How Long Do You Have To Wait Between GTA Heists? A Comprehensive Guide
Figuring out the cooldown times for heists in GTA Online can be tricky. The wait times vary depending on the type of heist and how you completed it. Generally, the wait time isn’t a flat number but is determined by in-game days which translate to real-time minutes. So, let’s cut through the confusion and provide you with a clear picture of how long you have to wait between heists in GTA Online.
Heist Cooldowns: The Basics
The core rule of thumb for most heists (excluding Cayo Perico) is a one in-game day cooldown before you can host the same heist again. Since one in-game day is equal to 48 minutes in real-time, that’s how long you generally have to wait to replay a specific heist as host. However, you can participate in any heist that other players host during your cooldown period.
This means that after completing, let’s say, the Fleeca Job, you will have to wait 48 minutes to host it again. During this time, you can still join others who are hosting the same heist. Importantly, this 48-minute cooldown only applies if you want to host the same heist again; you can immediately host a different standard heist, such as the Prison Break or Humane Labs Raid.
The Exception: Cayo Perico Heist
The Cayo Perico Heist has a different set of rules. If you completed it solo, the cooldown is much longer. For solo playthroughs, you must wait three in-game days, which equates to 144 minutes (2 hours and 24 minutes) in real-time. This is a significant difference compared to the standard 48-minute wait.
If you completed the Cayo Perico Heist with others, the standard cooldown applies. You will have to wait one in-game day (48 minutes). This encourages players to team up and decreases the number of solo heists, which can be quite lucrative.
Understanding In-Game Time
It’s crucial to grasp the concept of in-game time in GTA Online. One in-game day is equal to 48 real-world minutes. Therefore, one in-game hour equates to 2 real-world minutes. This understanding helps you gauge how long you need to wait for the cooldown to expire.
Participating vs. Hosting
The cooldown only applies to you as the host of a heist. You are free to participate in the same or other heists that other players are hosting without any cooldown penalties. This is an excellent way to continue earning money and having fun while waiting for your own heist cooldown to expire.
Managing Multiple Heists
One of the great features of GTA Online is that you can have multiple heist types active simultaneously. You can have one active normal apartment heist, one active Doomsday heist (facility), and one active Diamond Casino Heist (Arcade) concurrently. This allows you to progress through different heist storylines at the same time. However, each of these individual heists follows their specific cooldown rules.
No Time Restrictions
You can play as many heists in one day as you want if you are not hosting the same one multiple times, with the exception of the Cayo Perico Heist which has a limit if done solo. Essentially, you can participate in unlimited heists in one day as long as you are not the host trying to replay the same one before the cooldown is over.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you better understand heist cooldowns in GTA Online:
Q1: What is the general cooldown for most heists in GTA Online?
A: The general cooldown for most heists, excluding Cayo Perico, is one in-game day, which equals 48 minutes in real-time. This applies when you want to host the same heist again.
Q2: How long is the cooldown for the Cayo Perico Heist?
A: The cooldown for the Cayo Perico Heist is three in-game days (144 minutes) in real-time if completed solo. If you completed the heist with a team, the cooldown is one in-game day (48 minutes).
Q3: How long is one in-game day in GTA 5?
A: One in-game day in GTA 5 is equivalent to 48 minutes in real-time.
Q4: Can I play other heists while waiting for the cooldown?
A: Yes, you can participate in any heists that other players are hosting while waiting for your cooldown. The cooldown only affects your ability to host that particular heist again.
Q5: Can I do multiple heist types simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can have one active normal apartment heist, one Doomsday heist (facility), and one Diamond Casino Heist (Arcade) active simultaneously.
Q6: How many heists can I play in one real-world day?
A: You can play as many heists as you want in one real-world day if you are not hosting the same heist multiple times (within the cooldown period) and if not playing solo Cayo Perico.
Q7: Do heist cooldowns reset when you switch sessions?
A: No, heist cooldowns are persistent and are based on in-game time, not your session. Changing sessions will not reset or reduce the cooldown.
Q8: What happens if I start a heist setup mission and then log off?
A: If you log off during the setup, the game will save your progress, and you can continue from that point when you log back on.
Q9: What happens if I fail a heist?
A: If you fail a heist, there is no cooldown penalty. You can restart it immediately, but you will have to repeat the prep work.
Q10: Is there a cooldown after failing a setup mission?
A: No, there is no cooldown after failing a setup mission. You can try it again immediately.
Q11: What is the easiest heist in GTA Online?
A: The Fleeca Job is considered the easiest entry-level heist in GTA Online.
Q12: What is the highest paying heist in GTA Online?
A: The Diamond Casino Heist has the potential for the highest payout, although it requires more planning and at least two players.
Q13: What is the most difficult heist in GTA Online?
A: The Doomsday Heist is considered the longest and most difficult set of missions in GTA Online.
Q14: Can you do the Cayo Perico heist alone?
A: Yes, the Cayo Perico Heist can be done solo. It is a popular choice for players to farm money but has a longer cooldown when completed solo.
Q15: Why does Lester have to call me for Heists?
A: For some heists such as the original five, Lester will call you to initiate them. For other heists, you initiate them through an owned business such as an arcade for the Casino Heist, a submarine for the Cayo Perico Heist, or a facility for Doomsday Heists. This call is automatic after the cool down if it is the same heist.
Conclusion
Understanding the cooldown mechanics for heists in GTA Online is crucial for efficient gameplay and making the most of your time in Los Santos. By keeping in mind the standard 48-minute cooldown (one in-game day) and the longer 144-minute cooldown for solo Cayo Perico, you can effectively plan your heisting sessions. Remember to take advantage of participating in other players’ heists while you wait, and you will be on your way to becoming a wealthy and successful criminal mastermind.