Facility vs. Arcade: Which Property Reigns Supreme in GTA Online?

Choosing between a Facility and an Arcade in Grand Theft Auto Online can be a tough decision for both new and seasoned players. Both properties offer unique opportunities, gameplay experiences, and financial benefits. The best choice hinges on your playstyle, financial goals, and whether you prefer solo or co-operative gameplay. So, which one is actually better?

The short answer: If your priority is making money and you prefer to play with at least one other person, the Arcade is generally the better investment due to the lucrative Diamond Casino Heist. If you are a predominantly solo player or are interested in accessing unique weaponized vehicles and the Doomsday Heist content, the Facility is the better option. However, let’s dive deeper into the specifics to help you make the most informed decision.

The Arcade: Your Hub for Heists and Passive Income

The Arcade, introduced with the Diamond Casino Heist DLC, is more than just a retro gaming haven. It’s a business that allows you to plan and execute the lucrative Diamond Casino Heist. This heist is arguably the best money-making activity in GTA Online, offering substantial payouts on completion.

Benefits of Owning an Arcade:

• The Diamond Casino Heist: This is the main draw for many players. The heist offers varied approaches, multiple prep missions, and, most importantly, hefty payouts. The specific take varies depending on the loot you get: cash is the worst option, but it still is a great option, followed by artwork, gold and then diamonds, which will get you the most money. You also get to choose the approach to take to do the heist, which will change the gameplay.
• Passive Income: While not as significant as other businesses, the Arcade generates passive income from arcade machines. You can earn up to $5,000 per in-game day by buying multiple arcade machines. It doesn’t matter what games you purchase, as long as you fill the available slots. All the money you generate will be kept in the office safe and can accumulate to a maximum of $100,000.
• Vehicle Storage: The Arcade also has space to store up to 10 personal vehicles.
• Master Control Terminal: This useful tool allows you to manage all of your other businesses from a single location, streamlining your GTA Online experience.
• Variety and Fun: The arcade games provide a fun diversion and can even unlock unique items and trophies.

Drawbacks of Owning an Arcade:

• Heist Requires Multiple Players: The Diamond Casino Heist requires at least one other player to complete.
• Passive Income is Limited: While it’s passive, the income from arcade machines is not a substantial source of income on its own.
• Upfront Costs: Purchasing all arcade machines and upgrades can be expensive.

The Facility: Unleash the Doomsday Heist and Weaponized Mayhem

The Facility, added with the Doomsday Heist DLC, is a subterranean base focusing on high-tech espionage and weaponized vehicles. While the Doomsday Heist isn’t as lucrative as the Diamond Casino Heist, the Facility provides access to unique vehicles and missions.

Benefits of Owning a Facility:

• The Doomsday Heist: This multi-part heist is a complex and challenging experience. It offers solid payouts and a unique storyline. However, it’s not as financially rewarding as the Casino Heist. The payout is between $4.2 to $5.25 million.
• Weaponized Vehicle Storage: The Facility allows you to store exclusive vehicles like the Khanjali tank, Thruster jetpack, and the RCV, along with up to 7 regular vehicles.
• Pegasus Concierge: This service allows you to quickly spawn specific Pegasus vehicles, including helicopters and other utility vehicles.
• Orbital Cannon: A destructive weapon that can be purchased and used on other players (or NPCs) at a hefty price.
• Strike Teams: The ability to call in strike teams for support during missions.

Drawbacks of Owning a Facility:

• Doomsday Heist Requires Multiple Players: Similar to the Diamond Casino Heist, the Doomsday Heist cannot be played solo.
• Lower Payouts: The Doomsday Heist doesn’t pay as well as the Diamond Casino Heist, making it less lucrative overall.
• Limited Passive Income: Facilities do not generate passive income, making them purely a mission-focused investment.

Which Should You Choose?

Here’s a more detailed look at how you can make a choice:

• For Money-Making: The Arcade is the clear winner due to the higher payout of the Diamond Casino Heist. Even the passive income, though small, is a benefit the Facility lacks.
• For Solo Players: Neither the Arcade nor the Facility is ideal for strictly solo players, as both of their main heists require at least one other person. The Agency, by comparison, is an ideal choice for solo players. The Auto Shop is a good second place for solo money making.
• For Variety: The Facility offers a more diverse range of missions, weaponized vehicles, and gameplay elements, making it more suitable for players looking for something different. The Arcade focuses on the heists.
• For Vehicle Enthusiasts: The Facility wins for access to special weaponized vehicles, though both the Arcade and the Facility offer 10 spaces for personal vehicle storage.
• For New Players: New players looking for a more user-friendly experience and better early-game money will benefit more from the Arcade, due to the consistent payout of the Diamond Casino Heist.

In Conclusion

If you’re aiming for maximum profit and enjoy cooperative gameplay, the Arcade is the better choice. The Diamond Casino Heist offers consistent, high payouts, making it a solid investment for long-term financial growth. If you prioritize unique vehicle access, enjoy the high-tech espionage feel of the Doomsday Heist, and are willing to sacrifice some profit for gameplay variety, then the Facility is the better pick.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you are trying to get out of GTA Online. Consider your priorities, preferences, and playstyle before making your decision. Remember, both properties are valuable additions to your GTA Online empire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does the location of the Arcade or Facility matter?

No. For both the Arcade and the Facility, the location doesn’t affect the missions, facilities, or potential income they provide. Whether you buy the cheapest or the most expensive, they all offer the same benefits.

2. Can you do the Doomsday Heist solo?

No. The Doomsday Heist requires at least two players. It can be played with 2, 3, or 4 players.

3. Can you do the Casino Heist solo?

No. The Diamond Casino Heist also requires at least two players.

4. Which heist pays the most?

The Diamond Casino Heist generally pays the most due to the high payout from the vault contents and the approach you use to do the heist.

5. What is the passive income cap for the Arcade?

The maximum you can have in your office safe at the arcade is $100,000.

6. How much passive income can you make from the Arcade?

You can earn up to $5,000 per in-game day by filling every available arcade machine spot.

7. Is the Facility profitable?

Yes, the Facility can be profitable through the Doomsday Heist. While not as lucrative as the Casino Heist, it can still generate a good income. You also have passive income through your other businesses if they are active during the heist.

8. What is the main purpose of the Facility?

The primary purpose of the Facility is to access the Doomsday Heist, store special vehicles, and use the Orbital Cannon and other unique features.

9. How many vehicles can you store in an Arcade or Facility?

Both the Arcade and the Facility can store up to 10 personal vehicles and 5 extra weaponized vehicles at the Facility.

10. Is it worth buying all the Arcade machines?

Yes, if you want to maximize passive income. Buying them will give you the extra income and you don’t need to buy different games, you can buy the same ones to get the most income.

11. Can you earn money from just owning a Facility?

No, the Facility itself doesn’t generate any passive income. However, you can earn money completing the Doomsday Heist and it’s preparatory missions.

12. Can I buy all the businesses in GTA Online?

Yes, you can own all available businesses in GTA Online and operate them simultaneously.

13. Is the Auto Shop a better alternative to the Arcade or Facility for solo players?

Yes, the Auto Shop is a better choice for solo players as it allows you to complete contract missions for profit and customize and upgrade vehicles.

14. What are the benefits of owning a bunker?

The Bunker is primarily used for gunrunning, allowing you to produce and sell weapons. It also unlocks weapon modifications and research.

15. Should I buy a bunker before a facility?

Bunker is generally considered a better early game investment due to its passive income potential and weapon unlocks, the facility can be skipped by playing the Doomsday Heist with other people.