With summer approaching, many are eagerly asking: where is GTA 6? Rockstar has been tantalizing fans with its next major Grand Theft Auto installment for more than ten years. As the “late 2025” release target for GTA 6 looms closer, excitement levels are higher than ever. It’s astonishing to think that GTA 5 debuted a remarkable 13 years ago, marking the longest development period for a sequel in the franchise’s history—yet it remains the game most commonly discussed.
Grand Theft Auto stands as a titan in the gaming world, known for its expansive worlds, thrilling car chases, unforgettable characters, and intense battles. The surprise debut of the first (and currently the only) GTA 6 trailer in December 2023 astonished every fan. This trailer introduced a fresh perspective of Vice City, a nod to Tommy Vercetti’s nostalgic origins, showcasing Rockstar’s commitment to enhancing every aspect of the game to establish why Grand Theft Auto has earned its legendary status.
The footage captures a vibrant, Miami-inspired city that is now larger, more dynamic, and more chaotic than ever. With significant technological advancements at play, players anticipate exploring Vice City in breathtaking 4K resolution. For those who might have missed key details, our comprehensive breakdown of the GTA 6 trailer dives into every detail, and on the topic of GTA Online, the publisher, Take Two Interactive, has finally confirmed the future of the online component post-GTA 6’s launch. Analysts speculate that GTA 6 may introduce a $100 price point, while fans hope that the Switch 2’s proposed $80 pricing will not set a precedent; nonetheless, it seems clear that GTA 6 will be one of the most momentous releases of 2025.
Continue reading to explore all we know thus far about the highly anticipated PS5 title, encompassing the GTA 6 launch timeframe, platform expectations, and more.
GTA 6 Launch Timeline
GTA 6 Release Timeline: Late 2025 Confirmed
As it stands, the release date for GTA 6 is set for Fall 2025. The earlier trailer had indicated a more vague 2025 timeframe, later clarified to Fall in a financial report from Take-Two back in May.
This clarification should quell earlier rumors speculated by Kotaku about a potential delay to 2026. Former Rockstar developer Obbe Vermeij noted that Rockstar “is likely not in a position to confirm whether they’ll meet 2025 until around May,” referencing the delay of GTA 4, which was announced just weeks before its launch. He also claims that GTA 6 is projected to perform well for “10+ years” due to the lack of competition, meaning Rockstar will wait until the game meets their exacting standards prior to release.
Rumors regarding a delay circulated around early 2024 following Rockstar’s shift to requiring all employees to return to full-time in-office work. Several developers voiced their anxiety regarding the potential impact on game development. While speculation persists, for the moment, GTA 6’s release remains scheduled for Fall 2025.
GTA 6 Trailer
GTA 6 Trailer: Watch It Here
The debut trailer for GTA 6 has finally arrived, and it’s everything fans anticipated. Although Rockstar originally planned for the GTA 6 trailer to drop on December 5, 2024, an early leak pushed the publisher to release the anticipated video ahead of schedule.
The trailer, which you can see above, showcases a return to Vice City and introduces players to the new dual protagonists. It serves as a remarkable initial look, yet fans are already expressing eagerness for a second trailer.
No confirmed date for the second trailer has been released so far. According to the popular show GTA VI O’Clock, reports suggest we might receive the second trailer in early April.
Though the show hosts, Daniel Dawkins and James Jarvis, were only given a tip about this, there’s no further information regarding teaser content or duration at this point. Moreover, Rockstar has yet to make any official announcement about the trailer, so we’ll need to withhold judgment for now.
As we wait for more, feel free to explore our collection of the finest games reminiscent of GTA available now.
GTA 6 Platforms
GTA 6 Platforms: PS5 and Xbox Series X/S Confirmed
It has been confirmed that GTA 6 will launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S come 2025.
This confirmation originated from an official press release by Take Two, stating: “GTA 6 is set to arrive on PlayStation 5 computer entertainment systems and Xbox Series X|S games and entertainment systems in 2025.” While the potential for a PS5 Pro version exists, it remains unclear whether GTA 6 will be among the enhanced titles for that platform.
Some technical experts speculate that the game likely won’t achieve 60fps on consoles, even if it offers “higher quality visuals.” We’ll need to wait for further details.
As for a PC version of GTA 6, the outlook doesn’t seem optimistic at the present. A comment that appeared to hint at a delayed PC launch from a Corsair executive, suggesting GTA 6 might “release on console in the fall and follow with a PC launch in early 2026,” has since been rectified as “mere speculation.” Thus, players awaiting the PC version should temper expectations.
