GTA Online update: Cayo Perico Heist release time UK, map changes, new radio stations - and how much the DLC costs

The latest major update for GTA Online is almost upon us, and fans are excitedly awaiting new content additions to the game.

Grand Theft Auto V may have originally been released over seven years ago, but its online component remains hugely popular, and a massive money spinner for creators Rockstar, thanks to regular content updates that have kept the experience fresh for new and seasoned players alike.

The newest free update – The Cayo Perico Heist – brings players a brand new area of Los Santos to explore, with Rockstar describing the update as “the biggest GTA Online adventure ever”.

Here is everything you need to know about it.

What is the new Cayo Perico area?

According to Rockstar, Cayo Perico is a private island paradise where “anything goes”.

Home to the “infamous” El Rubio (“the world’s preeminent narcotrafficker and supplier to the Madrazo family”), Cayo Perico is not only the "nerve centre” of the drug baron’s empire, it also plays host to his other great love – “marathon dance parties on golden beaches.”

It’s a place where “everyone from jetsetters and heiresses to legendary music producers” gather to “rave until the sun comes up.”

It's the setting for the update’s central heist, which will see players infiltrate “one of the most secure private islands in the entire world” by evading or neutralising a heavily armed security force to escape with valuable evidence and “as much art, gold and drug money as you can carry.”

Rockstar say the update is also bringing a “brand-new approach to Heist design that features the ability to play everything solo or with up to three other players.”

The island appears to be made up of two main islands, populated with riverside villas, pools and luxury decks with ocean views; it’s been reported that the location is not available in the game's free-roam mode, although this has not been confirmed.

What is The Music Locker?

Music seems to be an integral part of the new update, and The Cayo Perico Heist will also introduce “the greatest club that Los Santos has ever seen”.

The Music Locker can be found in East Los Santos, directly underneath The Diamond Casino & Resort, and it appears as if real world DJs will be lending their likenesses to the game and recording mixes for players to enjoy in the virtual club.

"Opening the club on week one is Detroit legend Moodymann,” say Rockstar, “spinning motor city soul, techno and disco ably supported by his backup dancers.

"Later in the season, Berlin collective Keinemusik will take clubbers on a journey from the sounds of open air beach parties to the darkest nights in Europe, while Palms Trax is preparing to bring old-school house, exotic strains of disco and the latest from the UK underground to his Music Locker Residency later this month.”

What new radio stations are being added?

The Grand Theft Auto games are famous for their in-game radio stations, which mix a carefully selected collection of amazing tracks with satire delivered by mostly real-world broadcasters.

The Cayo Perico Heist will also be bringing new radio stations and extra music for existing stations in the game’s “biggest musical update since launch”.

The new stations are:

Still Slipping Los Santos – hosted by UK DJ Joy Orbison delivering a “seamless” mix of house, techno, drill, and drum-and-bass

Kult FM – hosted by Julian Casablancas of The Strokes with appearances from Mac DeMarco and others, and a playlist spanning everything from Joy Division and New Order to the Velvet Underground and Iggy Pop, and everything in between

Music Locker Radio – coming later in the month, you’ll be able to hear what’s going on in the game’s superclub on your in-car radio; the go-to destination for house, disco and techno

FlyLo FM – hosted by Grammy nominated producer Flying Lotus, with guest appearances, new tracks and “a bunch of rare, exclusive and amazing surprises”

Worldwide FM – Gilles Peterson is back for a new mix of New London Jazz, disco and world music

What else is new?

Alongside new locations, missions and radio stations, there will also be the chance for players to “acquire new vehicles and tactical weapons”, and “experience new social spaces to dance and party in with your friends”.

There are reportedly 20 new vehicles coming to the game with the update – including the Winky military vehicle and the Toreador sports car – but not all will be immediately available.

The new weapons are the Military Rifle, the Combat Shotgun and the Perico Pistol.

Rockstar are also teasing a “very large, very versatile, and very heavily armed submarine HQ with plenty of other surprises”, which players are already reporting will cost $2,200,000 (thankfully not in real world money) to purchase.

There are also new Clothing and Tattoos options, as well as a number of general improvements and fixes.

When is The Cayo Perico Heist available?

The update is dropping for players on Xbox, PlayStation and PC on Tuesday 15 December.

While there is no confirmed time for when players will be able to download the update, previous patches have gone live around 10am in the UK, so expect a similar timeframe this time around.

It's free for all players of GTA Online.