How to Complete The Big Score in GTA 5: Complete Mission Walkthrough, Best Approach, Payout and Tips

The Big Score is the final major heist in Grand Theft Auto V and one of the most memorable missions in the entire Story Mode. After spending most of the game building relationships, completing smaller jobs, dealing with rival groups, and preparing increasingly complicated heists, Michael, Franklin, and Trevor finally go after their biggest target: the Union Depository.

What makes The Big Score especially interesting is that GTA 5 doesn’t force you into one fixed strategy. Before the final heist begins, you choose between two approaches: the Subtle Approach and the Obvious Approach. The preparation missions, crew requirements, and final mission structure change depending on your choice.

If you’re wondering how to complete The Big Score in GTA 5, which approach is better, what preparation missions are required, how the final sequence works, and how the payout is calculated, this guide walks through the entire process.

What Is The Big Score in GTA 5?

The Big Score is the final major heist in GTA 5’s main Story Mode.

The target is the Union Depository, one of the most heavily protected financial locations in Los Santos. Michael, Franklin, Trevor, and Lester have spent a large part of the story preparing for increasingly ambitious jobs, and The Big Score represents the ultimate payoff.

The mission is important for two reasons.

First, it is the biggest heist in the main story.

Second, it brings the three protagonists together for one final major operation before the story reaches its ending.

Unlike an ordinary GTA 5 mission, The Big Score is actually a small chain of missions. You first have to complete Planning The Big Score, choose an approach, complete the necessary preparation work, and then carry out the final heist.

That structure is what makes the mission feel like a true finale rather than just another objective on the map.

When Does The Big Score Unlock?

The Big Score becomes available very late in the GTA 5 Story Mode campaign.

You cannot simply start it at the beginning of the game. You need to progress through the main storyline and complete the missions that lead the protagonists toward their final operation.

Before the actual heist, Michael, Franklin, Trevor, and Lester meet to discuss the plan in Planning The Big Score.

This planning mission is where you make one of the biggest decisions of the campaign:

• Subtle Approach

• Obvious Approach

The choice determines which preparation missions appear and how the final heist plays out.

A Useful Tip Before Starting

Because The Big Score is near the end of the story, it is a good idea to create a manual save before making major final-story decisions.

That way, you have more flexibility if you later want to experience a different route.

Planning The Big Score

Planning The Big Score is essentially the decision-making stage for the final heist.

Michael, Trevor, Franklin, and Lester discuss how they can approach the Union Depository.

You then choose the method and select members of the crew.

This is an important moment because your decisions affect the preparation missions that follow.

The Subtle Approach requires preparation involving Stingers and several Gauntlet vehicles.

The Obvious Approach requires preparation involving the Driller, Sidetracked, and Getaway Vehicle missions.

So before you choose, it helps to understand what each approach actually means.

Subtle Approach vs Obvious Approach

The two approaches are designed to feel very different.

Subtle Approach

The Subtle Approach is based around deception and getting the gold out without immediately turning the entire operation into chaos.

The crew uses disguised vehicles and a planned setup to gain access to the Union Depository.

The idea is to make the operation look like a normal security transfer for as long as possible.

After obtaining the gold, the crew uses prepared getaway vehicles to leave the city.

This route has several preparation missions and puts more emphasis on planning and timing.

Obvious Approach

The Obvious Approach is much more direct.

Instead of trying to disguise the operation, the crew creates a large distraction while another part of the team reaches the vault.

The mission then turns into a major escape involving several characters and vehicles.

If you enjoy the large-scale action and cinematic side of GTA 5, this approach can feel particularly satisfying.

Which Approach Should You Choose?

There isn’t a single answer for every player.

If you prefer a mission that feels more planned and controlled, the Subtle Approach is a good choice.

If you prefer a more dramatic and straightforward finale, the Obvious Approach may be more enjoyable.

There is also a financial difference.

The gross take is slightly higher for the Obvious Approach, with reported totals of about $201.6 million, compared with about $201.3 million for the Subtle Approach. However, crew costs and other expenses affect the amount the protagonists actually receive.

So don’t look only at the headline amount.

The important number is the final amount remaining after the various cuts and expenses.

The Subtle Approach: Preparation Missions

If you select the Subtle Approach, the game gives you preparation work involving:

• Stingers

• Gauntlet 1

• Gauntlet 2

• Gauntlet 3

These preparations are necessary to get the equipment and vehicles ready for the final operation.

Let’s look at what each part involves.

