A huge batch of new GTA 6 details has arrived, and they paint a picture of Rockstar’s most ambitious world yet. The information comes from Edge magazine’s hands-on preview, shared via GamesRadar. With launch just weeks away, here’s everything we learned.
GTA 6 details on the map
Let’s start with size. The map is roughly twice as big as GTA 5’s. In fact, Leonida has nearly as much landmass as GTA 4, GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2 combined.
Better still, you won’t have to wait to explore it. Leonida opens up early, so players can head north freely without progressing the story. That’s a big change from past games, which often locked areas away until later.
The world also feels far more lived in. Rockstar says there are around ten times more interiors than in previous games. Roads and highways are narrower too, giving the state a more realistic feel than GTA 5’s wide streets.
Even the team still finds surprises. Rockstar’s Aaron Garbut says he keeps discovering new locations, despite exploring the game for years.
Smarter NPCs with real personalities
Rockstar created roughly 600,000 NPC animations for the game. On top of that, each NPC has a unique personality that shapes their behaviour, aggression and reactions.
That leads to some memorable moments. For example, staring at someone for too long can provoke them. During the preview, one NPC even set his dog on Jason.
Weapons change how people react, too. Carrying a shotgun openly can alarm passers-by, even if you never aim it. NPCs also respond differently depending on whether you hold a weapon or carry it on your back.
Bystanders won’t always stand by, either. Some will fight back during robberies or try to stop you. Similarly, some drivers will surrender during a carjacking, while others will pull out a weapon.
One system even started as a single joke. Rockstar first built a smell reaction for one scene, then expanded it across the world. As a result, different locations now trigger different levels of disgust. In the demo, Jason grimaced and recoiled inside a filthy house without any scripted scene.
A weather system that changes everything
The new weather system could be one of the game’s biggest upgrades. Clouds now move on their own, shaped by wind, humidity, fog and the seasons. Storms can build in the distance, with rain gradually sweeping across the map.
After a downpour, roads and buildings dry at different rates. Meanwhile, wind affects waves, boats and aircraft. Severe storms can even damage planes and helicopters. NPCs react to all of this as well, running for shelter when the weather turns.
Days and nights also last much longer. That includes extended sunsets, which should make Vice City look stunning.
GTA 6 details on crime and the police
Crime gets a major overhaul. A new Criminal Profile system ranks your behaviour from Professional to Irredeemable. Crucially, your profile also affects how the story unfolds.
You don’t have to kill everyone, either. Players can intimidate or incapacitate enemies instead.
The police are far smarter this time. They track your appearance, clothing and weapons, plus CCTV footage and whether you had a partner. However, you can fight back by changing clothes, dropping weapons or splitting up.
Officers also come better equipped. They use spike strips and K9 units, and police dogs can physically pin you down. Expensive cars can even carry GPS trackers that reveal your location. During getaways, though, you can let your partner drive while you shoot at pursuers.
Making money in Leonida
Money matters more than ever. Some story missions require you to earn cash before you can continue. Thankfully, there are plenty of options, including robbing stores, hitting jewellery shops and stealing cars.
The WAINK app lists vehicles that criminal buyers want, along with their security and tracking features. After that, you deliver the car, and the payout depends on its condition.
Travel gets an upgrade too. Every vehicle has a fuel gauge and engine health indicator, although cars can cover long distances before refuelling. Your whole weapon arsenal sits in your car’s trunk. Plus, the Scooter Bros app delivers your personal vehicle within seconds, for a fee.
If you’d rather not drive, buses and trains run on scheduled routes. Alternatively, random drivers may challenge you to spontaneous street races.
Jason and Lucia’s relationship
Jason and Lucia share a four-level relationship system. Players can strengthen their bond by spending time together, whether that’s walking, cycling, hitting the gym or driving around. However, Rockstar declined to confirm whether the pair can get married.
There are some smaller touches too. Jason can smoke cigarettes from his inventory. Coffee boosts stamina, while protein shakes improve health. During Edge’s session, Jason even stole a shotgun from an unattended police car.
Ready for release
According to the report, GTA 6’s research began in Miami back in 2015, led by Rob Nelson. More than a decade later, Rockstar says the game is ready for release.
That’s welcome news for fans. GTA 6 launches on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Judging by these details, Leonida will keep players busy for a very long time.