Grand Theft Auto 5 didn’t just raise the bar foropen-world games– it redefined how cinematic and thrilling a story-driven sandbox could be. At the heart of this experience are the heists, intricate missions that mix careful planning, explosive action and branching choices in a way few games have matched since.
8 Best Story Missions in Grand Theft Auto 5
From chaotic heists to emotional confrontations, these are the best story missions that made Grand Theft Auto 5 unforgettable.
Led by Michael, Franklin and Trevor, each operation brings a different flavor of tension and chaos, whether it’s knocking over a jewelry store or stealing gold from under a city’s nose. Some heists are quick and brutal, others slow and methodical, but all of them leave their mark.
5The Merryweather Heist
A Bold Plan that Pays Nothing
Trevor’s reckless ambition drives the Merryweather Heist – a daring operation that targets a high-value superweapon held by a private military company. Players choose between sneaking onto a freighter with planted bombs or executing a more elaborate offshore grab using a submarine and helicopter.
The setup missions, like stealing a minisub, build tension and excitement, but the payoff falls flat. Lester ultimately demands the stolen cargo be returned, citing its dangerous potential. With no reward for all the risk, the mission feels hollow despite its intense naval and aerial action.
It might be one of the least rewarding heists, but it does serve an important role in the story by highlightingTrevor’s impulsive nature.
4The Bureau Raid
Breaking Into the System
The Bureau Raid flips the usual formula by focusing heavily on stealth and strategy. Tasked with infiltrating the FIB headquarters to destroy sensitive files, players can either disguise themselves as firefighters or parachute onto the building’s roof for a more direct assault.
Setup missions like stealing a fire truck and securing getaway vehicles emphasize preparation over brute force. While thecovert approachoffers a nice change of pace, the payout – roughly $242,000 for Franklin – feels modest, especially since Michael refuses to take his share.
Fans often praise this heist for its clever setup and tactical gameplay, but its lower financial stakes keep it from reaching the top tier.
3The Jewel Store Job
The Spark that Lit the Fire
The Jewel Store Job kicks off GTA 5’s heist storyline in style, pulling Michael back into the criminal life with a high-profile robbery of Vangelico’s jewelry store. Players pick between a smart approach, using sleeping gas to knock out employees, or a loud one, going in guns blazing.
8 Best Grand Theft Auto Games of All Time
Grand Theft Auto is one of the most popular video game franchises, and these games are the best in the series.
Setup missions include scouting the store and stealing high-performance bikes for the getaway, laying the groundwork for the job. The smart plan offers a smoother exit through Los Santos’ sewer tunnels, while the loud approach risks crew casualties and a messy escape.
The payout can reach up to $1.2 million for Michael alone, and the excitement of pulling off the first major score makes this an unforgettable early high point.
2The Paleto Score
Small Town, Big Guns
What starts as a quiet rural bank robbery in Paleto Bay quickly turns into one of GTA 5’s most chaotic battles. Wearing heavy armor and carrying miniguns, the crew fights off wave after wave of police, SWAT teams and even military tanks.
The setup missions – from scoping out the sleepy town to stealing military-grade hardware – slowly build anticipation for the explosive showdown. With a total payout around $8 million before the FIB’s cut, it offers one of the betterfinancial rewards.
The Paleto Score’s relentless pace and massive body count turn it into pure adrenaline, earning its spot near the very top of the list.
1The Big Score
Los Santos’ Ultimate Payday
Everything in GTA 5 leads to The Big Score – a final, massive heist that targets the Union Depository’s mountain of gold bullion. Players can choose between two approaches: hijacking armored cars with precise traffic signal hacks or smashing straight into the vault and escaping by helicopter.
Setup missions like stealing drilling rigs and getaway cars stack the tension until the final moment arrives. No matter the approach, the execution feels cinematic, with players navigating daring chases through the streets and underground tunnels of Los Santos.
With payouts reaching up to $201 million split among the crew, The Big Score is the ultimate culmination of everything the game builds toward, easily securing its place as the best heist in GTA 5.
Grand Theft Auto 5
10 Best Games by Rockstar Games
Rockstar Games is a studio that has become synonymous with quality, and these are their best games of all time.