Stingers Preparation Mission

The Stingers setup involves obtaining a police vehicle equipped with the spike-strip equipment needed for the final operation.

The mission is relatively short compared with some of the major Story Mode missions.

The important thing is to follow the objective markers and complete the preparation without unnecessary detours.

The purpose of this setup becomes clear during The Big Score itself.

The prepared equipment is used to stop the security vehicles carrying the gold.

Stingers Tip

Don’t worry about trying to complete the preparation as quickly as possible on your first attempt.

The goal is simply to understand what the game is asking you to collect and where it needs to be delivered.

Once the preparation is complete, the game moves you toward the next setup.

Gauntlet Preparation Missions

The Subtle Approach also requires three Gauntlet preparation missions.

These involve finding specific muscle cars and taking them to Los Santos Customs so they can be modified for the heist.

The cars need to be prepared according to the instructions provided during the setup.

There are three separate Gauntlet missions, so you’ll repeat the basic preparation process more than once.

The game provides information about the required vehicles, and the objective markers help you locate the relevant areas.

Why the Gauntlets Matter

The Gauntlets aren’t just random vehicles added to the story.

They are part of the getaway plan.

The idea is that the crew needs fast, prepared vehicles waiting for them after the gold has been taken.

This is a good example of how GTA 5’s heists work.

The final mission may only last a certain amount of time, but the preparation missions explain how the protagonists obtained the equipment they need.

Tips for the Gauntlet Missions

The biggest thing to remember is to take care of the vehicles.

Once you have the required car, avoid unnecessary crashes during the drive to the modification shop.

After modifying the vehicle, drive carefully to the designated storage location.

If you damage the car significantly, you may have to spend additional money repairing it.

The preparation missions are much easier when you treat them as delivery missions rather than trying to drive aggressively.

Starting The Big Score – Subtle Approach

Once all the necessary preparations are complete, you can start the final heist.

The mission begins with the crew moving into position.

The first major objective is to reach the designated tunnel before the security vehicles arrive.

The game gives you a specific time window, so don’t spend time exploring the city during this section.

Follow the waypoint and stay focused on the mission.

Step 1: Reach the Tunnel

The opening section of the Subtle Approach is mainly about positioning.

You need to reach the tunnel before the security vehicles arrive.

The game displays the current time, so keep an eye on it.

This is one of those moments where using the normal GPS route is safer than trying to invent a shortcut.

Once you arrive at the correct location, wait for the next part of the plan to begin.

Step 2: Stop the Security Vehicles

The prepared equipment is used to stop the security vehicles carrying the gold.

Once the vehicles are stopped, the mission transitions into the next phase.

At this point, follow the game’s instructions carefully.

The operation is designed around making the security personnel believe the situation is under control.

The less you interfere with the scripted sequence, the easier it is to understand what is happening.

Step 3: Reach the Union Depository

After the initial setup works, the team moves toward the Union Depository.

The mission then shifts from preparation to execution.

This section is one of the reasons the Subtle Approach feels different from the Obvious Approach.

Instead of immediately creating a huge disturbance, the protagonists attempt to maintain the appearance of a normal security operation.

Step 4: Enter the Depository

The crew gains access to the Union Depository as part of the plan.

The mission gives you specific instructions for what to do next.

Follow those instructions rather than exploring the building.

The objective is to get the gold loaded and move on with the escape plan.

Step 5: Switch to Franklin

One of GTA 5’s most useful gameplay features appears during the final heist: character switching.

Franklin has an important role in the operation.

The game allows you to switch between characters when the story needs their particular role.

If you see a character-switch prompt, read the current objective before selecting anyone.

This prevents confusion during the later parts of the mission.

Step 6: Control the Traffic Signals

Franklin’s role includes helping control the route for the vehicles transporting the gold.

This is where the traffic-light sequence becomes important.

The objective is to help the convoy move through the city without unnecessary delays.

For players attempting the Gold Medal, the number of traffic-light changes matters.

The Gold Medal requirement for the Subtle Approach includes completing the relevant signal sequence with fewer than 10 traffic-light changes.

For a normal completion, simply follow the game’s instructions and keep the convoy moving.

Step 7: Protect the Operation

The mission eventually becomes more chaotic.

The crew encounters resistance, and you need to continue following the objectives while the operation moves forward.

At this point, don’t worry about trying to eliminate every opponent you see.

Your main objective is to survive and keep progressing through the mission.

The game will tell you where to go next.

Step 8: Load the Gold

Once the crew reaches the appropriate location, the gold is loaded into the prepared vehicles.

