GTA 6: Everything We Know About the Most Anticipated Game of the Decade

Grand Theft Auto 6 has long been one of the most anticipated games worldwide, and rightly so. This iconic gangster series, where you make a name for yourself on the streets of an open world, is synonymous with freedom of choice, while also offering a story-driven campaign featuring iconic characters. GTA is simply a phenomenon that transcends the boundaries of gaming, known to young and old alike. With the release of the sixth installment slowly approaching, more and more information is beginning to surface, suggesting that the excitement is well-founded.

Whether it’s Rockstar’s estimated massive budget for the game, the size of the world in which GTA 6 will take place, or the second trailer with view counts surpassing even the biggest Hollywood movies of recent years—Grand Theft Auto 6 will, in many ways, be the most megalomaniacal game of all time. Other developers and publishers are well aware of this, which has led to caution when announcing release dates for other games that might overlap with GTA 6.

Fortunately for everyone, we now know the official release date for GTA 6, as well as many other details. You can make the wait more enjoyable (or shorter) with a summary of all the officially available information we have so far. Of course, we’ll also throw in plenty of speculation and predictions from well-known leakers and industry insiders for a more comprehensive look at the game. Let’s get to it.

GTA 6 Release Date: When Can We Expect It?

GTA 6 will be released on November 19, 2026, after the release date has been pushed back twice. This delay brings the total time since the original release date to 24 months. Rockstar Games announced this on their blog, stating that they need more time to complete and polish the game.

The game was originally announced on February 4, 2022, via a tweet on Rockstar’s official channel, stating that development was actively underway. Essentially, however, this was just an official confirmation of what the internet had long known—work on GTA 6 had begun long before that. According to Bloomberg, they started working on GTA VI back in 2014.

GTA 6: Trailers

Two trailers for GTA 6 have been released so far. The first one came out in 2023, specifically on December 4, after it leaked online a day earlier than the developers had planned. It focused primarily on the character Lucia Caminos and also showcased several locations in Vice City. To date, it has been viewed by more than 279 million people on YouTube and has over 1 million comments.

The second trailer was released on May 6, 2025, and focuses more on the second main character, Jason Duval. He rescues Lucia from prison, and other new characters are then introduced in subsequent sections of Vice City. The trailer looks stunning, and many people claimed that the game couldn’t possibly deliver the same graphical quality as we see in trailer.

However, Rockstar Studios itself entered the discussion with an official announcement that the entire trailer was composed directly from gameplay on the PlayStation 5—both gameplay and cutscenes. Not even on the PlayStation 5 Pro, but on the standard version of the console! Trailer number 2 has over 160 million views and hit the 500,000-comment mark.

According to Rockstar, the second trailer has racked up more than 475 million views across all platforms in its first day—which is more, for example, than the trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine (365 million) achieved in the same time frame.

The impact of GTA 6 is also evident on Spotify—the song "Hot Together" by The Pointer Sisters, which was featured in the trailer, saw a 182,000% increase in streams on the music streaming platform.

How Much Will GTA 6 Cost?

It’s no secret that GTA 6 is set to be one of the most expensive games in history, and that’s something to keep in mind when it comes to the price tag. We don’t know the exact price yet. However, some analysts estimate it will retail for around $70, which would be standard for current AAA titles. Given what estimates of the game’s development costs suggest, however, it’s also possible that the price of Grand Theft Auto 6 could climb to around $100. This estimate is supported by Strauss Zelnick, CEO of publisher Take-Two, who believes that prices for major games are still set too low.

The price increase (not just) for games is understandable given the studios’ costs, and until Rockstar Games releases official prices, it will remain mere speculation. There will certainly be various editions of the game available, ranging from the standard and cheapest version to more expensive and premium editions labeled “Special,” “Ultimate,” or “Collector’s.” Patience, folks, patience.

What Do the Projections and Sales Figures Indicate?

According to DFC Intelligence, a company specializing in gaming market research, GTA 6 could generate more than $1 billion in pre-orders alone, as reported by GameSpot. In the first two months after release, the game is expected to reach $7 billion in revenue, and forecasts for the same period estimate that more than 85 million copies will be sold. With the arrival of new console generations, the number of copies sold is expected to climb into the hundreds of millions by 2030.

Based on a survey, DFC Intelligence further estimates that the game’s development could cost several hundred million dollars, with a maximum of $2 billion.

What Platforms Will GTA 6 Be Released On?

According to publisher Take-Two Interactive, Grand Theft Auto 6 will be released in 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. A PC version of the game has not yet been announced, which is not unusual for the GTA series. Following the pattern of previous installments, the PC version can be expected somewhat later (likely tens of months later). Another platform is also in the mix, specifically the Nintendo Switch 2 handheld console, as Rockstar has previously released titles such as L.A. Noire, Red Dead Redemption, and Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy — The Definitive Edition on the original Switch.