Will GTA 6 Release on PS4 and Xbox One?
According to the official press release, GTA 6 is set exclusively for PS5 and Xbox Series X and will not be available for PS4 or Xbox One upon its 2025 release, making it a current-generation exclusive.
Will GTA 6 Be Released on PC?
Currently, there’s no confirmation regarding a PC launch, which raises the possibility of the game releasing on consoles first, as has been the case with some previous GTA titles, followed by a PC version at a later date. Predictions suggest that PC gamers may need to wait until 2026 for their chance to play… sorry folks.
The hopes of a quick PC release follow-up seem dashed, with former developers asserting that the priority lies with the PS5 version as Rockstar focuses on “what sells.”
Another ex-developer echoed this sentiment, indicating that the GTA 6 PC version may be delayed for “quite a while.” Any changes to this situation will be updated as new information arises, but in the meantime, PC enthusiasts can enjoy previous major GTA titles as they await the new entry.
For nostalgia’s sake, you can check out our five-star review of Grand Theft Auto 5 if you’re in the mood for a replay.
GTA 6 Characters
GTA 6 Characters: Meet Lucia
The trailer introduced players to GTA 6’s protagonists, prominently featuring Lucia as the first female lead in the series. While much about her character remains unknown, the trailer drops several hints, including the fact that she’s shown in prison attire, suggesting prior run-ins with the law.
Additionally, Lucia is frequently seen alongside a male character, often informally referred to as either Jason or James, though his official name hasn’t been confirmed to date.
The duo appears to foster a close relationship, reminiscent of the classic Bonnie and Clyde dynamic, discussing themes of trust while diving into their criminal exploits.
Related:
- GTA 6 detectives theorize the trailer tells Lucia’s story backward, and I’m starting to buy into it.
GTA 6 Location
GTA 6 Location: A Return to Vice City
The next adventure in the GTA series returns to Vice City. While the original rendition was set in 1986, this upcoming release scheduled for 2025 takes place in what seems to be a contemporary setting. Rockstar has confirmed we will explore the state of Leonida, home to the brilliantly illuminated streets of Vice City and more. This installment promises to be the “largest, most immersive evolution of Grand Theft Auto to date,” with Vice City integrated into a broader game environment.
Trailer footage showcases a revitalized Vice City, as dynamic and frenetic as the actual Miami. With iconic locations such as Starfish Island returning, it remains to be seen whether fans can revisit legendary spots like the Malibu Club and Ocean View Hotel.
As seen in the trailer, comparisons are already being made between the new visuals and those from the original Vice City, illustrating how meticulous Rockstar has been in updating the beloved locale.
Related:
- With Vice City revealed, the passionate GTA 6 map community can finally start mapping out the entire game.
GTA 6 Updates
GTA 6 Announcement: When Was It Confirmed?
The first confirmation about GTA 6 came in February 2022, during a Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online Community Update from Rockstar, which subtly announced that the game is “well underway.” They expressed gratitude towards the community for their continued support and expressed eagerness to “step into the future with you!”
In August 2022, Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, reinforced that GTA 6 development was “well underway” as part of their financial results report. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick made impressive claims regarding GTA 6: “With development of the next entry in the Grand Theft Auto series well underway, the Rockstar Games team is determined to once again set creative benchmarks for the series, our industry, and for all entertainment, just as the label has done with every one of their frontline releases.”
GTA 6 Updates
There hasn’t been a wealth of official updates regarding GTA 6 lately, but the recently verified update on the release window indicates solid progress toward a launch in Fall 2025. Meanwhile, Rockstar employees have been hinting at features worth discussing alongside the trailer release.
Moreover, a significant data breach has occurred, which you can read more about below, along with responses to this situation, although generally, the developer has maintained a low profile about the eagerly awaited sequel.
- GTA 6 might already be utilizing AI-driven animation technology, according to a San Andreas developer: “If anybody is going to innovate in that department, it’s Rockstar.”
- Rockstar developers react to the leak of the GTA 6 trailer: “Well, that’s disappointing.”
- GTA 6 needs to achieve the impossible – “capture the essence” of the franchise while also being “entirely unprecedented.”
- According to a former Rockstar developer, the GTA 6 trailer isn’t merely cinematic, stating: “This is truly going to look like this.”
- Rockstar is “seeking perfection” for GTA 6 and will release it when every creative element meets their standards.”
- One reliable analyst prophesizes that GTA 6 could be the most significant release “to ever hit the industry, so no pressure.”