This is the moment when all those earlier preparation missions begin to make sense.

The Stingers helped stop the security vehicles.

The Gauntlets were prepared as getaway vehicles.

The crew selection determines how efficiently different parts of the operation work.

Everything is finally coming together.

Step 9: Escape the Area

After the gold has been loaded, the operation moves into its escape phase.

This is where driving becomes especially important.

The prepared Gauntlets are designed for the getaway, so use the route shown by the game.

Don’t take unnecessary shortcuts unless you’re already familiar with the map.

A crash at this stage can waste a lot of time.

Step 10: Complete the Escape

The final part of the Subtle Approach involves getting away successfully.

Once you complete the escape and reach the required destination, the mission ends.

The game then moves the story toward its final stage.

Subtle Approach Gold Medal Requirements

If you want a Gold Medal, the requirements are more demanding than simply finishing the mission.

The listed requirements include:

• Headshots: 20 headshots

• Signal Man: Fewer than 10 traffic-light changes

• Accuracy: At least 60% shooting accuracy

These requirements are separate from simply completing the mission.

You don’t need to worry about them during your first playthrough.

A much more comfortable strategy is to finish the story first and then replay the mission when you understand its structure.

The Obvious Approach: Preparation Missions

If you choose the Obvious Approach, the preparation missions are different.

There are three major setups:

1. Driller

2. Sidetracked

3. Getaway Vehicle

These missions prepare the equipment and transportation needed for the more direct version of The Big Score.

Driller Preparation Mission

The Driller setup involves obtaining the industrial drilling equipment needed to reach the Union Depository’s vault.

The mission exists to establish how the crew will get through the underground section of the operation.

Once the required equipment is obtained, the setup is complete.

The final heist later uses this equipment during Franklin’s part of the mission.

Sidetracked Preparation Mission

Sidetracked is another important setup.

It involves obtaining a train and preparing it for the final plan.

The mission uses a helicopter and requires careful positioning.

This preparation can feel unusual compared with ordinary GTA 5 missions because it is focused more on transportation and positioning than on a conventional objective.

Once the train is prepared, it becomes part of the final heist’s escape plan.

Getaway Vehicle Preparation

The final Obvious Approach preparation involves obtaining and positioning a getaway vehicle.

The vehicle needs to be placed at the appropriate location so the crew can use it during the final operation.

This setup is relatively straightforward.

The most important thing is to follow the instructions exactly and make sure the vehicle is delivered to the correct place.

Starting The Big Score – Obvious Approach

Once Driller, Sidetracked, and Getaway Vehicle are complete, the final heist becomes available.

The opening sequence brings the protagonists together and explains the final plan.

After the cutscene, the player begins moving toward the Union Depository.

The mission then starts switching between the different protagonists.

Step 1: Reach the Bank

The opening section involves traveling to the Union Depository.

Follow the waypoint.

Once the characters reach their positions, the game begins the main operation.

This is where the difference between the Obvious and Subtle approaches becomes obvious.

The Obvious Approach is designed around a large distraction and a direct attempt to reach the gold.

Step 2: Franklin Uses the Driller

Franklin takes control of the drilling equipment.

The drill is used to create a route into the vault area.

This section is mostly about following the game’s prompts and keeping the operation moving.

The objective isn’t complicated once you understand what the game is asking.

Step 3: Open the Vault

After the drilling sequence, the crew reaches the vault area.

The mission then moves into the gold-collection stage.

The situation quickly becomes more chaotic, and the crew has to move through the next objectives.

Step 4: Collect the Gold

The gold is transferred out of the vault as part of the heist.

This is the central objective of The Big Score.

Everything that happened during the preparation missions was designed to make this stage possible.

The drill provided access.

The transportation plan provides the escape.

The characters each have different roles.

Step 5: Trevor Takes Over

Trevor’s part of the mission involves transporting the gold away from the city.

This section uses the helicopter and requires careful flying.

The important thing is to maintain control and follow the mission route.

If you’re not comfortable with helicopter controls, it can help to practice flying in free roam before attempting the mission.

Step 6: Follow the Flight Route

Once you’re airborne, follow the waypoint.

Don’t fly too aggressively.

Helicopters can be difficult to control if you make sudden movements, especially when carrying an important objective.

Small adjustments are usually easier than large ones.

Step 7: Drop the Gold on the Train

One of the most memorable parts of the Obvious Approach is the gold transfer to the train.

