Completing heists is a core part of the GTA 5 experience, and The FIB Raid ("The Bureau Raid") is a major mid-game mission. Based on common player experiences, here’s a breakdown of how it works, the approaches you can take, and what to expect.
What is The FIB Raid Heist?
This is a story mission where Michael and Franklin, working with Lester, must steal sensitive data from the FIB building. The core choice you make is the approach: "Covert" or "Roof." This decision changes the required preparation missions and how the entire heist plays out. The total take is fixed, but your final payout depends on your crew choices and any casualties.
What are the Preparation Missions?
You must complete setup missions to gather equipment. The missions you get depend entirely on the approach you selected during the "Architect's Plans" mission.
For the Covert approach, you'll do two setups: Fire Truck (steal a fire truck) and Getaway Vehicle (park a car near the FIB for escape).
For the Roof approach, there are no setup missions. The crew uses a helicopter, which is provided automatically.
Covert Approach: How Does It Work in Practice?
Most players find this approach more involved and narrative-driven. You start as Michael infiltrating the building disguised as a janitor.
Infiltration: You'll mop specific areas to plant bombs. For a Gold medal, you need to do this quickly (under 3 minutes). It’s straightforward but can be tedious on the far side of the office.
The Raid: After detonating the bombs, you switch to Franklin leading the crew in firefighter gear into the burning building. Key practical points here:
Oxygen Management: You have a limited air supply. Most players learn to sprint carefully but consistently through the fire.
Crew Casualty: A scripted explosion occurs behind a door. Whether a crew gunman dies, is knocked out, or survives depends entirely on his skill level. Using an "Unskilled" gunman guarantees a death and a payout deduction.
Escape: After grabbing the hard drive, you rappel down an elevator shaft (you have 30 seconds for a Gold medal) and fight your way out. You then destroy the fire truck and flee in your parked getaway vehicle.
Roof Approach: How Does It Work in Practice?
This is generally considered the more direct, action-heavy approach. You assault the building from the top via helicopter.
Infiltration: As Michael, you parachute onto the roof, cut through glass, and enter.
The Hacking Minigame: This is where your chosen hacker's skill matters greatly. A skilled hacker (like Rickie Lukens) gives you clear instructions and more time. An unskilled hacker will be confused, leaving you to figure out the IP address and password puzzle yourself. You must then defend the position while the data downloads.
The Escape: This involves intense combat against FIB agents, rappelling down the building while under fire from a Buzzard attack helicopter, and a final ground fight. The quality of your driver is crucial here:
An Experienced Driver (like Taliana) arrives on time in an ambulance, providing a clean escape with no wanted level.
An Inexperienced Driver arrives late in a less discreet van, forcing you to lose a 4-star wanted level.
Which Approach is Better for Payout?
In general, the Roof approach is slightly more profitable. While you pay for three crew members (hacker, gunman, driver), the mission is designed so no one needs to die if you pick skilled personnel. With the optimal skilled crew (Rickie-4%, Daryl-6%, Taliana-5%), Franklin's cut is $242,349.The Covert approach can net a similar amount, but only if you use skilled gunmen to avoid the casualty cost. The trade-off is that the Roof approach's upfront crew cost is higher, but the payout is consistent.
What Happens After the Heist?
The mission concludes at a safe house. Lester takes a fixed 12% cut, and Michael surprisingly refuses his share. Franklin receives the remaining money. The garment factory is permanently scorched and closed off with police tape. Some players look for shortcuts to wealth, but the most reliable method is through successful heists. For instance, you'll sometimes see players discussing how to avoid the grind by finding
legit GTA 5 modded accounts PS4, but it's important to be cautious with such options due to the risk of bans from Rockstar.
Common Player Questions Answered
Can I replay the heist to try the other approach? Yes, through the mission replay menu, though you won't earn the money a second time in your main save.
What's the best crew for a first-time player? For the Roof approach, using the skilled crew (Rickie, Daryl, Taliana) is worth the investment for an easier hack and a clean escape. For Covert, prioritize at least one Skilled gunman to avoid a death.
Is the wanted level escape difficult? With an inexperienced driver in the Roof approach, losing the 4-star level can be challenging. Most players recommend heading to the subway tunnels or alleys to break the police line of sight.
