Cayo Perico Heist: A Complete Guide to Riches in GTA Online

The Cayo Perico Heist in GTA Online is arguably the most lucrative and replayable heist in the game, offering solo players and crews alike a chance to make serious money. Unlike previous heists, Cayo Perico allows for solo completion, making it a favorite among players. This guide will provide a comprehensive walkthrough, detailing every step from the initial setup to the final payout, ensuring you become a master of El Rubio’s island.

I. Getting Started: Purchasing the Kosatka Submarine

Before you can even think about infiltrating Cayo Perico, you’ll need the Kosatka submarine. This serves as your base of operations for the heist. Here’s how to acquire it:

• Open your phone and access the internet.
• Navigate to the Warstock Cache & Carry website.
• Locate and purchase the Kosatka submarine. It’s a hefty investment, so be prepared to spend a significant amount of in-game currency.
• Choose your location. The location doesn’t dramatically affect the heist, so pick whichever you prefer.

Once you’ve purchased the Kosatka, you’ll receive a call from Miguel Madrazo, introducing you to the heist and its objectives. He’ll direct you to the Music Locker nightclub to meet him and begin the preparations.

II. Planning the Heist: The Setup Missions

The Cayo Perico Heist involves a series of setup missions, divided into three categories: Gathering Intel, Primary Target Setup, and Secondary Target Setup. These missions require you to travel around Los Santos to gather information and prepare for the infiltration.

A. Gathering Intel

These missions are crucial for understanding the island layout and discovering valuable loot. Here are the steps:

1. Go to the Kosatka and access the planning computer.
2. Select ‘Gather Intel.’
3. Launch the ‘Gather Intel’ mission.
4. Travel to Cayo Perico via the Kosatka’s fast travel.
5. Use the provided equipment to photograph points of interest:
   • Primary Target: Locate the vault and photograph the contents (e.g., pink diamond, necklace, bearer bonds).
   • Secondary Targets: Identify loot locations such as cocaine, weed, paintings, gold, and cash stashes.
   • Guard Locations: Note the patrol routes and guard placements.
   • Entrance and Exit Points: Discover various entry and exit points around the island.
6. Return to the Kosatka.

Careful reconnaissance is key. The more points of interest you photograph, the more information you’ll have for planning your heist. This includes potential loot locations, guard patterns, and infiltration points. Pay special attention to:

• The Main Dock: A common entry point.
• The Airstrip: Another possible infiltration route.
• The Compound: The main area with the primary target and often the most heavily guarded.
• The Communications Tower: Essential for disrupting security measures.

B. Primary Target Setup

Once you’ve gathered sufficient intel, it’s time to prepare for the main objective. These missions help you obtain the equipment needed for the primary target:

1. Go to the planning computer on the Kosatka.
2. Select ‘Primary Target Setup.’
3. Choose your Approach Vehicle. The submarine is a standard choice, but you can also use others as you unlock them.
4. Choose your Equipment. Certain options unlock after the first successful heist. The following is a standard approach:
   • Cutting Torch: Crucial for getting through the metal vault door.
   • Fingerprint Cloner: Essential for disabling the door lock in the compound.
5. Complete the Mission for selected equipment:
   • Cutting Torch: This usually requires you to infiltrate a facility or other location to steal the torch.
   • Fingerprint Cloner: You’ll typically need to obtain a cloner from a designated location, often from a heavily guarded location.
6. Return to the Kosatka.

These missions can vary in difficulty, often requiring stealth or combat depending on the location you’re assigned. Ensure you are well-equipped and prepared for potential firefights. Focus on securing the chosen equipment as your primary concern.

C. Secondary Target Setup

While not essential, securing secondary targets significantly increases your payout. The following is needed to scope out secondary loot:

1. Go to the planning computer on the Kosatka.
2. Select ‘Secondary Target Setup.’
3. Choose your infiltration Point. Main Dock or Airstrip are the most popular choices.
4. Complete the mission. Typically, this mission requires you to take a picture of the secondary target at the island.
5. Return to the Kosatka.

Knowing where the secondary targets are located, their type (cocaine, weed, paintings, gold, cash), and the guard placement around them will allow for a faster, more efficient run. During the heist, you can prioritize secondary loot based on the number of players. Gold, for example, requires two people to access.

