After years of anticipation, the wait is finally (almost) over. Rockstar Games has officially unveiled Grand Theft Auto VI — GTA 6 for short — with the release of its jaw-dropping first trailer. The game has now entered a new phase of communication following a leak that prompted Rockstar to reveal the title earlier than expected.
Let’s break down everything we know so far about what promises to be Rockstar’s most ambitious open-world game yet.
Lucia and Jason: A New Duo in GTA History
GTA 6 marks a major turning point for the series by featuring a female protagonist for the first time — Lucia. From the trailer, Lucia appears to be the central figure, showing a strong, no-nonsense personality. Her male counterpart — now confirmed to be named Jason — accompanies her in a Bonnie-and-Clyde-style narrative centered around crime and survival in the fictional state of Leonida.
The story seems to focus on a deep-rooted conspiracy that spans across the region. We see hints of Lucia’s troubled past in the trailer, notably a court-mandated ankle monitor and a tense conversation with her probation officer.
Back to Vice City — And Beyond
GTA 6 returns to Vice City, Rockstar’s fictional version of Miami, but it doesn’t stop there. The game will cover the entire Leonida region, which draws inspiration from Florida and parts of Georgia.
Here are some of the first confirmed locations:
- Vice City – The main urban hub, full of sun, skyscrapers, and chaos.
- The Keys – A tropical island chain described as “paradise’s gateway.”
- Ambrosia – A wealthy, industrial part of Leonida.
- Port Gellhorn – A neglected and poverty-stricken area.
- Grassrivers – Dangerous swamplands filled with wildlife.
- Mount Kalaga National Park – A scenic, remote area filled with forests and canyons.
Release Date: May 26, 2026
Originally set for a Fall 2025 release, Rockstar has officially pushed the launch to May 26, 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. As of now, there’s no mention of a PC release, nor have any special editions or preorders gone live.
Despite early promises, Rockstar’s development cycle faced expected delays — a common reality in big-budget game production. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar’s parent company Take-Two Interactive, emphasized the importance of quality and explained that setbacks are often inevitable in projects of this scale.
PC Release? Not Before 2027
While console players will get the first taste of GTA 6, PC gamers may have to wait. Former Rockstar developer Obbe Vermeij speculated that a PC version could arrive by spring 2027, given Rockstar’s historical timeline of releasing ports 9–15 months after the console versions.
Next-gen platforms like PS6 and Xbox “Prime” are also on the radar, but no firm plans have been shared.
World Records and Viral Success
GTA 6 didn’t just drop a trailer — it dropped a bombshell. The first teaser smashed multiple world records within 24 hours:
- Most-viewed video game reveal on YouTube (over 90 million views)
- Most-liked video game trailer in 24 hours (8.9 million likes)
- Most-viewed non-music video in 24 hours, surpassing MrBeast’s viral content
The second trailer, released later, shattered even more records with an unbelievable 475 million views in 24 hours across all platforms.
Meet the Cast of Characters
Aside from Lucia and Jason, Rockstar has introduced several new faces:
- Brian Heder – Jason’s smuggling partner in the Keys.
- Cal Hampton – A low-key associate who prefers to work from home.
- Boobie Ike – A well-connected legend in Vice City.
- Dre’Quan Priest – Co-founder of a local music label.
- Real Dimez (Bae-Luxe & Roxy) – Aspiring rap duo trying to revive their careers.
- Raul Bautista – A notorious heist planner in Vice City.
Wildlife in the World of GTA 6
The ecosystem in GTA 6 is shaping up to rival that of Red Dead Redemption II. Over 30 animal species have been identified from trailers so far, and Rockstar appears to be building a dynamic, living world. Confirmed animals include:
Domestic:
- Chihuahua
- Iguana
Birds:
- Flamingos
- Herons
- Pelicans
- Ducks
- Cormorants
- Anhinga
Aquatic Life:
- Dolphins
- Sea turtles
- Sharks
- Alligators
Forest & Swamps:
- White-tailed deer
- Key deer
These species will behave realistically, migrate, and even hunt — adding another immersive layer to the game.
Activities: More to Do Than Ever
GTA 6 will offer a wide range of side activities, including:
- Basketball
- Golf
- Billiards
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Scuba diving
Over 15 activities have been spotted so far, and more are likely to be unveiled closer to release.
Vehicles Galore
What would GTA be without a massive vehicle lineup? GTA 6 is packing over 100 vehicles at launch — cars, bikes, boats, planes, and more. Some returning fan-favorites include:
- Cheetah Classic
- Obey Tailgater
- Sultan RS
- Vapid Dominator
- Grotti Carbonizzare
- Pfister Comet S2 Cabrio
- Lucia’s Declasse Tulip
Motorcycles and quads like the Sanchez and Nagasaki Blazer are back too. And yes, we’ll see air and watercrafts such as the Sea Sparrow helicopter, Dodo seaplane, and various yachts and jet-skis.
Graphics and Performance
Rockstar confirmed that all footage in the trailers was captured directly from a PlayStation 5 — not pre-rendered or enhanced for marketing purposes. What you see is what you’ll play, and the visuals are stunning.
Fake News Watch: Don’t Believe the Hype
With the hype around GTA 6 comes a flood of misinformation. Here are some common fake claims — and the truth:
- GTA 6 launching on PS4/Xbox One? False. It’s current-gen only (PS5, Xbox Series X/S).
- GTA 6 canceled? No. Development is ongoing and on track for 2026.
- Exclusive to PS5? Not true. Sony may have marketing rights, but the game is also coming to Xbox.
- Priced at €150? Rumor only. No official pricing has been announced.
- Banned in France? Completely false. Rumors based on unrelated political commentary.
Final Thoughts
GTA 6 is shaping up to be Rockstar’s biggest and boldest game yet. With a vast open world, detailed characters, a dynamic ecosystem, and cutting-edge visuals, it’s no wonder the gaming world can’t stop talking about it.
Mark your calendars for May 26, 2026 — and stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to launch.
