Grand Theft Auto 6 is one of the most highly anticipated games ever. While Rockstar has yet to officially reveal anything, a massive leak in 2022 gave us an extensive early look at what’s likely in store for the next entry in the blockbuster open world crime series.
Let’s break down everything we know so far about GTA 6 based on the leaks, rumors, and speculation.
Setting and Locations
First up, the big one – GTA 6 will be set in Vice City, the iconic fictional version of Miami that was first introduced in 2002’s Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. This neon-soaked, cocaine-fueled pastiche of ’80s excess is an ideal backdrop for GTA satire.
While Vice City will be the primary setting, leaks suggest additional cities could be added later on, possibly as post-launch expansions. A smaller satellite city called Port Gellhorn is also referenced.
Known Vice City districts include:
- Ocean Beach
- Downtown
- Port of South Vice City
Vice City Metro rapid transit system will help you get around. Outside the city, regions like Grass Rivers hint at rural wilderness to explore.
Main Characters
GTA 6 will have two playable protagonists:
- Jason – Male protagonist, seems to be the “wise guy” criminal
- Lucia – Female protagonist, appears more innocent
Switching between the two will be nearly instantaneous – much faster than in GTA 5.
Gameplay Features
Based on the leaks, GTA 6 gameplay will expand on GTA 5 in major ways:
- New inventory system – Carry limited weapons/items, use bags to expand
- Crouching and prone – New stealth options
- Weapon animations – Reloading, jamming, etc
- NPC interactions – Dialogue options, intimidation
- Enhanced physics – Inertia, momentum, effects of collisions
- Better vehicle damage – Cars degrade realistically after crashes
- Interactive objects – Loot cash from bags, open containers
- Dynamic weather – Improved rain, storms, fog effects
- Denser traffic – More cars with better AI for chaos
- Expanded interiors – More buildings you can enter and rob
These all point to much more immersion and realism.
Customization & Progression
Player progression appears to be more sophisticated:
- RPG-light elements – Skills, inventory management
- Stat-boosting gear – Clothes, armor, accessories
- Realistic needs – Have to eat, sleep, tend wounds
- Dynamic weights – Activities impact fitness and build
Your character will get visibly dirty, sweaty, and bloodied from action.
Multiplayer & Online
GTA Online will return with 32 players per session, disappointingly not expanded from GTA 5.
New activities and property acquisitions will give you reasons to grind online. Expect in-depth multiplayer for years via updates.
Weapons & Vehicles
Dozens of real-world guns, melee weapons, throwables and vehicles were spotted in the leaks, including:
Guns:
- Assault Rifle
- Sniper Rifle
- SMG
- Shotgun
- Pistol
- RPG
Melee Weapons:
- Baseball Bat
- Crowbar
- Golf Club
- Knife
- Pool Cue
Vehicles:
- Sports Cars
- Sedans
- Trucks
- SUVs
- Motorcycles
- Industrial Vehicles
Customization will allow mixing and matching weapons for unique loadouts.
Wildlife
The Florida-inspired environment means local wildlife will figure prominently:
- Alligators
- Boars
- Deer
- Raccoons
- Snakes
- Squirrels
- Seagulls
- Many more species
Fish and hunt local fauna for food and resources.
Story and Setting Details
Other tidbits gleaned from the leaks include:
- Set in modern times, same universe as GTA 5
- Brings back classic radio station Vice City FM
- Includes fictional social networks LifeInvader and WhatUp as satire
- Features return of nightclubs and strip clubs
- Police use tactical traps to catch the player
- New wanted system enhancements
Release Date and Platforms
There is no set release date yet, but leaks pointed to a 2024-2025 release for GTA 6.
It will likely skip the PS4/Xbox One generation and be exclusive to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
This allows Rockstar to push boundaries only possible on new hardware.
Rumors and Speculation
Beyond concrete leaks, plausible rumors suggest:
- Character switch could be instantaneous
- PC version to follow 6-12 months after console release
- Map expansions, story DLC likely post-launch
- Surfing, fishing, hunting side activities
But key details like overall plot, radio stations, strangers and freaks questlines, and endgame content remain under wraps.
The Most Leaked Game Ever
No game except maybe Half-Life 2 has seen such an extensive leak of pre-release assets. It gives fans an unprecedented sneak preview into GTA 6 while development continues.
For better or worse, these revelations have set expectations high. But Rockstar’s unmatched pedigree developing sprawling open world experiences gives reason to believe GTA 6 will meet the hype when it eventually sees the light of day.