Game Informer's new GTA VI cover story has a lot of details. Here's the rundown:
• Leonida is Rockstar's biggest map yet. Aaron Garbut says it's about twice the size of GTA V's map, with more detail, density, interaction, and interiors.
• The six main regions are Vice City, the Leonida Keys, Grassrivers, Port Gellhorn, Ambrosia, and Mount Kalaga National Park. Vice City has been rebuilt and expanded for a modern setting.
• Beyond the city, the map includes swamps, beaches, abandoned tourist attractions, industrial areas, and northern countryside. Rockstar also described ATV trails, mud parks, demolition derbies, mountain biking, motocross, farms, ranches, golf, and bass fishing. Orlando and the Space Coast have not been specifically confirmed.
• You can switch between Jason and Lucia at almost any time. They're often together during missions, and their story follows a botched score that draws them into a larger criminal conspiracy.
• You can influence whether Jason and Lucia remain friends or become romantically involved. Holding hands, opening doors, keeping in touch, and spending time together build their bond. There are no gameplay bonuses for either path, but their relationship affects parts of the story.
• Rockstar says choices both big and small can significantly change the story's direction, encouraging multiple playthroughs.
• Robberies can be done alone or together, quietly or aggressively. How far you escalate a crime affects the police response, and some missions depend on your income.
• Six-star Wanted Levels return alongside a new Heat system. Police can use your appearance and location at a crime scene to identify you. Changing clothes or hairstyle, ditching your getaway vehicle, or splitting up with your partner can help you escape. If either protagonist is arrested, you still get a "Busted" screen.
• Stealing certain cars requires special tools. Expensive vehicles may have security systems and trackers. The WAiNK phone app can reveal those features, along with the cost of registering a stolen car or its estimated resale value.
• The map resembles satellite imagery, and the RydeMe app offers fast travel by ride-share. You can chat with other passengers, listen to radio stations with new licensed music, and browse in-game social media. Jason and Lucia can view posts, but won't make their own because they're wanted criminals.
• Weather is more localized and persistent. It can be sunny where you are while a storm hits nearby. Rain can leave puddles after it stops, rainbows can appear under the right conditions, and wind affects hair, debris, water, and vegetation.
• Tropical storms and hurricanes are confirmed. Rockstar hasn't said how often they occur or how they affect missions and the story.
• Leonida has more than 170 animal species, including over 60 types of birds and more than 30 land mammals. Confirmed wildlife includes alligators, manatees, flamingos, pelicans, sharks, whales, rays, turtles, and jellyfish, as well as invasive species such as iguanas and macaques.
• Some animals can be tracked and fall into Rare, Discoverable, and Legendary categories. Rockstar is keeping their identities secret. Animal fur, feathers, and movement have also received extensive visual and simulation work.
• Confirmed activities include base jumping, billiards, gyms, kayaking, mini golf, scuba diving, street and off-road racing, zoos, air boating, and jet skiing.
• NPCs have a wider range of heights, body types, skin details, hairstyles, tattoos, clothing, and accessories. Rockstar also has a team dedicated to writing ambient NPC dialogue.
• The supporting cast includes Cal Hampton, Dre'Quan Priest, Raul Bautista, Boobie Ike, Brian Heder, and rap duo Real Dimez. Stephen Root has said he voices Brian.
The 14-page cover story also includes 12 new screenshots. GTA VI is scheduled for November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Source:
gameinformer.com/feature/202…