- The CEO of the GTA publisher indicates a desire to “overachieve” for pricing and provide “greater value than what we charge.”
GTA 6 Leaks
GTA 6 Leaks: Are They Authentic?
An extraordinary leak regarding GTA 6 occurred on September 18, 2022, with numerous videos and screenshots purportedly from an in-progress build of the game circulating online. Are you questioning the authenticity of these GTA 6 leaks? Rockstar has acknowledged the hack, stating, “We’ve suffered a network breach in which an unauthorized third party illegally accessed and downloaded confidential information from our systems, including early development footage for the next Grand Theft Auto.”
“We are immensely disappointed that details of our upcoming game have been shared in this manner,” the statement continued. “We will update everyone soon and will properly reveal this next game when it’s ready. We extend our gratitude to everyone for their continued support during this situation.”
In the two days following the initial leak, the dedicated GTA Forums worked to erase all remnants of the stolen videos and screenshots to avoid facing legal consequences from Rockstar. The GTA 6 subreddit has similarly removed all links, images, and videos related to the leak while establishing a rule to permit discussions about the leak without including direct references to the material. They’ve prohibited comments that include download links to the leaked content.
Since then, both Rockstar and Take-Two have commented on the incident. In a recent earnings briefing, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick described the incident as “terribly unfortunate,” but emphasized that “we take such events very seriously.” He added, “There’s no evidence suggesting that any material assets were acquired, which is positive news. Additionally, the leak won’t disrupt development or any ongoing projects. Nevertheless, it is deeply disappointing and compels us to be increasingly vigilant on cybersecurity matters.”
Recent updates reveal that the teenager linked to the substantial GTA 6 leak has been found unfit for trial. Reports indicate that 18-year-old Arion Kurtaj, affiliated with the Lapsus$ hacking group, has been evaluated by mental health professionals who deem him unfit for legal proceedings.
Amusingly, a single GTA 6 screenshot managed to survive Rockstar’s extensive copyright safeguards, making it the lone remnant of the widespread copyright takedowns across the internet.
Will GTA 6 Experience Delays?
In the aftermath of the GTA 6 leak, concerns arose regarding its impact on the game’s ongoing development. Rockstar has since confirmed officially that the hack will not affect production schedules for GTA 6 or ongoing services for GTA 5 and GTA Online.
“Currently, we do not foresee any disruptions to our online services or long-term impacts on the development of our current projects […] Our work on the next Grand Theft Auto game will progress as planned, and we remain committed to delivering a gaming experience that exceeds your expectations.”
GTA 6 Map
GTA 6 Map: Fresh Insights
While the final map for GTA 6 has yet to be unveiled, preliminary observations from leaked footage and images suggest a game world that exceeds the classic limits of Vice City.
Much like the evolution from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to GTA 5, some leaked imagery hints at an expansion beyond Vice City itself. The new version will likely include areas that showcase a broader representation of Florida, with the Everglades and Florida Keys likely making appearances based on in-game references from the original GTA: Vice City.
Interestingly, while “Gator Keys” was mentioned in original broadcasts within GTA: Vice City, it was never visualized in gameplay. If initial indications are accurate, we might look forward to varied terrains within the GTA 6 map.
There’s also a growing consensus among fans that the GTA 6 play area will be more extensive than that seen in GTA 5. Enthusiasts on the GTA 6 subreddit are even collaborating to chart the game’s geography based on leaked coordinates, utilizing tools like Google Earth to assemble a cohesive map.
GTA 6 Gameplay
Gameplay Insights for GTA 6
As of now, Rockstar has yet to share an unfiltered gameplay trailer for GTA 6, making it challenging to evaluate precisely how this upcoming title will perform and the innovations it will introduce over GTA 5. Nonetheless, early developmental footage that leaked indicates that the studio is experimenting and testing new gameplay mechanics.
For instance, a fresh suite of stealth mechanics appears to be implemented, showcasing characters assuming prone positions and even carrying bodies.
All the GTA 6 Vehicles We Know So Far
In addition, the popular weapon wheel, revamped for GTA 5, is returning, with leaked footage suggesting the inclusion of new health items like painkillers. Furthermore, the classic Five Star ‘Wanted’ system is anticipated to be back, with enhanced AI for the VCPD as they track down Jason and Lucia once they’re on their radar.
In the meantime, to tide you over until GTA 6’s release, consider revisiting one of the best Rockstar games or exploring some of the best RPG titles. Alternatively, if you’re looking to cause some mayhem, check out these handy GTA 5 cheats.