III. The Heist: Infiltration and Exfiltration

With all the setup complete, it’s time to execute the heist. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

A. Selecting Your Approach

There are multiple approaches you can take to infiltrate Cayo Perico. Some are stealth-focused, while others involve more direct action. Here are common options:

• Submarine Approach (Fastest & Stealthiest): This is the most popular method for solo runs. You approach the island by the sea.
• Airstrip Approach (Combat-Heavy): You infiltrate via the airstrip, often requiring combat.
• Main Dock Approach (Mixed): A balanced approach that offers opportunities for both stealth and combat.

For this guide, we will focus on the Submarine Approach for its efficiency in solo play. It is also the recommended approach for beginners.

B. Infiltration

After selecting your approach, you’ll begin the heist. The following steps outline a typical submarine approach:

1. Launch the Heist from the Kosatka.
2. Surface near the drainage tunnel.
3. Swim through the tunnel into the island. This is one of the quietest ways to get into the island.
4. Stealth through the island. Avoid guards whenever possible.
5. Make your way to the Compound. Use the intel gathered during the setup to navigate efficiently.
6. Use the cutting torch to open the outer compound gate.
7. Use the Fingerprint Cloner on the vault door. This disables the lock.

C. Securing the Primary Target

Inside the compound, you’ll need to reach the vault containing the primary target. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to the Vault area. Be cautious as this is the most heavily guarded area in the compound.
2. Use the cutting torch on the vault door.
3. Collect the primary target.
4. (Optional) Collect secondary loot inside the compound.

The primary target is your primary objective, so make sure to grab it first. Secondary loot can significantly increase your payout. However, be mindful of the time limit and the difficulty of carrying extra items.

D. Exfiltration

Once you have the primary target, you need to escape the island. Here’s a common exfiltration route:

1. Leave the compound using the main gate. There is a guard that will be directly in front of the exit, make sure you eliminate him as soon as you exit.
2. Move towards the main dock. You should be able to find a boat from that side of the island.
3. Board a boat and sail out to sea.
4. Avoid guards as much as possible. You are unlikely to go through the guard post as you take the boat to sea.
5. Escape the island to complete the heist.

Exfiltration can be tricky. Stealth can be more difficult once you’ve triggered alarms. Use cover and be prepared for shootouts if necessary. Keep moving towards your exit point.

IV. Tips and Strategies for Success

Here are some advanced tips and strategies to maximize your success in the Cayo Perico Heist:

• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you run the heist, the better you’ll become at navigating the island, identifying opportunities, and avoiding guards. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different routes and strategies.
• Master Stealth: Stealth is crucial for maximizing your take and minimizing conflicts. Learning to move silently and take down enemies discreetly will make a huge difference.
• Prioritize Valuable Secondary Targets: Gold is the most valuable secondary target, but requires two people to access. Cocaine is also highly valuable and often easier to access. Cash and weed are less valuable.
• Use the Guard Routes to Your Advantage: Pay attention to the guard patrol routes and use them to your advantage. You can often slip past guards by timing your movements correctly.
• Exploit Guard Blindspots: Learn the common guard blind spots. Many guards are not able to look behind them, and this can provide a small window for you to move around in stealth.
• Use Weapon Loadout Effectively: Consider using a silenced pistol for takedowns. In the compound, it may be necessary to use a more powerful weapon such as the assault rifle or shotgun.
• Quick Restart: If you are detected early on in your run, you can restart the heist and try again. The more you replay the heist, the more likely you are to have a perfect run.
• Solo Play Efficiency: Solo play is the most efficient way to farm money due to the lack of payout distribution. Learning the route and being able to loot all secondary targets in the compound will lead to optimal money making.
• Take Breaks: The heist can be quite long, so consider taking breaks to maintain focus.
• Use the Mini Map: Pay attention to the mini-map. Enemies and target locations will be visible.

V. Conclusion: The Rewards of a Well-Executed Heist

The Cayo Perico Heist is a complex undertaking but one of the most rewarding in GTA Online. By mastering the setup missions, infiltration strategies, and exfiltration techniques, you’ll be well on your way to amassing a fortune. Whether you’re a solo player or part of a crew, this heist provides a fun and challenging experience. Follow this guide and practice consistently, and you’ll soon become a Cayo Perico master, reaping the financial rewards of your efforts.

Good luck, and may your vaults be full!