Surveying the Score
The crew cases Union Depository security patterns and traffic flow before choosing the Big Score approach.
Overview
Surveying the Score is the reconnaissance preparation for The Big Score. Michael and Franklin observe the Union Depository from multiple vantage points, recording guard rotations and street layouts. The data appears on Lester's planning board and informs whether the Subtle or Obvious approach is viable. Completing it unlocks Gauntlet, Stingers, Driller, or Sidetracked depending on the chosen path. Progress is tracked on Lester Crest's planning board at the garment factory hideout. The equipment or intelligence gathered here is referenced again during the finale briefing. Setup missions do not pay separate completion bonuses; earnings are bundled into the heist payout when the score succeeds. Players may complete preparations in any order allowed by approach selection, but the finale remains locked until all required icons for that path are marked ready on the planning screen.
Walkthrough
1. Meet Lester and travel to the first observation post. 2. Photograph or mark security elements at the Union Depository. 3. Move to additional rooftop and street scouting positions. 4. Record traffic patterns on surrounding avenues. 5. Deliver findings to Lester to finish preparation.
Fail Conditions
Failure occurs if either protagonist dies or if required observation points are skipped before the mission concludes.