GTA Online fans furious about The Cayo Perico Heist nerfs
It looks like another L for Rockstar Games, and as usual, angry Grand Theft Auto players are getting the short end of the stick. Following disappointment surrounding the GTA Online 10th anniversary, it looks like the developer has also stuck in a sneaky nerf that's crippled one of its favourite modes.
While GTA Online started off life as a fairly simple online multiplayer, the introduction of Heists in 2015 turned the game around and secured its future. The likes of The Doomsday Heist and The Diamond Casino Heist are fan-favourites, as is 2020's The Cayo Perico Heist.
GTA Online nerfs The Cayo Perico Heist
Although GTA Online made setup costs for older heists cheaper in 2022, it seems the team has made a U-turn and just hiked the price of The Cayo Perico Heist while nerfing its rewards into the ground. Rockstar probably thought we wouldn't notice, but we sure did.
The weekly GTA Online update for September 28-October 5 snuck in a devious Cayo Perico Heist nerf, making one of the most lucrative endeavours a lot weaker. For starters, the setup cost has soared from $25,000 to $100,000, while Primary and Secondary Target rewards have lower payouts.
Seemingly pushing you to play with others, the odds are much better for nabbing higher-value Secondary Target loot at sites that require two players. Considering Cayo Perico was the only solo heist that's worth it, it's a middle finger to us patient players.
Across the board, Primary Targets, including Sinsimito Tequila and Ruby Necklace, have been nerfed by 30%. Apart from Gold, all Secondary Target payouts have been hit with a 10% reduction. It's true that The Cayo Perico Heist remains one of the easiest ways to earn a wedge, but it's still a frustrating nerf.
What's next for GTA Online?
Click to enlargeWith GTA Online being the goose that laid the golden egg, we don't see the game going anywhere anytime soon - especially with no sign of GTA 6. Thanks to GTA Online and its years of having us part with real-life cash for Shark Cards, GTA V has become the most profitable entertainment product of all time.
Even when the next mainline entry comes along, there are questions about what will happen to GTA Online. Will it be shuttered like the OG Warzone, or will it simply evolve into something bigger? Despite a slew of GTA 6 leaks, things have been relatively quiet on the GTA Online front.
Rockstar is still onto a winner with GTA Online, and it's likely this that led to it abandoning Red Dead Online. Whatever they've got planned for GTA Online, expect Rockstar will continue pushing you to part with your money for Shark Cards.
