By gamingflash 
It’s been over a decade since Rockstar Games released Grand Theft Auto V, and fans around the world have been itching for something new. That time is almost here. GTA 6 has officially been announced, and while the game’s release is still a year away, we finally have confirmed details — as well as plenty of rumours worth paying attention to.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just keen to see what the hype is about, here’s everything we know about GTA 6 so far, from the confirmed release date to the full map leak breakdown, character info, gameplay systems, and whispers from behind the scenes.
GTA 6 Release Date
Rockstar confirmed in March 2024 that GTA 6 will release on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. This follows a short delay from the originally rumoured 2025 launch window. As always, Rockstar is taking its time — but given the size and scope of this game, most fans are happy to wait for a polished experience.
You can view the announcement directly via Rockstar’s official newsroom, where they confirmed the updated launch schedule and clarified that PC release details would come later.
Vice City Returns – The New Map Explained
One of the biggest highlights of GTA 6 is the return of Vice City, Rockstar’s take on Miami. But this isn’t just a remaster — it’s a complete rebuild of the location, wrapped inside a larger fictional state called Leonida. According to early leaks and trailer details, Leonida is inspired by the real-life geography of Florida, with everything from cityscapes to swamps.
Several map locations have already been confirmed or strongly hinted at, including:
- Vice City – The main urban hub, filled with beaches, neon signs, and high-rise crime.
- Grassrivers – A region that resembles the Florida Everglades, likely featuring boats and airboats for swamp exploration.
- Konica Keys – Rockstar’s version of the Florida Keys, featuring small islands and long highway bridges.
- Ambrosia – A rural inland town thought to be based on Clewiston, Florida.
These locations were discussed in-depth by outlets like The Sun, which compared the leaked map to satellite imagery of Florida and found dozens of similarities.
Characters: Meet Lucia and Jason
For the first time in the franchise’s history, GTA 6 features a female playable character — Lucia, who stars alongside a male lead named Jason. The pair are partners in crime, both literally and figuratively, with the story said to follow their rise through the criminal underworld in a Bonnie-and-Clyde-style narrative.
Lucia is seen in the first trailer wearing prison clothes, which suggests the story may begin post-incarceration. Jason, by contrast, appears to be more laid-back, with clips showing him driving through the countryside and robbing convenience stores.
Their dynamic has already drawn comparisons to classic crime duos, and according to an article from The Guardian, their relationship will play a major role in how the story unfolds.
Gameplay Mechanics – What’s New?
GTA 6 is built entirely for next-gen consoles, which means Rockstar has had the freedom to push gameplay further than ever before. While we’re still waiting on full gameplay footage, the first trailer has already hinted at several upgrades:
- More advanced movement – Lucia is shown climbing down a building, suggesting some type of parkour or climbing mechanic could be introduced. This could build on the basic traversal from GTA IV and Red Dead Redemption 2.
- Interactive crowds and AI – NPCs appear more reactive, with dynamic events happening across the world. For example, people filming fights, escaping floods, or reacting to crimes in real time.
- Enhanced vehicles – Leaked footage shows new driving physics, more detailed interiors, and the possible return of customisable dashboards and in-car camera views.
You can watch the official GTA 6 trailer on Rockstar’s YouTube channel, which has already racked up hundreds of millions of views since launch.
Will There Be a PC Version?
This is the big question on everyone’s mind. So far, Rockstar has only confirmed GTA 6 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, with no mention of a PC release. But if history repeats itself — and it usually does — we’ll likely see a PC version launched about a year after the console debut.
GTA V followed this path, launching on consoles in 2013 and then releasing on PC in 2015. Red Dead Redemption 2 followed a similar route. Based on that, we could be looking at a PC release in late 2026 or 2027.
As pointed out by Tech Latest, the extra time helps Rockstar optimise the game and prepare for modding and long-term online play on PC platforms.
Rumours: What Else Could Be Coming?
While Rockstar has kept quiet about specific gameplay systems, plenty of GTA 6 rumours are circulating — and some of them are gaining traction.
One of the biggest rumours is that GTA Online 2 will launch alongside GTA 6 and be more integrated with the single-player world. This could mean real-time updates to both modes, crossover missions, and shared progression systems.
There’s also talk of dynamic weather systems, including hurricanes that can affect entire regions of the map. Players may have to evacuate, deal with flooding, or see roads and bridges damaged during storms. This was hinted at in leaked footage showing emergency broadcasts and environmental destruction.
Other whispers include:
- A stock market that reacts in real time to your crimes.
- Full interior access to most buildings.
- Dogs as companions, similar to Chop in GTA V but with more interaction.
- A much more customisable character wardrobe, with clothes affecting how NPCs treat you.
Of course, all of this remains speculation until Rockstar says otherwise — but leaks from 2022 and 2023, many of which ended up being accurate, make these ideas worth considering.
Rockstar Games is known for staying quiet until they’re ready to reveal something big. But even with limited official details, it’s clear GTA 6 is shaping up to be the most ambitious open-world game they’ve ever made. From the massive new map to the dual protagonist story and next-gen gameplay systems, it’s no wonder fans are calling it the most anticipated game of the decade.
Keep checking Gaming Flash for more updates, trailer breakdowns, and everything you need to know as we get closer to launch.