Planning the Big Score chooses the Union Depository approach and crew. Obvious generally offers the larger net take because it uses fewer crew roles and avoids the Subtle plan’s bribe and Gauntlet preparation costs. Correct role assignment matters more than simply hiring the cheapest person in every slot.
Step-by-step walkthrough
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Compare the two approaches
Subtle hijacks security vehicles, enters the Depository under cover and escapes with gold in modified Gauntlets. It needs two drivers, two gunmen and a hacker. Its dedicated setups are Stingers and the three Gauntlet recoveries.
Obvious uses a drilling operation and helicopter extraction, with a diversion at the bank. It needs two drivers and two gunmen, plus Driller, Sidetracked and a prepared getaway vehicle. Choose the branch whose gameplay you want, then follow its setup list.
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Assign the Obvious drivers correctly
Taliana is a strong 5% choice for the helicopter role if unlocked. Put Karim in the train role if he lacks prior heist experience. An inexperienced Karim assigned to the helicopter can crash and lose half the haul. Eddie is reliable but takes a larger cut.
Cheap gunmen can perform the Obvious approach without the same automatic gold-loss problem. Use the more experienced of the low-cut choices in the second gunman role, where combat support is more useful. Only living, unlocked crew members appear on the board.
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Protect the Subtle loading and escape roles
For Subtle, the first gunman handles a role where inexperience can spill gold during loading. Use a dependable gunman there; a cheaper second gunman can reduce the cut without that specific loss.
The first driver also needs adequate skill. An inexperienced Karim in that slot can lose gold and be caught during the escape. The second driver role is safer for him, although prior heist experience improves his performance. Hacker skill controls the delay when changing traffic lights; an inexperienced Rickie has the longest delay.
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Confirm the plan and complete its setups
Review the role order, not just the names and percentages, before confirming. Keep a separate manual save if you want to compare outcomes from the planning stage.
Follow Lester’s messages to collect the required equipment. A completed planning meeting does not start the finale immediately: the selected branch’s setup missions and any getaway-car preparation still need to be finished.
Completion checklist
- Planning checklist: Choose the approach, assign each crew member to the intended role and complete the corresponding setups. This planning mission has no gold-medal requirements.
Common questions
Which plan has the highest earning potential?
Obvious generally leaves more for the protagonists because Subtle adds a bribe, Gauntlet preparation costs and a hacker’s cut. Preventing crew mistakes is still essential.
Where should an inexperienced Karim go in Obvious?
Assign him to the train-driving role, not the helicopter role. The helicopter mistake can lose half the take.
What happens next
Subtle continues with Stingers and Gauntlet. Obvious continues with Driller, Sidetracked and the getaway-car preparation.