Will GTA 6 Be Available on PS4, Xbox One, and Switch?

Definitely not. Currently, only the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S have been confirmed. The PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch have already seen their heyday, and GTA 6 will primarily target both current-generation consoles and the new ones.

GTA 6: Map and Locations

Many were surely pleased to find that the leaks turned out to be true and that Grand Theft Auto 6 will be set in Vice City. To be more precise, the game will cover six regions of the state of Leonida, a fictional version of sunny Florida. In addition to Vice City, we’ll explore gritty suburbs, untamed wilderness, and locations where the sun doesn’t shine quite as brightly.

It’s already clear from the trailer and released screenshots that each area will have its own distinct look and atmosphere, all within a diverse and vibrant world. It may seem that Vice City and the surrounding areas won’t be large enough compared to the previous map in GTA 5. According to Bloomberg, however, the map will expand regularly after release, and the developers will gradually add new cities and entire locations to the game. Naturally, the new locations on the map will also include new missions. All locations are inspired by various regions in North and South America.

Here are the six revealed areas, full of contrasts, that will be available to explore on launch day:

Vice City – A Vibrant City with Two Faces

The iconic city from GTA: Vice City returns in a remastered version, where we’ll travel from the 1980s to a modern metropolis with two distinct faces. On one hand, we’ll see streets adorned with glitz for the upper class, which will stand in stark contrast to the dark alleys where smaller gangs fight for control. Ocean Beach and Art Deco hotels will give way to musty marketplaces and bustling harbors.

A Paradise of Darkness Named Leonida Keys

The tropical islands of the Leonida Keys offer a taste of true exoticism, where a dark underworld lurks beneath the beach fun and swimsuits. Only the bravest will find the gates to these dark waters opening before them.

Grassrivers – Encounter with the Wilderness

Florida without swamps and alligators? It’s hard to imagine, but Grassrivers offers exactly that. An encounter with the untamed wilderness of the mangrove forests will delight you with its diversity and the secrets it holds.

Port Gellhorn: A Haven for Renegades

Cheap motels, strange characters on the fringes of society, and shady stalls—Port Gellhorn was once a massive airport, but today it’s ruled by motorcycle gangs and alcohol, and tourists are few and far between.

The American Dream Called Ambrosia

The Ambrosia industrial zone reflects the American Dream as portrayed in the TV series “Sons of Anarchy.” Bikers “keep the peace” and ensure safety, while businesses provide jobs for the locals... Simply put, an American idyll.

Monte Kalaga National Park

We’ll also encounter nature—this time in the mountains—at Monte Kalaga National Park. At first glance, the stunning views are captivating, but behind the area’s apparent tranquility lie various cultures and ways of life striving to survive under any circumstances. It’s the perfect spot if you want to get away from civilization, do a little fishing, or go for a ride on ATVs—and don’t mind breaking a slight sweat in the process.

Everything currently points to the GTA VI map being the largest in the series. While we’ll still have to wait for the official map from Rockstar, collages comparing the maps of GTA 5 and 6 have already appeared online to give us an idea. The whole thing could look something like this:

GTA 6: Introducing the Characters

In addition to the long-known main characters Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, the new trailer also introduces other interesting supporting characters who will have a more or less significant impact on the story of GTA 6. The updated official game website offers a closer look at who we’ll meet in the game.

Jason grew up in the underworld—a lawless environment—and the now-former war veteran has found his way through life as a drug courier.

On the other hand, Lucia, Jason’s partner, hails from Liberty City (GTA’s version of New York). After a strict upbringing by her father, she became a fighter (in the trailer, we see her kickboxing), and she has a stint in prison under her belt. She isn’t afraid to use violence to secure a better life.

The central duo found their way to each other through the drug underworld, but not everything goes according to plan. One of their deals went south, and the pair finds themselves in a difficult situation where they have to watch each other’s backs. Together, they form both a criminal and a romantic couple, and the filmmakers’ inspiration from Bonnie and Clyde is not only obvious but also acknowledged.

Other Key Characters:

• Brian Heder: a veteran drug smuggler and Jason’s landlord, who has been involved in shady dealings for so long that he stopped counting the years long ago. He is also Jason’s boss when it comes to drug-related matters.
• Cal Hampton: Jason’s friend and a man of a completely different sort. Although he also works for Brian, he views the world through the lens of a conspiracy theorist from behind the closed doors of his apartment.
• Boobie Ike: A Vice City legend in the real estate business. He owns a strip club and the recording studio Only Raw Records.
• Dre'Quan Priest: An ambitious music producer and not-so-successful dealer, but drugs paved his way to a music career. He works with Boobie.
• Real Dimez: A hip-hop duo better known as Bae-Luxe and Roxy, signed to Dre’Quan’s company.
• Raul Bautista: An expert in bank heists and high-stakes deals. The head of a criminal organization seeking out the most extreme challenges beyond the law.

