10 Things CONFIRMED For GTA VI
Platforms
Its time to upgrade if you havent already bought a next-gen console. GTA VI launches on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, but not PS4 or Xbox One, supposedly because of the technical limitations. That said, it remains unclear if a Switch 2 port is feasible. While the Switch 2 will be more powerful than its predecessor, Nintendos latest console still might not be hot enough to handle GTA VI. If rumors of a Red Dead Redemption 2 Switch 2 port pan out, though, maybe itll be a stepping stone for GTA VI. Speaking of RDR2, it took over a year for that game to arrive on PC. Since Rockstar hasnt announced a PC release for GTA VI yet, expect another gap after launch.
A Modern Setting
It might be Xbox compatible, but Rockstar is seemingly showing Sony favoritism. In the second trailer, you can catch a glimpse of what looks like a DualShock controller and a certain Sony console. Some fans have actually speculated that this is supposed to be the PlayStation 6. In any case, it indicates when the game takes place. GTA is no stranger to period pieces, with Vice City set in the 80s and San Andreas occurring during the 90s. Meanwhile, GTA III, IV, and V all took place around their respective years of release. GTA VI continues this trend, hinting at a modern backdrop with its Sony Easter egg. There are other contemporary touches with the first trailer largely presented through a social media lens.
Another Banger Soundtrack
Despite the modern setting, GTA VI promises a retro sound ranging from the 70s to the early 2000s with room for more decades. The first trailer sets the tone with Tom Pettys 1989 track, Love Is a Long Road. Trailer 2 includes several other nostalgic tunes, such as Wang Chungs Everybody Have Fun Tonight, Tammy Wynettes Talkin To Myself Again, Jay Fergusons Thunder Island, and Zenglens Child Support. The centerpiece, though, is The Pointer Sisters Hot Together, a title that alludes to the games dynamic duo. Love Is a Long Road and Hot Together both saw significant boosts on Spotify after being featured in these trailers. Numerous other songs are bound to find a second life once we get to experience the games full soundtrack.
Minigames & Activities
Crime and debauchery might be the selling points, but the everyday touches are what make Grand Theft Auto so immersive. Between shootouts and heists, you can hit the dance floor at one of the clubs or play a game of pool at a bar. For something a little more exhilarating, theres motorbike racing and cage fights. Fishing, hunting, kayaking, weightlifting, mini-golf, and scuba diving are just some of the other activities teased in footage. You can even crash on the couch and catch up on TV. Although the protagonists are criminals, theyre still people with lives outside of their illegal pursuits. These extracurricular activities emphasize that while also allowing the player to take a breather. Plus, the characters give back through community service!
A Parody of American Culture
The basic premise of Grand Theft Auto could be seen as a commentary on society. It puts a mirror up to the player, revealing that if we took consequences out of the equation, most of us would laugh in the face of law and order. While that hasnt changed over the decades, each GTA game reflects America at a certain point in time. GTA VI will lean heavily into an online era dominated by streamers, influencers, and people who are all too comfortable broadcasting their bad behavior across cyberspace to achieve their fifteen minutes. Some of the shots in the trailers are taken directly from real-world memes, so much so that we think Rockstar just as easily couldve called this Florida Man: The Game.
Supporting Characters
So, thats totally Stephen Root voicing Brian Heder, right? While Rockstar hasnt officially confirmed the full cast, Brian will play a significant role as a landlord and drug dealer who provides - ahem - work opportunities. A fair deal of comedic relief should stem from Cal Hampton, a drinking buddy and conspiracy theorist. The music scene will also factor into the game with figures like business mogul Boobie Ike, record label manager DreQuan Priest, and rap duo Real Dimez. Other acquaintances include veteran bank robber Raul Bautista, social worker Stefanie, and weapons supplier Phil of Phils Ammu-Nation. From store clerks, to cops, to sex workers, theres bound to be no shortage of colorful characters to interact with. Still crossing our fingers Tommy Vercetti is one of them.
At Least Two Playable Characters
GTA V had three protagonists who all came from different criminal backgrounds. While GTA VI is dialing back to two main characters, Rockstar is going in a new direction with a Bonnie and Clyde-esque story. The games Bonnie is Lucia Caminos, a Latina woman who lands behind bars following a family fight. Although technically not the series first playable female character, Lucia does stand out as the first with a defined personality. Upon release, Lucia teams up with Jason Duval, who went from the Army to working for drug runners. To build better lives, Jason and Lucia get their hands a little dirty. For all the action they experience on the streets, the couple may see even more in the bedroom.
Where It Takes Place
For those whove been eagerly awaiting another trip to Vice City, GTA VI delivers just that and more. In addition to Vice City, the map is expanding to cover the fictional state of Leonida. Where Vice City drew inspiration from Miami, Leonida will include other locales based on Florida. The Grassrivers and Leonida Keys naturally borrow from the Everglades and Florida Keys. Leonard County will host the town of Waning Sands, while Ambrosia County is Leonidas industrial apex. Jason lives in the town of Key Lento, although players should be able to purchase property elsewhere. Early reports suggested that the game could also see the characters travel to South America. This remains to be seen in the trailers, but itd only be a flight away.
Vehicles
Speaking of flight, planes and helicopters have been teased as modes of transportation. At the very least, they should factor into a few missions. Given the beachfront backdrop, GTA VI also features motorboats, yachts, jet skis, kayaks, and airboats. Of course, chances are youll spend most of your time recklessly driving through the streets and across the skyline. Jason owns a turquoise Vapid ute, although that surely wont be the only automobile you get behind the wheel of. In typical GTA fashion, youll want dirtbikes for speed, trucks for muscle, and sports cars for a night on the town. However you acquire these vehicles, just remember that possession is nine-tenths of the law. In this universe, wed argue that its ten-tenths of the law.
Weapons
The ad for Phils Ammu-Nation includes a variety of shotguns and rifles, not to mention a machine gun. Thats just a glimpse of the arsenal that Leonida has to offer. The trailers feature Lucia and Jason pulling off a heist with submachine guns resembling MP5s. Another robbery sees the partners-in-crime wielding a pair of pistols. During a brief yet impactful moment, Lucia fires a grenade launcher, leaving behind a trail of exploding cop cars. A standout screenshot finds three local gator hunters aboard an airboat, armed with semi-automatic rifles. From assault rifles to Bolt-Action rifles, the characters are taking full advantage of their Second Amendment rights. If you ask us, though, the lady with the hammers looks the most intimidating.
What things do you hope to see in GTA VI? Let us know down in the comments.