Grand Theft Auto 5: Your Guide to Criminal Acquisitions in Story Mode

So, you’re diving into the criminal underworld of Los Santos in GTA 5’s story mode and you’re itching to make some quick cash. Forget honest labor, right? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s break down exactly what you can rob in the game, from convenience stores to daring heists, and how to maximize your ill-gotten gains.

The answer to your question is varied: you can rob 24/7 stores, liquor stores, and ammunition stores with relative ease. You can also rob pedestrians after they use ATMs. While bank robbery is not directly available in story mode, you’ll be able to rob armored trucks and perform several heists throughout the game’s story missions.

From Corner Stores to Armored Cars: A Deep Dive into Robbery Opportunities

GTA 5’s story mode offers a decent variety of opportunities to supplement your income through less-than-legal means. While you won’t be pulling off bank heists on your own outside of scripted missions, there are plenty of smaller scores to be made.

24/7 Stores, Liquor Stores, and Ammu-Nation

These are your bread and butter for quick cash.

• How it works: Walk into the store, pull out your weapon (aiming is crucial), and the clerk will usually start filling up a bag with cash. Once the bag is handed over, you can choose to leave or escalate things for a bit more profit.
• Maximize your haul: After the initial payout, shoot the registers (usually one or two) to get the remaining cash. Be quick, as this will significantly increase the police response.
• Things to consider: The amount of money you get varies, but expect around a few hundred to a thousand dollars from each store. Be aware of your wanted level, as lingering too long will attract unwanted attention.

Robbing Pedestrians

A less glorious, but readily available, option.

• How it works: Simply approach a pedestrian and use the “rob” command (usually a button press). They’ll drop some cash, which you can then collect.
• ATM victims: Target pedestrians after they use an ATM for potentially larger payouts.
• Things to consider: This yields relatively small amounts of money – tens to hundreds of dollars. It’s more of a supplementary income source or a way to recoup ammo costs than a significant money-making strategy. It can also lead to a wanted level if done in view of other civilians or the police.

Armored Trucks

A more lucrative, but riskier, endeavor.

• How it works: Spot an armored truck driving around Los Santos. You’ll need to stop it, usually by damaging it enough to force the guards to exit. Then, eliminate the guards (or try to sneak past them, though that’s difficult) and open the back doors to collect the cash.
• Things to consider: Armored truck robberies will almost certainly attract a high wanted level. Prepare for a firefight and have a getaway plan in place. The payout is significantly higher than store robberies, making the risk worthwhile if you can pull it off.

Story Mode Heists

The big scores.

• How it works: These are scripted missions that are integral to the story. They are complex and require planning, preparation, and execution.
• Things to consider: The heists offer the largest payouts in the game. Your cut depends on your role, skill, and the choices you make during the mission. They cannot be repeated outside of replaying the missions.

Beyond the Basics: Strategies for Success

• Stock Up: Always have a good supply of weapons and ammunition. A shotgun is ideal for close-quarters store robberies.
• Getaway Vehicle: A fast car that can handle off-road terrain is essential for escaping the police.
• Upgrade Your Skills: Franklin’s driving ability can be invaluable for losing the cops. Michael’s special ability can help in intense firefights.
• Plan Your Escape: Before robbing a store or armored truck, identify potential escape routes.
• Bribes: Call Lester to remove a wanted level, but keep in mind that each time you call him the price goes up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions regarding robbery and making money in GTA 5 story mode, answered by an expert.

1. Can I rob banks in GTA 5 story mode outside of the scripted heists?

No, you cannot rob banks in GTA 5 story mode outside of the heists that are part of the main storyline. Mods exist for the PC version that add this functionality, but it’s not a feature in the base game.

2. Can I rob ATMs directly?

You cannot directly rob ATMs. However, you can rob pedestrians after they use an ATM, which can yield a slightly larger amount of cash than robbing them randomly.

3. What is the best strategy for robbing stores?

Aim your weapon at the clerk immediately upon entering. After receiving the initial payout, shoot the registers for additional money. Exit quickly and have a getaway plan ready.

4. How much money can I expect to get from a store robbery?

The amount varies, but typically you can expect to get around $500 to $1000 per store. Shooting the registers can increase this amount.

5. What happens if I rob the same store repeatedly?

Nothing special happens. You can rob the same stores multiple times, but the payout will be the same each time.

6. Is there a limit to how many stores I can rob?

There is no limit to how many stores you can rob. You can rob every store in Los Santos and Blaine County if you wish.

7. Are there any consequences for robbing all the stores?

There are no special consequences beyond the accumulating wanted levels. However, there’s a trophy/achievement called “Stick Up Kid” for robbing all the stores at least once.

8. What’s the best way to escape the police after a robbery?

Use a fast vehicle and utilize your character’s special abilities. Franklin’s driving ability is especially helpful for evading the cops. Utilize alleyways, tunnels, and off-road routes to break line of sight. Bribing law enforcement through Lester is also an option once you unlock the character.

9. Can I sell stolen cars in GTA 5 story mode?

You cannot sell cars in GTA 5 story mode to make money. You can only sell cars via Los Santos Customs in Grand Theft Auto Online.

10. What’s the fastest car I can steal in GTA 5 story mode for getaways?

While there are many fast cars, the Vapid Pißwasser Dominator (Enhanced Edition only) is considered one of the fastest that can be stolen. The Adder can sometimes be found and stolen.

11. Are there any money cheats in GTA 5 story mode?

Unfortunately, there are no direct money cheats in GTA 5. You’ll have to earn your fortune through missions, robberies, and stock market manipulation.

12. How can I make a lot of money quickly in GTA 5 story mode?

The stock market is the quickest way to make large amounts of money. Invest in stocks based on Lester’s assassination missions to maximize your profits.

13. What are the bail bond bounties and how do they work?

These are side missions where you track down and capture (or kill) targets for Maude Eccles. They offer a decent payout for each bounty completed.

14. What are Random Encounters and how can they make me money?

Random Encounters are chance events that occur throughout the game world. Some of these encounters can lead to rewards, including cash.

15. Can I replay the heists in GTA 5 story mode after completing the game?

Yes, you can replay missions, including the heists, after completing the story mode. This allows you to earn additional money and experience them again.

Conclusion: Embracing the Criminal Life

While GTA 5 story mode doesn’t allow you to become a full-time bank robber outside of the main heists, it does offer plenty of opportunities to indulge your criminal tendencies and supplement your income. From quick store robberies to daring armored truck heists, there’s no shortage of ways to make a dishonest living in Los Santos. Just remember to plan your heists, upgrade your skills, and always have a getaway plan ready.

And if you are interested in the educational aspects of gaming, don’t forget to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.