Are You A Criminal Mastermind?

By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 1, 2024

Have you ever considered the possibility that you might have the wits to be a criminal mastermind? Well, don't start planning a dramatic heist just yet. In the virtual corridors of GTA Online, pulling off the Criminal Mastermind Challenge is the ultimate test of your dastardly intellect and grit. It’s a feat that—if achieved—cements your status as a nefarious legend, at least in the digital world.

This challenge isn't for the faint of heart. It requires you to complete all heists in order, on hard difficulty, without losing a single life. Think it's easy? Many have tried and found themselves faceplanting into the pavement before even getting to say, "I have a plan!" The streets of Los Santos are unforgiving, and perhaps so is your living room couch as you strategize for the umpteenth time.

Sure, most people play games to relax, unwind, or even to pet virtual dogs. But you? You're eyeing that $10 million in-game cash reward as you tighten your grip on the controller. Before you dive headfirst into the digital underworld, how about figuring out if you've got the makings of a kingpin? Take our Criminal Mastermind quiz to see if your virtual criminal career is destined for greatness or if you're simply a wannabe in a bandit's mask.

The Blueprint to Becoming a Criminal Mastermind

Embarking on the path to becoming a Criminal Mastermind in GTA Online is an undertaking that can either make or break your criminal career. You'll need precision planning, a cohesive crew, and the nerve to execute some of the most difficult heists. Prepare to immerse yourself in a life less ordinary, where the allure of a $10 million completion bonus hangs in the balance.

Assembling Your Crew of Misfits

Gather your most trustworthy team members, be they friends or seasoned mercenaries. Remember, your crew must stick together through thick and thin, tackling each heist in order, starting with the Fleeca Job and culminating in the Pacific Standard Job. Consider this a family commitment—choose wisely, because these misfits will be your lifeline.

Equipping the Gear of a Gentleman Thief

Procure the finest crime accouterments money can buy. A Kuruma to ferry your posse, bulletproof helmets for the rough stuff, and perhaps an Insurgent to swat away those pesky bullets. Your avatar should cut a dashing figure across Los Santos, one armored vehicle at a time.

Plotting the Ultimate Heists: From Fleeca to Pacific Standard

Chart your way through every heist with laser focus. Whether you're coercing inmates out of the Prison Break or swapping codes in the Humane Labs Raid, your progression must not waver. Each mission, executed perfectly on hard difficulty, isn't just a crime—it's a work of art.

Mastering the Art of Stealth and Strategy

Stealth isn't just a skill, it's a lifestyle. Utilize the interaction menu to fine-tune your approach and stay invisible. Your strategy should be one part Bond, one part Batman—an impeccable blend for dodging the challenges that come thick and fast.

Navigating the Perils of the Online Underworld

Keep your online wits about you, for GTA's streets are no place for the unsuspecting. Set up a private lobby to avoid interference, use the pause menu strategically, and protect your account from the chaos of the outside world. Here, 'paranoia' is just another word for 'longevity.'

Acclaim and Riches: Reaping the Rewards

Persistence pays—and in your case, it pays to the tune of $10 million in reward money. Completing the Criminal Mastermind Challenge will adorn your bank account with zeros and grant you enough RP to make Scrooge McDuck envious. All it takes is surviving the ultimate test of your criminal credentials.

Coping with Catastrophe: When Missions Go Sideways

Even the best-laid plans can run afoul. It's not the end if nobody ends up in the virtual afterlife. Keep an eye on that fail counter; know it like the back of your hand, and consult the awards tab post-mishap to see where things stand. Remember, progress only resets on the demise of a team member—and catastrophes are but an opportunity to learn (and laugh at your own misfortunes).

Rise to infamy, make boatloads of money, and do it all with a wry smile etched across your character's face. After all, in the online underworld, your most dangerous weapon is your sense of humor.