GTA Online Heist Origins: A Guide to the First Five Heists

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Valencia

Guide Curator at GladiatorBoost

I’m the voice behind the blogs here at GladiatorBoost—diving deep into the gaming world to bring you guides, updates, and stories that actually help (and maybe even entertain a little). Whether it's breaking down the latest boosts or highlighting cool moments in your favorite games, I’m here to make the digital grind a little more fun.

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Heists are at the heart of the Grand Theft Auto Online experience. These action-packed, multi-phase missions offer high-stakes challenges, large payouts, and demand true teamwork. Before the addition of expansive missions like The Doomsday Heist or the Cayo Perico Heist, there were five original heists that set the standard for GTA Online’s cooperative gameplay. These classic missions are not only a rite of passage for new players, but they remain a lucrative and enjoyable way to earn money—especially for those without access to the flashier, more expensive setups required for newer content.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the original heists that launched with GTA Online’s Heists Update: The Fleeca Job, The Prison Break, The Humane Labs Raid, Series A Funding, and The Pacific Standard Job. Whether you’re a beginner or returning player, understanding these heists is essential to mastering GTA Online’s economy and progressing efficiently.

1. The Fleeca Job

• Players Required: 2

• Setup Location: High-End Apartment with Heist Room

• Payout: Up to $250,000

The Fleeca Job serves as the introduction to heists in GTA Online. It’s a two-player operation that walks you through the mechanics of heists with relatively simple objectives. One player handles hacking security systems while the other drives and covers ground operations. Though the payout is modest compared to other heists, it’s a great warm-up for new players or duos looking to earn quick cash.

This heist has just one setup mission and a finale, making it the shortest and most accessible of the bunch. It’s ideal for practicing roles and getting into the rhythm of GTA’s heist format.

2. The Prison Break

• Players Required: 4

• Payout: Up to $875,000

The Prison Break marks the beginning of the real teamwork challenges. You and three others must orchestrate a breakout for an imprisoned scientist, Rashkovsky. The setup missions involve gathering a prison bus, acquiring disguises, and dealing with law enforcement.

During the finale, each player is assigned a distinct role—from infiltrating the prison as a guard and prisoner, to piloting the getaway aircraft. Coordination and role adherence are key here. The potential payout makes it one of the more appealing early-game options for a full crew.

3. The Humane Labs Raid

• Players Required: 4

• Payout: Up to $1,100,000

This heist steps up the intensity. In The Humane Labs Raid, your crew breaks into a highly secured government lab to extract sensitive data. You’ll need to execute night-time infiltration missions, stealth operations, and a high-octane finale involving thermal vision, rebreathers, and synchronized entry tactics.

The variety in gameplay—from dogfighting in jets to covert underwater entries—makes this heist particularly fun. While it’s more complex, the payout justifies the effort.

4. Series A Funding

• Players Required: 4

• Payout: Up to $875,000

In Series A Funding, you’re working under Trevor Philips to consolidate various drug supplies from rival gangs. Each setup mission focuses on stealing narcotics from different sources: bikers, rival cartels, and even security firms. You’ll need to defend, steal, and transport across multiple areas in Los Santos.

This heist has a strong theme of chaotic criminal enterprise. It’s less “tactical” and more about raw aggression and coordination. The payout isn’t the highest, but it’s a great narrative-driven experience for fans of Trevor’s storylines.

5. The Pacific Standard Job

• Players Required: 4

• Payout: Up to $1,800,000

The Pacific Standard Job is the crown jewel of the original heist lineup. This mission has everything: elite police response, high-stakes robbery, and a cinematic escape. You’ll perform classic bank robbery tasks—control the crowd, crack the vault, fend off cops, and escape by bike across the city.

It’s both thrilling and difficult, requiring solid teamwork and communication. This finale is known for its potential massive payout and chaotic energy. Most veteran crews revisit this heist frequently due to its replay value and high return on investment.

Heist Bonuses & Replay Incentives

Rockstar has cleverly included a series of bonuses to encourage replaying these original heists:

• First-Time Completion Bonus: Up to $100,000 extra per heist

• Heist Finale Bonus (First-Person, Hard Difficulty): Extra $100,000

• Loyalty Bonus: Complete all heists with the same team for $1,000,000

• Criminal Mastermind Bonus: Complete all on Hard without dying = $10,000,000

• All-in-Order Bonus: $1,000,000 for completing them in order

These bonuses are permanent and not tied to special events, making them worthwhile long-term goals for any serious GTA Online player.

Boost Your Progress With GladiatorBoost

While these original heists are still incredibly rewarding, coordinating a reliable crew can be time-consuming and frustrating—especially when matchmaking with random players. That’s where GladiatorBoost’s GTA 5 Boosting Services come in. Whether you’re looking to complete heists efficiently, level up fast, or earn cash without the grind, GladiatorBoost provides professional, secure, and discreet services to help you get ahead in GTA Online. It’s the perfect solution for players who want to experience high-end content without wasting time or dealing with unreliable teammates.

Final Thoughts

The original heists in GTA Online remain a foundational and thrilling part of the game’s ecosystem. From small-scale bank robberies to full-blown lab infiltrations, they offer a variety of challenges that test your planning, communication, and combat skills. While newer heists have flashier mechanics and higher stakes, the classics are timeless in both gameplay and profitability.

Whether you’re aiming for a $10 million Criminal Mastermind run or just want to enjoy the original GTA Online experience, these five heists are well worth your time.