GTA 5: How to Do Cayo Perico Heist?

The Cayo Perico Heist is a major update for GTA Online, released in December 2020, which introduces a new Caribbean island location and an exciting challenge. The mission of the Cayo Perico Heist is to infiltrate the heavily fortified compound of the notorious drug lord Juan Strickler, also known as El Rubio, to recover sensitive documents he stole from the Madrazo crime family, which he is using for blackmail.

El Rubio's island fortress houses not only a significant portion of his drug operations but also a collection of valuable items. The compound is a formidable target, protected by armed guards, gunboats, an attack helicopter, and surface-to-air missile turrets. Players must navigate these defenses to complete the heist and thwart El Rubio's plans, all while the vengeful Madrazos eagerly await the return of their compromising documents.

How to Start Cayo Perico Heist?

Players must meet certain prerequisites to embark on this lucrative adventure. To initiate the Cayo Perico Heist, players need to ensure they operate as a CEO, a VIP Organization, or a Motorcycle Club President. To make this happen, players can register through the SecuroServ section (or other parts) of the Interaction Menu.

If the players do not already own a penthouse at The Diamond Casino & Resort, they will need to purchase one. The main goal of this task is for the players to meet with Miguel at the newly opened nightclub, The Music Locker, which is located under The Diamond Casino & Resort and access to it is granted through owning a penthouse.

Next, the players will be directed to purchase a Kosatka submarine, which serves as the base of operations for the heist. This can be done through the Warstock Cache & Carry website on players' phone. Once the Kosatka is acquired, Pavel is introduced as Russian submarine captain and heist advisor.

Getting Started: Intel Gathering

The Cayo Perico Heist begins with a crucial reconnaissance mission. Players meet English Dave and Keinemusik at Los Santos International Airport's private terminal before traveling to the island undercover as a DJ's tour manager. The main objective is to identify the primary target, potential secondary loot, and important points of interest while avoiding detection by guards and security cameras.

Exploring El Rubio's compound is essential. Players must locate and hack a communications tower to access the CCTV system by solving a number-symbol matching puzzle. Using the Sightseer app, they can view camera feeds to locate the primary objective in the basement and identify secondary targets, entry and exit points, and other areas of interest.

Beyond the compound, players should investigate areas like the north dock and airstrip, documenting potential infiltration and escape routes. Photographing key locations and items, such as bolt cutters, provides valuable intel for planning the heist. Once satisfied with the gathered information, players return to Los Santos to prepare for the main event.

Also Read: How To Do Robberies in GTA 5?

Cayo Perico Heist Preparation

The Cayo Perico Heist requires thorough planning and preparation before execution. Players must complete a series of prep missions accessible through the Kosatka submarine's planning screen. These missions involve gathering necessary equipment, vehicles, and intelligence for the heist.

Key preparation components for Cayo Perico Heist in GTA include:

1. Approach Vehicles: Select and acquire one of several infiltration options, such as the Kosatka submarine or various planes and boats.
2. Essential Equipment: Obtain crucial tools and equipment like the cutting torch, safe codes, fingerprint cloners, or demolition charges.
3. Weapon Loadout: Choose and secure a preferred weapon loadout, like aggressor, marksman, suppressor, conspirator, etc.
4. Optional Disruptions: Completing Disruption Prep Mision will weaken the target's security through sabotage missions, but it can only be attempted once.

All prep missions can be completed individually, offering players the choice to work solo in various private session types, including Invite Only, Friend, and Solo sessions. This flexibility eliminates the need for multiple trips or vehicle management, streamlining the process for lone operatives.

For those seeking an alternative approach, the option exists to intercept equipment from competing criminal enterprises during their own prep activities. This adds an element of risk and potential reward to the preparation phase.

To enhance heist capabilities, players can enlist specialized support services. Unlike previous heists, these auxiliaries don't take a cut of the profits but require upfront payment. Their offerings include tactical assistance such as precision sniping, aerial bombardment, and surveillance drone operations. However, accessing certain support features may depend on specific mission parameters, like neutralizing air defenses or using particular entry vehicles. This system allows for strategic planning and adaptation based on the chosen infiltration method.

