GTA 6: Expected Release Date, Map, Trailer & Latest News

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • GTA 6 release date is scheduled for sometime in Fall 2025 after publisher Take-Two narrowed the launch window.
  • The game will feature a vast map, rumored to be significantly larger than GTA 5's, including a modern-day Vice City and surrounding areas like Leonida and Grassriver.
  • It will include a wide range of animals and possibly invasive species.
  • GTA 6 will introduce two major protagonists, Jason and Lucia, the first playable female character since the first game.
  • It is set to debut on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and no PC release has been confirmed at this point.
  • The game is rumored to cost more of a premium than what we have seen from games in 2024.

The GTA 6 release date has been confirmed for sometime in Fall 2025, meaning that there’s only around a year to wait for the hotly anticipated open world crime sandbox title to release. Here’s everything we know about Grand Theft Auto 6, from the expected story, price, trailer, and more.

We’ll also be deep-diving into the GTA 6 details, such as the map, characters, story beats, brands, in-game social media, as well as speculation from the current leaks circulating. It’s an exciting time for what could be the best open world game ever made, should it live up to its lofty ambitions and over a decade of hype.

GTA 6 Release Date

Confirmed for Fall 2025; exact date: TBA

Grand Theft Auto 6 has been confirmed for a Fall 2025 release date, which positions the game’s potential release window either towards the end of Q3 or the beginning of Q4 2025 in the months between September and November.

Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Rockstar’s parent company Take-Two, confirmed on a May 16, 2024, earnings call that: “We do feel highly confident that we’ll deliver [GTAVI] in the Fall of 2025.”

In August 2024, Zelnick clarified further:

“The Grand Theft Auto series exceeded our expectations, as momentum continues to build ahead of the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 in Fall 2025.”

Based on the series’ previous launch dates, it seems most viable that the GTA 6 release date could be scheduled for either September or October 2025. This would be prime time for the holiday period, meaning Rockstar could have a record-breaking Q4 2025.

The GTA games release calendar for comparison.

Game Title Release Date
Grand Theft Auto November 1997
Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 April 1999
Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 June 1999
Grand Theft Auto II October 1999
Grand Theft Auto III October 2001
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City October 2002
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas October 2004
Grand Theft Auto IV April 2008
Grand Theft Auto V September 2013

GTA 6 Trailer

One GTA 6 trailer has been released so far

Based on Rockstar’s track record, we also expect a second trailer to be released before the end of 2024 — perhaps with a specific release date attached.

It’s been the better part of a year since the first GTA 6 trailer debuted and lit the internet on fire. For the first time in nearly 20 years, we see Vice City back as the playground for destruction and also get a glimpse of how a social-media-dominated influencer culture has taken over the city of angels.

It is claimed by various sources, such as Express, that another GTA 6 trailer could be released in October. That means we may not be waiting long for another look at Rockstar’s latest game; hopefully, more gameplay will be included this time around in order to make an accurate assessment of the title at this side of release.

GTA 6 Price

Rumored to cost more than $70

With fervent anticipation building for Take-Two’s forthcoming blockbuster, there’s widespread speculation surrounding the price tag of Grand Theft Auto VI. Just how much is GTA 6?

Leaks and insider information hint at an unprecedented budget ranging from $1 billion to $2 billion, sparking rumors of a $150 (£120, €140) price tag.

However, industry norms suggest that such a steep increase is improbable, with AAA games typically debuting at around $69.99 / £69.99 on PS5 and Xbox X consoles.

It is also worth mentioning here that Zelnick mentioned the possibility of AI integration in GTA 6, which, if delivered correctly, could make the world more interactive and spontaneous than we have seen before.

Incidentally, AI is increasingly being utilized in video games, signaling a broader trend in the industry.

GTA 6 Plaforms

Confirmed for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S

GTA 6 will make its debut on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles, according to Rockstar’s official announcement.

However, there is no mention of a GTA 6 PC release or support for older-generation consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One.

Rockstar has a history of prioritizing console releases before porting games to PC, as seen with GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, which received ports to Windows later on.

With GTA 6 expected to push boundaries on current-gen hardware, it’s unlikely to be compatible with older consoles.

Additionally, there’s no indication yet of whether GTA 6 will be available on Nintendo platforms, though speculation remains as to the possibility with the rumored upgraded Switch model on the horizon.

Could GTA 6 Be Delayed?

Take-Two CEO is firm on Fall 2025 release date

This uncertainty is not unprecedented, as Rockstar Games has a track record of postposing major releases (via Gamespot), as seen with previous entries in the Red Dead Redemption and GTA series.

While this doesn’t definitively signal a GTA 6 delay, it does highlight Take-Two and Rockstar’s commitment to ensuring the highest quality for their flagship titles, even if it means pushing back release dates.

Because of this, although the game is tentatively slated for a 2025 debut, fans should be prepared for the possibility of a further delay, despite CEO Zelnick’s confidence.

On March 20, 2024, a skirmish erupted between Rockstar and workers about “back to office” plans, despite previous games like GTA 5 reportedly created entirely remotely (via The Independent).

