The Union Depository job is the biggest single-player score in Los Santos. When Michael, Trevor, and Franklin meet with Lester at the Vanilla Unicorn, you’re presented with a major choice that affects the entire finale. This isn't just about picking a mission; it's about choosing a gameplay experience and managing your final payout. Here’s how the options break down in practice.

What are the two main approaches, and how do they play differently?

You have two distinct paths: the "Subtle" approach and the "Obvious" approach. The names are fairly accurate descriptions.

The Subtle method is a disguise-based infiltration. Michael and Trevor pose as Gruppe 6 security to walk into the Depository. The gameplay here is more about careful planning and a tense, controlled escape. You'll steal Securicars, manage hostages, and rely on modified getaway cars (Gauntlets). The police response is delayed, giving you a head start.

The Obvious method is exactly what it sounds like: a loud, explosive assault. Franklin cuts into the vault from the sewers, Michael causes a massive diversion out front, and Trevor airlifts the gold via helicopter. This approach is pure, chaotic action from start to finish, with intense police chases and aerial combat.

Most players choose based on the style they prefer: a classic, slick heist (Subtle) or a blockbuster action sequence (Obvious).

What setup missions does each approach require?

Your choice dictates the prep work.

For Subtle, you'll complete:

Stingers: Acquiring spike strips to disable the Securicars.

Gauntlet: Modifying the four muscle cars used for the escape.

For Obvious, you'll complete:

Driller: Securing the thermal drill for the vault.

Sidetracked: Creating the police diversion.

Getaway Vehicle: Preparing the helicopter.

The Subtle approach has fewer setups, but the Obvious approach doesn't require a hacker, which impacts crew costs.

How do crew choices actually affect the heist?

This is where your final take is determined. Crew members take a percentage cut, and their performance can cause you to lose literal gold bars during the mission.

For the Subtle approach:

Gunmen (2 needed): One helps inside the bank and loads gold. The other assists with the initial Securicar theft. Key info: If a less-skilled gunman (like Karl Abolaji or Norm Richards) is the first gunman (the one loading gold), they will drop gold bars, reducing your final score. Skilled gunmen like Packie McReary or Chef won't.

Drivers (2 needed): One drives a getaway Gauntlet; the other helps with the Securicars. Be very careful with Karim Denz. If he's the first driver and has no prior heist experience, he will be captured by police, losing 1/4 of the take (though you can potentially save him).

Hacker (1 needed): They control traffic lights during escape. A worse hacker (like Rickie Lukens with no experience) adds a lag, making the escape trickier. Paige Harris is the reliable, but pricier, choice.

For the Obvious approach:

Drivers (2 needed): One pilots the second helicopter; the other drives the train that receives the gold. Again, watch Karim Denz. With no experience as the first driver (pilot), he will crash, losing a devastating half of the entire take.

Gunmen (2 needed): One helps Franklin in the vault; the other helps Michael outside. For the second gunman (outside with Michael), less-skilled members like Daryl Johns will perform poorly and need protection, which can be distracting during the heavy combat.

A common piece of advice in the community is to avoid shortcuts that ruin the experience, like using gta 5 modded accounts xbox series x on U4N, as they can bypass the meaningful choices and trade-offs that make this heist satisfying to plan and execute.

So, what's the "best" choice for maximum profit?

If your sole goal is the highest possible monetary reward for each protagonist (over $41 million each), the general consensus is to choose the Obvious approach with a specific low-cost crew:

Drivers: Taliana Martinez (first driver/pilot) and Karim Denz (second driver/train engineer) — but only if Karim has previous heist experience, or you place him as the train driver.

Gunmen: Two of the lowest-cut, lower-skilled gunmen like Daryl Johns and Norm Richards.

This works because the Obvious approach avoids hacker fees and a $300,000 bribe, and only one vehicle needs upgrades. You offset the crew's weaker performance by managing the action yourself.

For the Subtle approach, a profit-optimized crew would be: Rickie Lukens (hacker), Taliana Martinez and Karim Denz (as second driver), Daryl Johns (second gunman), and a skilled first gunman like Packie. This nets about $35 million per character after more expenses.

Which approach should most players take?

In general, for a first-time playthrough, players often recommend the Subtle approach. It feels more like a traditional, clever heist and provides a unique gameplay style. The escape, while tense, is manageable. The Obvious approach is fantastic for a second playthrough when you want unrestrained chaos and a serious combat challenge.

Ultimately, there's no wrong answer. The Union Depository heist is designed to let you choose your preferred flavor of a grand finale. Consider whether you value a higher payout, a specific style of gameplay, or just want to see all the content. Plan your crew carefully, and enjoy the biggest job in Los Santos.