Also Read: What is Los Santos Customs in GTA 5?

Executing the Heist: Infiltration and Escape

Before beginning the finale, players have the opportunity to choose how they want to approach the island. These options are typically determined by the prep work you've completed. Some common approach methods include:

1. Kosatka (submarine): This allows for a stealthy underwater approach, often used to access the drainage tunnel entry point.
2. Velum (plane): You can fly onto the island disguised as a smuggler, potentially bypassing initial security checks.
3. Alkonost (stealth plane): Allows for a high-altitude insertion via parachute.
4. Patrol Boat: Provides a sea-based approach, useful for accessing coastal entry points.
5. Longfin: Another water-based option, offering speed and maneuverability.

However, while the players’ chosen approach sets the stage for their heist, it doesn't lock them into a specific playstyle. The Cayo Perico Heist is designed to allow for on-the-fly adaptation of the player's strategy.

When the player is ready to launch the heist finale, they'll approach Cayo Perico using their chosen method. Their primary objective is to infiltrate El Rubio's compound, locate and steal the main target, and make a clean escape. The beauty of this heist lies in its flexibility, so the player can adapt their strategy on the fly.

Players should consider entering through the drainage tunnel using the cutting torch, for a silent infiltration. This allows them to bypass many guards and head straight for the compound. Once inside, players should navigate carefully to El Rubio's office, avoiding or quietly eliminating guards. They'll need to hack a fingerprint scanner to access the vault containing their prize. Remember, shooting too many cameras will trigger alarms, so players should be selective.

If stealth isn't the player's style, they can opt for a louder approach. However, they should be prepared for increased resistance from El Rubio's forces. Regardless of the chosen method, gathering secondary loot can significantly boost the player's payout. Just be mindful of carrying capacity and the increased risk of detection.

To maximize chances of success, players should utilize any support crew they've hired and take advantage of disruptions they've set up during prep work. Disabling the control tower and power station can provide significant tactical advantages.

When escaping, players should consider all available options. While vehicles offer speed, sometimes a quiet swim can be the safest route off the island. Remember, the ocean is largely safe from patrols if players stay submerged.

Also Read: What are Job Points in GTA 5?

How Much Does the Cayo Perico Heist Pay?

The payout for the Cayo Perico Heist can vary significantly based on several factors. The primary target's value ranges from approximately $900,000 to $1,300,000 on normal difficulty, with a slight increase for playing on hard mode. The Panther Statue, a special event-only target, can yield up to $1,900,000, but it is only available in hard mode.

Secondary targets such as cash, cocaine, and gold can substantially boost your earnings. A solo player can potentially walk away with up to $1.8 million per run, while a full team of four can push that number even higher. Completing the Elite Challenge by meeting specific criteria (like finishing under a time limit) adds a bonus of $50,000 to $100,000 per player.

How long do I have to wait to do Cayo Perico again?

The Cayo Perico Heist is especially attractive due to its replayability. After 3 in-game days (equivalent to 144 real minutes) when playing solo or 1 in-game day (equivalent to 48 real minutes) when playing as a group, players can initiate the heist once again, with randomized primary targets and loot locations. This makes it one of the most reliable and profitable ways to make money in GTA Online.

Conclusion

The Cayo Perico Heist in GTA Online offers players a challenging and highly rewarding criminal opportunity. By infiltrating the heavily fortified compound of the drug lord El Rubio, players can steal valuable documents and loot to earn substantial payouts. The heist provides significant flexibility, allowing players to choose their own approach and adapt their strategy on the fly. With the ability to replay the heist repeatedly, it has become one of the most reliable and profitable ways for players to make money in GTA Online. 

By carefully planning and executing the various preparatory missions and the final heist itself, players can maximize their chances of a successful and lucrative operation. Overall, the Cayo Perico Heist stands as an engaging and potentially lucrative endeavor for skilled GTA Online players.

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