In what was called by some an ‘anti-parent’ move, employees expressed fear about ‘the state of the project’—with workers potentially leaving if remote work is a dealbreaker to them (via Aftermath). However, based on the latest statements, Take-Two seems confident of meeting Fall 2025. We’ll update you should a GTA 6 delay happen.

Exploring the GTA 6 Map

GTA 6 returns the series to Vice City

Vice City, Leonida, Grassriver, Port Gellhorn & More

In Grand Theft Auto, the map serves as a pivotal element, shaping the player’s experience and offering a canvas for grand exploration. With GTA 6 on the horizon, discussions surrounding the size and scope of its map have become a focal point for fans and industry insiders alike.

Leaked information (more about it down below) has sparked conversations about GTA 6 map size. Some sources suggest that, based on these leaks, the rendition of Vice City and its surroundings could potentially surpass the scale of GTA 5’s San Andreas, perhaps doubling its size.

A leak on April 20, 2024 suggested the map will be 2.55x as large as the already massive GTA 5 map, although this is drawn from a community project to re-create the GTA 6 map based on leaks and the first trailer.

However, it’s worth noting that conflicting opinions exist, with a former developer proposing the idea of a smaller yet densely packed map to enhance gameplay dynamics.

The GTA 6 map: A view of the city, and a densely populated beach.
The GTA 6 map: A view of the city and a densely populated beach. Source: Rockstar
The trailer shows the level of detail that GTA 6 has put into its buildings.
The trailer shows the level of detail that GTA 6 has put into its buildings. Source: Rockstar
GTA 6 at night: A densely populated city at all hours.
GTA 6 at night: A densely populated city at all hours. Source: Rockstar

In case you’re not familiar with GTA’s way of naming locations, Vice City, a location featured in previous games in the franchise, is a fictional representation of Miami, Florida.

In terms of confirmed locations for GTA 6, the game’s main campaign is set to take place in the modern day, in the aforementioned Vice City. Beyond the city limits, the map extends into the state of Leonida, representing Florida.

Here, players will be able to explore the swampy area of Grassriver, which mirrors the natural region of the Everglades in Florida.

Welcome to the Everglades, or in GTA 6's world, Grassriver.
Welcome to the Everglades, or in GTA 6’s world, Grassriver. Source: Rockstar

We know of one further city, Port Gellhorn, the name of which appears on the side of a police car in the trailer; the expectation is that this city is on the west side of the map. Counties Kelly County, Leonard County, and Vice-Dale County can also be spotted in the trailer, which also depicts an equivalent of the Florida Keys.

As with GTA 5’s rendition of Los Angeles, GTA 6 depicts many famous Miami landmarks, such as Miami Beach (Vice City Beach), the Miami International Airport, and the home of the Miami Heat basketball team, the Kaseya Center.

A beach by any other name... Enjoy the sunshine in GTA 6.
A beach by any other name… Enjoy the sunshine in GTA 6. Source: Rockstar

GTA 6 DLC and GTA Online Expansions

GTA 6 is rumored to have DLC

In terms of future expansions, the GTA 6 map may evolve through time through downloadable content (DLC). Rumors suggest that DLC could introduce changes to the campaign map, such as the addition of new areas or updates to existing ones to align with thematic content. This could potentially offer a fresh experience for players and was a roaring success for Rockstar for GTA Online.

It is worth noting that, despite that success, many fans were severely disappointed when Rockstar abandoned a single-player DLC for GTA 5 in favor of more GTA Online updates.

For example, in 2019, GTA Online generated a staggering $595 million just from microtransactions, surpassing the earnings from the single-player mode by a significant margin. Additionally, the player base for GTA Online in 2020 exceeded that of any previous year since its inception. According to analysts, this achievement is largely credited to the consistent rollout of fresh content and updates.

In the realm of multiplayer then, the new GTA Online is also expected to introduce an ‘evolving map’ concept, akin to the dynamic landscapes seen in games like Fortnite. This could mean that with each update, the map undergoes alterations and tweaks, providing new challenges and opportunities for players.

Insights from industry sources also hint at plans to expand the map with new GTA versions of cities like Tampa and Orlando. However, the specifics regarding these expansions, particularly whether they’ll extend to the single-player experience or remain exclusive to GTA Online, are yet to be confirmed.

GTA 6 Characters

Dual protagonists of Lucia and Jason

As far as confirmed characters are concerned, GTA 6 will feature two main protagonists: a male character named Jason and a female character named Lucia.

Lucia, of Latina descent, represents a groundbreaking addition to Rockstar’s lineup, being the first playable female character in the franchise’s modern history. Lucia’s voice actor is rumored to be Manni L. Perez.

Our first look at Lucia, GTA's first female protagonist.
Our first look at Lucia, GTA’s new female protagonist. Source: Rockstar
Natural born players: Our first look at Jason and Lucia.
Natural-born players: Jason and Lucia go on a crime spree. Source: Rockstar
Jason and Lucia: Once again, we enter a world of anti-heroes.
Jason and Lucia: Once again, we enter a world of anti-heroes. Source: Rockstar

Leaks also hint at a roster of other characters, including Dale, Chester, Danny, Iris, Shanese, Vicky, Dre, Sam, Kai, Wyman, Billy, Tit, Boobie, Zach, and RB Shaw.