GTA 6: Gameplay

The Grand Theft Auto series is the flagship of action-adventure games, so no deviation from the familiar elements that players love so much about the franchise is expected. Action built on a complex storyline, immersive side missions, shootouts, close-quarters combat, crazy car chases, plenty of dark humor and political jabs—and on top of that, a wide variety of activities like golf, bowling, pool, and maybe even surfing. There will, of course, be much more, and in short, we’ll get a classic with a fresh look, new possibilities, and a reflection of the modern world in the most realistic way possible—both in a positive light and in all its craziness.

From the trailers, we know that in the modern world, we have to reckon with the influence of social media, which will also be part of the game. To what extent and how they will affect the gameplay itself, we don’t know yet. A list of alleged fake apps and websites has also begun circulating online, which are intended to serve as satirical versions of well-known real-world services within the game’s world. Among them are, for example, what-up.app, strikingly reminiscent of WhatsApp; rydeme.app, evoking Uber; or buckme.app, which is clearly poking fun at PayPal. Alongside these, however, the list also includes significantly more absurd names such as leonidagov.org, brianandbradley.com, hookers-galore.com, wipeoutcornskin.com, and myboyhasacreepycorndog.com, suggesting that the creators will once again not hold back on the series’ signature sarcastic humor.

The gameplay itself will naturally see improvements, built not only on more authentic animations of both main and NPC characters. Given that the second trailer is supposed to be based exclusively on gameplay on the PlayStation 5, we can conclude that the developers have made a tremendous leap forward in this regard.

As for the realism of the graphics, in the trailers we could see sweating human bodies, faithfully rendered muscle engagement during the characters’ movements, realistic reflections in vehicle rearview mirrors, dirt on cars, improved hair physics, ultra-realistic depth and texture of sand on the beach, more detailed explosions and water movements, as well as details like bubbling beer or the clinking of bottles when carried. We can’t forget new mechanics like dynamic tides, floods, or even hurricanes affecting the game.

GTA 6: Storyline

Along with the trailer and official details, we’ve finally learned a bit more about the story. It will revolve around the main duo, Jason and Lucia, who have always known that fate hasn’t exactly been kind to them and that they have to fight for everything in life.

The drug trade has its ups and downs, and periods of financial stability alternate with stints in prison. But even that is far from the worst thing that will befall them. And when one deal goes south and sunny America turns into the darkest place to live, they face the toughest test they’ve ever encountered.

Suddenly, it’s no longer just about climbing the ranks, but about survival and overcoming all the accumulated problems, both past and present.

GTA 6: Official Screenshots

With the release of the second trailer, Rockstar has also released dozens of new screenshots straight from the game. They focus on the main characters, all six locations featured, and capture the game’s lively and diverse atmosphere. Several of them are included in our article; for the full set, visit the official Grand Theft Auto 6 website.

GTA 6: Soundtracks

There’s no doubt that soundtracks will once again play a significant role throughout the game. We can’t imagine GTA without its iconic radio stations, and the developers are sure to deliver carefully curated playlists spanning various genres and eras. The fact that music and the music industry will play a major role in GTA 6 is also evidenced by the number of characters revolving around the music industry. Bae-Luxe and Roxy, Boobie Ike, and Dre'Quan Priest are the first characters we’ve had the pleasure of meeting, and they certainly won’t be the last.

As for official information, so far we only have confirmation that American musician T-Pain is involved in the game’s music.

GTA 6: Multiplayer and GTA Online

Grand Theft Auto VI will likely also feature online multiplayer, following in the footsteps of the hugely successful GTA Online. For now, we can rely on unofficial reports from various sources, which say the following about the multiplayer mode:

• It’s possible that in GTA 6, we’ll be able to customize our character and team up with other players online.
• Multiplayer in GTA 6 may not be part of the game at launch, similar to GTA 5, where GTA Online was released two weeks later (the same was true for Red Dead Redemption 2, where Red Dead Online was added a month later).
• According to leaks from the alpha version, the number of players in the lobby will be increased from 30 to 32—but this information should be taken with a grain of salt, as a lot could have changed during development
• The developers may introduce several online modes focused on team-based cooperation, including against other teams of players. There is also talk of racing and cooperative modes with a host of new features for the series.
• We currently have no information regarding cross-play between PS5 and Xbox Series X/S—however, even years after its release, this feature is still missing from the current GTA Online.
• The still-active GTA Online will likely continue to exist without issue even after the release of GTA 6—this will depend primarily on players’ interest in returning to the game.

GTA 6: Minimum and Recommended System Requirements

This information will be updated as soon as Rockstar Games releases it.