: This approach focuses on deception and trickery. You’ll pose as casino staff or contractors to infiltrate the casino and make your way to the vault. This method relies on disguises and avoiding suspicion.
- Aggressive: This is the most straightforward approach, involving brute force and heavy firepower. You’ll storm the casino with guns blazing, taking down guards and blasting your way to the vault. This approach is loud and chaotic but can be effective if you have a strong team.
Choosing Your Crew and Planning the Heist
Selecting the right crew members is crucial to the success of the Casino Heist. Each crew member has a specific role and cut of the final take, so it’s essential to choose wisely based on your approach.
- Hacker: The hacker determines how much time you have in the vault before the alarm goes off. A better hacker will give you more time but will take a larger cut of the final take. Paige Harris and Avi Schwartzman are two of the best hackers you can choose, offering the longest vault time.
- Driver: The driver is responsible for providing the getaway vehicles. A higher-skilled driver will provide better vehicles, which can be crucial for escaping the police after the heist. Taliana Martinez and Chester McCoy are some of the best drivers available.
- Gunman: The gunman provides the weapons for the heist. A more skilled gunman will provide better weapons, which can be especially important if you’re taking the aggressive approach. Gustavo Mota and Charlie Reed are good choices for a competent gunman.
Completing the Heist Setup Missions
Once you’ve chosen your approach and crew, you’ll need to complete a series of setup missions to prepare for the heist. These missions involve gathering necessary equipment, stealing vehicles, and taking care of any obstacles that could hinder your heist.
Each approach has its own unique set of prep missions, and you can choose to complete optional missions to make the heist easier. For example, you can disable the security systems, acquire disguises, or even steal weapons and vehicles to use during the heist.
Executing the Heist
With all the preparations complete, it’s time to execute the heist. The execution phase will vary depending on the approach you chose, but the general goal remains the same: reach the vault, steal the loot, and make your escape. Here are some tips for each approach:
- Silent & Sneaky: Stick to the shadows, avoid security cameras, and take out guards silently. Use your hacking skills to bypass security systems and access restricted areas. Once in the vault, grab as much loot as possible before making a stealthy exit.
- The Big Con: Blend in with the staff and maintain your cover. Avoid doing anything suspicious that could blow your disguise. Use your knowledge of the casino’s layout to navigate to the vault undetected. After grabbing the loot, exit using the same disguises and escape routes.
- Aggressive: Prepare for a firefight as soon as you enter the casino. Use heavy weapons and explosives to take down guards and security. Move quickly to the vault, grab the loot, and fight your way out to the getaway vehicles. The key to success in this approach is speed and firepower.
Maximizing Your Take
The payout of the Casino Heist depends on several factors, including the approach, the crew’s cuts, and the amount of loot you manage to grab. To maximize your take, consider the following:
- Complete Optional Prep Missions: Optional prep missions, such as disabling security systems or acquiring better getaway vehicles, can significantly increase your chances of success and allow you to grab more loot.
- Choose Crew Members Wisely: Opt for skilled crew members, but balance their cut with the potential increase in the final take. Sometimes, a lower-skilled crew member with a smaller cut can be more cost-effective if you’re confident in your team’s abilities.
- Focus on the Vault Contents: The contents of the vault can vary, ranging from cash and artwork to gold and diamonds. Each type of loot has a different value, with diamonds being the most valuable. Completing the heist during special events can increase the likelihood of finding more valuable loot in the vault.
The Diamond Casino Heist in GTA 5 Online offers players an exciting and rewarding challenge. By carefully planning your approach, selecting the right crew, and executing the heist with precision, you can walk away with a substantial payout. Whether you prefer stealth, deception, or all-out aggression, there’s a strategy for every playstyle. So gather your crew, prepare your arcade, and get ready for one of the most thrilling heists in the game.