The helicopter has to position itself correctly so the gold can be released onto the moving train.

This section can take a little practice.

The Gold Medal requirement makes it even more demanding because the gold must be dropped onto the train within 30 seconds.

For a normal playthrough, don’t worry about the timer.

Focus on positioning the helicopter and following the on-screen instructions.

Step 8: Return to the Airfield

After the gold has been transferred, Trevor continues the flight toward the designated location.

The game will guide you through the final part of the sequence.

Once you return successfully, the mission begins moving toward its conclusion.

Obvious Approach Gold Medal Requirements

The Obvious Approach has four listed Gold Medal objectives:

• Headshots: 20 headshots

• Time: Finish the mission within 16 minutes

• Cha-Ching: Drop the gold onto the train within 30 seconds

• Accuracy: Finish with at least 60% shooting accuracy

These requirements are considerably harder than simply completing the mission.

The good news is that the requirements can be worked on across multiple replays rather than necessarily being completed all at once.

Which Crew Should You Choose?

Crew selection is one of the most interesting parts of The Big Score.

Every crew member has a percentage cut, and some have different levels of experience.

A cheaper crew member may leave more money for the protagonists, but the trade-off can be lower reliability.

For example, GTA 5’s crew options include characters such as Gustavo Mota, Packie McReary, Chef, Karl Abolaji, Norm Richards, and others, depending on the role and approach.

The important thing is not to choose someone purely because their percentage is low.

You need to think about what their skill level means for the mission.

Why Crew Experience Matters

Imagine you have two crew members.

One takes a larger percentage but performs reliably.

The other takes a smaller percentage but may make mistakes.

At first glance, the cheaper character looks like the obvious choice.

But if the inexperienced crew member causes you to lose part of the score, the small percentage saving may not be worth it.

This is why experienced players often plan their crew carefully.

How to Maximize Your Final Payout

The Big Score has the largest gross take of the major GTA 5 heists.

The exact amount that each protagonist receives depends on the approach, crew cuts, and expenses.

The Obvious Approach has a reported gross take of around $201.6 million, while the Subtle Approach is around $201.3 million before the various deductions.

The difference may look small at first.

However, the final amount is affected by the crew percentages and approach-specific costs.

So if your goal is maximum money, don’t judge the two approaches only by their gross take.

Best General Money Strategy

If you’re playing specifically for the largest possible payout, spend some time understanding the crew options before confirming your plan.

The goal is to find a balance between:

Low crew percentage + reliable performance + appropriate role

For the Obvious Approach, guides commonly recommend experienced drivers such as Taliana Martinez and Karim Denz, with the caveat that Karim’s performance depends on how he is assigned.

The exact choice can therefore matter considerably.

Is The Obvious Approach Better for Money?

Generally, yes, if your goal is maximizing the final payout.

The Obvious Approach has the slightly higher gross take, and its expenses can be managed through careful crew selection.

However, that doesn’t automatically make it the best choice for every player.

If you’re playing for the story, either approach works.

If you’re playing for the most money possible, the Obvious Approach is generally the route to consider.

The Big Score and Character Switching

One of GTA 5’s biggest strengths is how it uses three protagonists in the same mission.

The Big Score is an excellent example.

Instead of following only Michael or Franklin, you can move between different parts of the operation.

Michael may be handling one section while Franklin works on another.

Trevor may then take over for the transportation section.

This makes the heist feel much larger than a normal mission.

How to Handle Character Switching

When the game allows or requires a switch, look at the objective first.

Don’t switch simply because another character’s icon is available.

Ask:

• What is my current objective?

• Which character is currently needed?

• Where is that character?

• What does the game want me to do next?

This simple habit makes the mission much easier to understand.

Driving Tips for The Big Score

Driving plays a major role in both approaches.

The most useful advice is simple:

Don’t drive like you’re trying to set a speed record.

The city is full of traffic, sharp corners, and narrow routes.

During an important escape, crashing can cost more time than driving slightly slower.

Use the GPS route.

Brake before corners.

Avoid unnecessary shortcuts.

And if you’re carrying an important vehicle or objective, prioritize keeping control over maximum speed.

Helicopter Tips for the Obvious Approach

The helicopter section is one of the more unusual parts of The Big Score.

If you struggle with flying, practice beforehand.

When approaching the train:

• Make small movements.

• Avoid sudden turns.

• Keep the helicopter stable.

• Follow the on-screen prompts.

• Watch the position of the train.

• Don’t panic if the first attempt isn’t perfect.