Like in GTA V, players are expected to retain the ability to switch between Jason and Lucia for specific missions.

GTA 6 Wildlife

New invasive species: Iguanas and alligators

Considering the map’s locations mentioned above, GTA 6 is expected to feature a variety of animals native to Miami and Southern Florida.

Among the creatures confirmed to inhabit this virtual ecosystem are familiar faces like bucks, cows, crayfish, deers, dolphins, dogs, ducks, flamingos, fish of various species, frogs, herons, pigeons, possums, raccoons, rats, sea turtles, seagulls, sharks, skunks, snakes, squirrels, and even whales.

Additionally, Rockstar has incorporated invasive species like iguanas, reflecting the region’s ecological diversity.

The trailer also shows alligators — would a true depiction of Florida be complete without them? The GTA subreddits are already full of players hoping they can keep an alligator as a pet.

Alligators: Possibly more scary than ignoring phone calls from your cousin Roman in GTA IV.
Alligators: Possibly more scary than ignoring phone calls from your cousin Roman in GTA IV. (Rockstar)

Returning GTA Brands

GTA fans can also expect the triumphant return of several iconic in-game brands.

Among these is the Cobra Martial Arts Gym, a familiar location from GTA: San Andreas where players could hone their martial arts skills.

Additionally, the Inside Track betting brand, known for its horse race betting feature in GTA: San Andrea, is also expected to make a comeback.

Fast food chains like Burger Shot and Cluckin Bell and beverage brands like Sprunk and Pißwasser (last seen in GTA 4) are also poised to reappear.

Finally, the Weazel News television channel, the GTA universe’s Fox News, which has been featured in several GTA games, will also appear in GTA 6.

In-Game Social Media

Based on GTA 6’s official trailer, the game will possibly include an in-game social media platform reminiscent of TikTok or Instagram.

The trailer showcases snippets featuring user-recorded videos with a UI design strikingly similar to popular social media platforms.

These videos, ranging from lively yacht parties to energetic twerking, are accompanied by usernames, captions, hashtags, and a ‘follow’ button, suggesting a fully interactive experience.

The speculations are supported by Rockstar’s previous venture into social media emulation. In GTA 5, players could access an in-game social media platform called LifeInvader.

Latest GTA 6 Leaks & Rumors

GTA 6 has already spawned controversy

The latest alleged GTA 6 leaks to surface come from a large-scale Twitter account known as GTA 6 Countdown. This source, which has nearly 200,000 followers, claims its leaks were “confirmed” as the account was reportedly hit by a DMCA claim by Take-Two, Rockstar’s parent company.

GTA 6 Countdown claims that the game will feature a shorter story than Rockstar’s previous game, Red Dead Redemption 2, which clocked in around the 40-hour mark. Additionally, GTA 6 is reportedly inspired by the Fast & Furious franchise, with a “more grounded story” than previous entries.

The gaming community eagerly anticipates any updates regarding Grand Theft Auto VI. Amidst this excitement, fake GTA 6 news has been reported aimed at misleading fans. However, some leaks have provided insights into the game’s development.

On September 18, 2022, a significant and unprecedented leak impacted one of the most anticipated games of the decade. Numerous video files related to GTA 6 began surfacing on the fan forum GTAForums, offering an unintended preview of Rockstar’s next AAA title.

These leaks showcased various aspects of the game under development, including elements of the game world, gunplay mechanics, and NPC artificial intelligence. Additionally, the clips seemed to validate existing rumors about GTA 6, such as the inclusion of both male and female protagonists.

The leak was attributed to the GTA 6 hacker going by the handle “teapotuberhacker,” who also claimed responsibility for hacking the ride-hailing app Uber earlier that month. This individual also shared purported Grand Theft Auto VI assets and game code.

Subsequently, GTA 6 leaked footage clips across multiple platforms were removed following Take-Two Interactive’s request. According to reports, takedown requests were traced back to individuals with Rockstar email addresses, strongly indicating the legitimacy of the leaks.

Despite these revelations, Rockstar Games has maintained a secretive stance regarding the game’s development progress. They have affirmed that more information about GTA 6 will be disclosed according to “Rockstar’s schedule.”

Meanwhile, would it be a GTA game without controversy before release? One Florida man is already suing Rockstar for allegedly using his likeness without permission.

What is Grand Theft Auto 6?

The latest Open World game from Rockstar

Grand Theft Auto 6 is the newest in Rockstar Games’ criminal sandbox franchise, scheduled to arrive a full 12 years after its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto 5. The game will feature two protagonists and return the setting to Miami-inspired Vice City instead of Los Santos and Liberty City of the older games.

The Bottom Line

With Grand Theft Auto 6 on the horizon, the gaming community is buzzing with excitement and speculation. From leaked insights suggesting a potentially expansive map to hints at specific GTA6 release dates and discussions about pricing, anticipation is at an all-time high.

As Rockstar Games maintains its secretive stance, fans eagerly await further details, ready to immerse themselves in the next chapter of this iconic franchise with GTA 6.

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