GTA V / GTA Online · start
GTA Online heist preparation: a simple checklist
A practical checklist for prerequisites, roles, equipment and avoiding wasted setup time.
Start here
- Read the heist board requirements.
- Assign roles and confirm voice/text communication.
- Check equipment and payout expectations before launch.
Requirements to host
Rockstar’s support guidance says a player needs Rank 12 and a high-end apartment to host the original Heists. A lower-rank player can still join an invitation, and Quick Job can place a player into an available Heist as a crew member. The exact heist strand and newer content can have different requirements, so identify the heist before promising access.
Setup versus finale
Setup missions prepare equipment and usually return the crew to Freemode; the finale is where the payout and split are decided. The leader pays the setup cost and chooses invitations, difficulty and take. Before launching, confirm voice communication, roles, platform and whether every player can complete the required setup instead of assuming a random lobby will carry it.
Common prep mistakes
Do not leave after one setup expecting the next step instantly: Rockstar notes that calls and progression can have a delay. If the next invitation does not appear, check the planning board, phone calls, tutorial progress and whether the leader completed the previous strand. Never use mod menus or money exploits to skip costs or unlock a heist.