The upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) is the highly anticipated next installment in Rockstar Games’ acclaimed open-world action-adventure series. Here’s a summary of what we know so far:
Release Date
Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to be released on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles. A PC release has not been announced, consistent with Rockstar’s historical pattern. This date was recently pushed back from the initial late 2025 window.
Setting
The game will primarily be set in the state of Leonida, which is the Grand Theft Auto universe’s version of Florida. The main city will be Vice City, a modern-day reimagining of the Miami-inspired location from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The map is rumored to be significantly larger than that of GTA V, potentially twice the size, and will include diverse environments like beaches, swamps (Grassrivers), the Florida Keys equivalent (Leonida Keys), and a mountainous region (Mount Kalaga). Smaller towns and areas like Port Gellhorn and Ambrosia will also feature.
Story and Characters
The game will feature two playable protagonists: Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, a criminal couple drawing inspiration from Bonnie and Clyde. Lucia has a past involving time in prison for protecting her family and has ties to Liberty City. Jason is depicted as a former troubled teen who joined the army and later became involved in drug running. The narrative will explore their relationship, their struggles to achieve a better life, and their criminal activities.
Gameplay
While official gameplay footage is limited to the trailers, leaked early development footage from 2022 provided some insights. Fans have analyzed these leaks for details on vehicle physics, weapon sounds, and NPC behavior, drawing comparisons to Red Dead Redemption 2 for their level of detail. The second trailer showcased more dynamic environments, denser crowds, and enhanced visual fidelity compared to GTA V.
Key Features and Expectations
- Dual Protagonists: A first for the Grand Theft Auto series, focusing on the intertwined stories of Lucia and Jason.
- Return to Vice City: A modern take on a fan-favorite location.
- Large and Detailed Open World: The state of Leonida promises a vast and varied landscape to explore.
- Enhanced Realism: Expectations are high for significant advancements in graphics, physics, and artificial intelligence, building upon the foundations of Red Dead Redemption 2.
- Social Commentary: The series is known for its satirical take on American culture, and GTA 6 is expected to continue this tradition with its portrayal of Florida-like society.
Controversy: The game’s development has not been without its challenges, most notably a significant leak of early gameplay footage in September 2022. Rockstar Games acknowledged the leak but affirmed that development would continue as planned.
Grand Theft Auto VI is one of the most highly anticipated video games of all time, with immense expectations from fans worldwide. The return to Vice City, the introduction of dual protagonists, and the promise of a massive and detailed open world in the style of modern Rockstar Games titles have generated considerable excitement leading up to its 2026 release.
Have a great weekend!
Markus Kauppinen
