General Prep

Vault Keycards: The One Prep You Cannot Skip

Of all the general prep missions, Vault Keycards is the only one you cannot skip. The keycards open the mantrap inside the casino — without them, every approach fails. Rockstar gives you one of two variants: Duggan Goons or Prison Guard. Both end with you taking out a target and grabbing two physical keycards.

Mission TypeMandatory general prep

RequiredMandatory each heist

Time10 to 15 minutes

RewardTwo keycards required for vault mantrap access

Walkthrough

Variant A — Duggan GoonsLester directs you to a location where Duggan's enforcers are meeting — usually a beach, parking lot, or industrial zone. Kill the lead goon and his bodyguards, take the keycards from his body.
Variant B — Prison GuardA prison guard transports keycards along a fixed route. You can ambush the prison bus or wait for the guard to leave the prison after his shift. Take him out without alerting the prison and pick up the keycards.
Survive the cooldownAfter collecting keycards in either variant, you get a 3-star wanted level. Lose the cops without dying or the prep fails.
Deliver to the ArcadeDrive back to your Arcade and the keycards register automatically. You can stash the vehicle in the Arcade garage to lose cops faster.

Tips & Strategy

Use an armored vehicle. The Kuruma is overkill but reliable.
Oppressor MK II makes the escape trivial — once cops have a wanted level, fly straight up out of range and break line of sight.
If you fail, the variant rerolls. Some players save scum until they get Duggan Goons since the prison variant takes longer.

Related Prep Missions

FAQ

Are vault keycards mandatory for every approach?

Yes. All three approaches — Silent and Sneaky, Big Con, Aggressive — need them to reach the vault.

Can I do keycards solo?

Yes. Both variants are solo-friendly with the right vehicle.

Does the keycard variant matter?

Not for the heist outcome. Both deliver the same two keycards. Duggan Goons is faster.