The Big Score

Overview

The Big Score is the final heist mission of Grand Theft Auto V. Michael, Franklin, Trevor and their hired crew rob the gold reserve of the Union Depository in Pillbox Hill. The approach chosen in Planning the Big Score decides whether the crew slips in disguised as guards or blasts its way into the vault.

Walkthrough

Subtle approach:

1. Drop spike strips in the tunnel to stop two armored vans.
2. Take the guards' places and drive the vans into the depository with a coerced guard.
3. Load the gold and leave; as Franklin, hack the traffic lights to slow the Merryweather pursuit.
4. Transfer the gold into the modified Gauntlets, fight off Merryweather and race out of the city into waiting trucks.

Obvious approach:

1. As Franklin, drill into the vault from below with the cutter while Michael and a gunman draw the police to the front.
2. Blow the vault, fight through the NOOSE teams in the parking area and escape in the getaway vehicle.
3. As Trevor, fly a helicopter carrying gold while Lester shoots down Merryweather Buzzards.
4. Drop the gold onto the moving train and meet at the McKenzie Field hangar.

Tips

• Subtle gold: 20 headshots, fewer than 10 traffic light changes and 60% accuracy.
• Obvious gold: 20 headshots, finish within 16:00, drop the gold onto the train within 30 seconds and 60% accuracy.
• Keep Trevor's helicopter level so Lester can aim.
• Experienced drivers and gunmen prevent losing gold during the escape.

Rewards and unlocks

The take is over $200 million. The Advanced Rifle becomes available, and the mission unlocks the three endings: Something Sensible, The Time's Come and The Third Way.