The Cayo Perico Heist in the enhanced version of GTA Online is still one of the best ways for solo players to rake in the cash. With the improved graphics and new DLCs, plus the game often going on sale, more and more new players are jumping into Los Santos. And out of all the ways to make money, the Cayo Perico Heist stands out because it pays well, you can do it by yourself, and you can take your time with it, making it the go-to “easy money” for many players.
To start the Cayo Perico Heist, the first thing you need is the Kosatka submarine. It’s the essential vehicle to kick off the mission, and while it costs a bit, you’ll make your money back superfast. If you’re short on cash at the beginning, you can earn some through other missions or check out online guides for beginners. Some players also choose to use Modded Accounts to get started quickly. These accounts usually come with a ton of in-game currency, a high-level character, and unlocked vehicles, which can save a lot of time grinding for initial funds. Of course, it’s really important to choose reputable and trustworthy platforms to avoid getting banned.
When it comes to vehicle upgrades, if you have the money, it’s recommended to buy the Sparrow helicopter for your Kosatka. It’s a really useful way to get around early on, and if you don’t have the MK2 flying bike, it’ll greatly improve your mission efficiency. Plus, you can call the Sparrow directly from the Kosatka, making mission transitions smooth. If you start with a Modded Account, you might even skip this and already have an MK2 or other high-end vehicles, which will speed things up even more.
During the mission setup, you’ll need to complete a series of six prep missions, including one for intel gathering. These missions are about getting the necessary equipment to break in and learning about the island’s layout and where the guards are. The Cutting Torch is one of the must-have tools for getting in. Depending on the main target, you might also need to choose different gear. For weapons, if it’s your first time, it’s a good idea to go with the first loadout option. Once you’re more familiar, you can try other setups.
Gathering intel is key to the whole operation. The first time you arrive at Cayo Perico, there will be a tutorial to guide you. Make sure you scout out points of interest like the “Drainage Tunnel,” as this will affect your options for getting in. You only need to scout these points once to unlock them permanently, and you can choose them directly in later missions. After you’ve gathered all the intel, you can start the various prep missions. The Kosatka submarine’s “Fast Travel” feature can save you a lot of travel time, costing just 2,000 in-game currency to teleport to mission locations – super efficient!
The prep mission steps will change slightly depending on the main target. If the main target is bonds, one of the missions is to get the code. You’ll need to sneak into there, usually by turning left and taking the elevator upstairs to find the files in a vehicle. The location is random, but with a bit of practice, you’ll learn the common spots. Once you have the code, get out quickly. You might get a wanted level, but just lose the cops and head back to the Kosatka to complete the mission.
If the main target is a high-value item like the pink diamond or a necklace, you’ll need to do the Cutting Torch mission. These missions usually involve going to a specific area to take a picture of a planning board, then taking out some enemies to get the tool. Be careful of enemy pursuers on your way back. Having the Sparrow helicopter can help you avoid ground fire effectively. Besides these missions, you can also use the Sparrow and the “Assets” option in the game menu to quickly teleport to the Kosatka or your apartment, speeding up the mission flow.
Now for the main event, the final chapter: “The Cayo Perico Heist.” The recommended approach is the Drainage Tunnel route. It’s sneaky and less likely to alert the guards, making it good for solo stealth. You need to have scouted the Drainage Tunnel as a point of interest beforehand, otherwise you can’t choose this route. When you start, swim to the drainage pipe, enter the compound from there, and then sneak into the main building from the rooftop. The rooftop route requires some precise jumps, but you’ll get the hang of it with practice. When taking out enemies, aim for headshots to avoid attracting backup with loud gunfire.
Guards on the island have a chance of dropping keys that open the safes in the main target’s room. If you don’t get a key, you’ll need to pick the lock using a hacking minigame. On normal difficulty, you only need to do it once, but on hard mode, it’s twice. After you grab the main target, you can choose whether to collect secondary loot like drugs and cash. Secondary items are mostly found at the outer guard posts and dock warehouses. It’s best to prioritize the higher-value items like cocaine.
For the escape, it’s recommended to leave directly from the main gate, avoiding the enemies in the central area. Hop on a motorcycle and quickly drive through the woods or along the paths towards the main dock, trying not to get spotted. On the way, you can shoot out any security cameras to reduce the chance of being detected. If you have time, you can consider going to the secondary dock to grab more loot, but you’ll need to weigh the risks. Finally, take a boat and sail away from the island to complete the mission successfully.
After finishing the heist, you’ll see the payout screen, including whether you met the Elite Challenge requirements. The Elite Challenge usually involves finishing within 15 minutes, without being detected, and collecting all the loot. It’s quite difficult for solo players, but if you team up with friends, not only will it be easier to complete, but the rewards will also be much higher. Some platforms support a glitch that allows all members of a team to get the Elite Challenge bonus.
Cayo Perico Heist in the enhanced version is still one of the most worthwhile ways to spend your time making money. The mission structure is clear, the steps are manageable, and once you’re familiar with it, you can easily control the pace of each heist. Hard mode offers a greater challenge but significantly increases the payout, making it the next step for those looking to improve. With patience and practice, every player can become a solo king of Cayo Perico.
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