GTA 6: Everything We Know So Far About 2026's Most Anticipated Game

GTA 6 Is Almost Here!

I've been playing GTA since I was in my teens, but I spent most of my time with GTA 5. Now I'm in my thirties and I still play pretty regularly. There's something about a world where you can do mischievous things without consequences - slap a person in the street for no reason, steal a car, go to the strip club, rob banks, play with all your friends... so many things! 🎮

I can tell GTA 6 is going to be 10x that, and that's why it's so exciting. The wait has been long (12 years since GTA 5!), but everything we're learning suggests it's going to be worth it.

Back to Vice City with Jason & Lucia

GTA 6 is officially set in Vice City with two main protagonists: Jason and Lucia. The game is believed to be Bonnie and Clyde inspired, meaning our characters are a couple that commits crimes together.

Based on evidence so far, Lucia's actress is almost certainly Manny El Perez, known for roles in Law & Order and who even had previous work in GTA 5. Jason's actor hasn't been definitively identified, but the leading candidates are either Dylan Roor or Jake Silberman.

Interestingly, Jason's name was never officially announced - we only know it from the massive 2022 GTA 6 leaks that exposed 90 clips of development footage.

The $1 Billion Game

One detail that has fans "still in shock" is the game's estimated production costs. According to an IGN report: "GTA 6's development cost so far is estimated to be over $1 billion, which would make it the most expensive video game of all time."

While earlier rumors of $2 billion have been questioned, even the $1 billion figure is absolutely eye-watering. But considering how much money GTA 5 made (over $8 billion), it's a worthwhile investment for Rockstar.

A Massive Map (That Will Keep Growing)

The GTA 6 map is currently being accurately mapped by the GTA 6 Mapping Project using coordinates found in the 2022 leaks. So far, it appears to be about twice the size of GTA 5's map! 🗺️

Originally, GTA 6 (codenamed "Project Americas") was supposed to have elements of both North and South America present, but it was later downsized due to technical limitations. However, according to well-known insiders, the map is believed to be expanded upon over the years with future updates.

YouTuber Dark Space is currently creating a 1:1 scale map in GTA 5's engine based on the leaked coordinates, and flying from one end to the other takes about double the time as GTA 5.

New Gameplay Features That Change Everything

The 2022 leaks revealed a ton of new gameplay mechanics that will make GTA 6 feel wildly different from previous entries:

• A completely revamped wanted system with CCTV detection
• Realistic witness system - NPCs remember your face and car
• Car stealing is harder - you'll need special tools like a "slim jim"
• RDR2-style looting system with duffel bags and backpacks
• Limited weapon carrying - no more arsenal in your pocket
• Going prone, walking in cover, and grappling during fist fights
• Being "downed" instead of dying instantly
• Money laundering and more complex robbery systems
• More realistic car handling (GTA 4 fans rejoice!)
• Ability to play without a mini-map

157+ Enterable Buildings

While there's been debate about how many buildings will be enterable in GTA 6, the leaks confirmed at least 157 interiors including the Malibu Club, pawn shops, strip clubs, supermarkets, bars, restaurants, apartments, and laundromats.

A Take-2 patent for AI-generated interiors suggests even non-enterable buildings will be more immersive, with fully furnished apartments visible through windows. We likely saw this tech in action in the trailer.

The Online Future

Not much is known about GTA 6 Online yet, but leaked footage showed two developers in a session that displayed "2 of 32 players" - suggesting similar lobby sizes to GTA 5 Online.

A Take-2 patent details a system for "seamless lobby switching" that would divide the massive map into sections, with players transitioning between lobbies as they cross borders - suggesting the online map could be even larger than the single-player experience.

Release Details & Platforms

GTA 6 is set to release in Fall 2026 (September-December) exclusively for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. There's no PC release planned for the initial launch, following Rockstar's usual pattern of delayed PC releases.

With the insane attention to detail we've seen so far - from NPCs that run with phones out to call cops, to wounded enemies that avoid pressure on injured body parts - it's clear why this game needed 12+ years of development time and a billion-dollar budget.

I can't wait to explore Vice City again, this time with an unprecedented level of immersion and freedom. See you all in Fall 2026! 🎮