The Gold Medal timer makes this section more challenging, but a normal mission completion doesn’t require you to perform it perfectly.

Common Mistakes Players Make

Trying to Get Gold on the First Attempt

Gold Medal requirements are designed to challenge players who already understand the mission.

Complete the mission first.

Then replay it.

Choosing the Cheapest Crew Automatically

The lowest percentage isn’t always the best option.

Consider experience and reliability.

Driving Too Fast

Speed can easily turn into a crash.

Controlled driving is usually more effective.

Ignoring the Current Objective

The mission changes objectives frequently.

Always read the latest instruction.

Forgetting to Save

The Big Score occurs near the end of the campaign.

A manual save can be useful before making important final-story decisions.

What Happens After The Big Score?

Completing The Big Score doesn’t immediately mean the entire game is finished.

The story still has its final stage.

Franklin eventually faces the final decision involving Michael and Trevor.

The player is given three possible choices.

GTA 5 Ending Choices

The three options are generally known as:

Option A

A route where Trevor is removed from the story.

Option B

A route where Michael is removed from the story.

Option C – Deathwish

A route where Franklin attempts to keep both Michael and Trevor alive while dealing with the threats surrounding them.

If you want to continue using all three protagonists after the main story, the third option is generally the most useful choice.

Why Many Players Prefer Deathwish

The biggest practical advantage is simple.

Michael, Franklin, and Trevor remain available.

That means you can continue exploring Los Santos with all three characters after the story.

You can work on:

• Side missions

• Hobbies

• Random Events

• Collectibles

• 100% completion

• Free-roam activities

So if this is your first playthrough and you want to keep as much post-story content available as possible, this option is worth considering.

Is The Big Score the Final Mission?

This is a common point of confusion.

The Big Score is the final major heist, but it isn’t technically the final ending mission.

The sequence is more like:

Planning The Big Score

↓

Preparation Missions

↓

The Big Score

↓

Final Story Choice

↓

Ending

That’s why some GTA 5 mission lists show The Big Score as mission 69 while still listing an ending mission afterward.

Can You Replay The Big Score?

Yes.

After completing the mission, you can replay it through the mission replay system.

This is particularly useful for players who want to:

• Try the other approach

• Improve their mission performance

• Work toward Gold

• Experience the heist again

• Compare different outcomes

Keep in mind that replaying a mission isn’t the same as changing your original Story Mode save.

If you want to make a different major story decision, your previous save is important.

The Big Score vs Other GTA 5 Heists

The Big Score stands out because of its scale.

The early Jewel Store Job introduces the player to GTA 5’s heist system.

The Merryweather Heist expands the scale and introduces more complicated planning.

The Paleto Score becomes a much larger operation.

The Bureau Raid brings the protagonists into another major operation.

Then The Big Score brings the entire heist storyline together.

In that sense, The Big Score feels like the natural culmination of the game’s entire mission structure.

Why The Big Score Is One of GTA 5’s Best Missions

There are several reasons this mission is remembered so well.

It Brings the Characters Together

Michael, Franklin, and Trevor all have important roles.

It Has Multiple Approaches

You can choose between two significantly different styles.

It Has Preparation Missions

The setup work makes the final operation feel earned.

It Has a Huge Payout

The financial reward is much larger than most earlier missions.

It Leads Directly Toward the Ending

The mission is closely connected to the final stage of the story.

It Feels Like a Finale

The scale, music, locations, vehicles, and character interactions all make it feel like the culmination of the campaign.

GTA 5 The Big Score: Beginner-Friendly Strategy

If this is your first time playing GTA 5, don’t overcomplicate the mission.

Use this approach:

Before the Heist

Complete every required preparation mission.

During the Planning Stage

Read about both approaches before choosing.

During the Final Mission

Follow the objective markers.

During Driving

Stay on the GPS route and avoid unnecessary crashes.

During Character Switching

Read the current objective.

During the Escape

Focus on reaching the next destination.

After the Heist

Save your game and continue toward the final story choice.

This is enough to get through the mission without making it unnecessarily difficult.

Advanced Tips for Experienced Players

If you’ve already completed GTA 5 once, you can approach The Big Score differently.

Instead of simply finishing it, you can optimize the experience.

Focus on:

• Crew efficiency

• Final payout

• Mission timing

• Gold Medal requirements

• Alternative approaches

• Clean driving

• Better route knowledge

• Post-game planning

This is where The Big Score becomes more interesting on a second playthrough.

You already know the story, so you can concentrate on improving your execution.