Obviously, Grand Theft Auto 6 was never going to settle for doing the same thing as before with better graphics. The new installment introduces plenty of changes compared to previous games, and of course there will be lots of new things to discover in this modern-day Vice City, where we'll climb the criminal ladder all the way to the top of Leonida's underworld... before trying to leave it behind for good. Here you'll find all the official new features and theories based on what has been shown in trailers and other content shared by Rockstar. Anything not explicitly labeled as speculation is official or comes directly from images and trailers that allow us to draw these conclusions.
To be clear, we're talking about changes and new features that primarily affect gameplay, rather than the visual or technical improvements that are already taken for granted.
The multiple playable character system is back. However, instead of the three protagonists featured in GTA V, this time we'll have two characters we can switch between at any time, except during certain specific situations: Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval.
It's worth noting that, just like in GTA V and its multiple-character system, there will be no co-op option. This is a single-player game.
Lucia and Jason each have at least one special combat ability that allows them to slow down time, although the effect works differently for each character. Jason's ability is essentially the Dead Eye system from Red Dead Redemption: time slows down, you mark several targets and then open fire. Lucia's ability focuses on landing a single powerful shot while time is slowed.
This information is speculative and based on older builds of the game. The feature may not make it into the final version, although it wouldn't be the first time Rockstar has used this kind of mechanic in one of its games.
The story will be divided into clearly defined chapters, rather than featuring a prologue followed by the main missions. While this may seem like a minor change, it opens the door to time skips that could prove crucial for things such as Lucia legally getting rid of the electronic ankle monitor that allows her probation officers to track her location at all times, or even changes being made to the map.
It appears that the cinematic mode from Red Dead Redemption 2 could be making a comeback. This alternative camera mode was primarily used during automatic movement sequences, such as horseback journeys in RDR2, to provide more dramatic shots and interesting camera angles. Rockstar may be aiming for something similar in this new GTA installment.
This information comes from a reference to cinematic mode found in development tools, so the feature may not make it into the final game.
Vice City will include a reinterpretation of Miami's Metromover, from the city on which it is based. It's essentially a system of driverless trains that are free for the public to use and allow passengers to travel between designated stops. In GTA 6, it's called the Metro Mule. It hasn't yet been confirmed whether we'll actually be able to ride it, although its presence in the game wouldn't make much sense as a purely decorative feature if we couldn't use it to get around without driving.
The equipment wheel has been improved to make it easier to use. You can now switch between different weapon and item sections by pressing a button.
Perhaps in an effort to make the game feel more realistic, the days of carrying an entire arsenal around with you are over. Following in the footsteps of Red Dead Redemption 2, you'll be able to carry two primary weapons, one sidearm and a limited number of items. The rest of your gear will be stored in the trunk of your car or in a duffel bag that you can carry around, but you'll need to access it before you can swap your active equipment.
The weapon upgrade system has been improved, for lack of a better word. No further details have been given, although we can expect more customization options for barrels, sights, suppressors and, of course, skins to satisfy that urge to make your weapons feel unique.
There is also speculation that weapons will be divided into three tiers, with basic civilian firearms at the lowest level and military-grade weaponry at the highest. If Rockstar is aiming for greater realism with its weapons, it makes sense that you shouldn't simply be able to purchase fully automatic assault rifles, as civilian ownership of these weapons is prohibited in the US unless they were manufactured before 1986.
According to leaks and rumors circulating within the community, the game will feature a conversation system similar to the one in RDR2, allowing us to use different tones when speaking to certain NPCs. This could steer conversations in different directions depending on whether we choose to sound aggressive, intimidating or diplomatic. The purpose of each option would be clearly indicated when making a choice, much like the dialogue systems seen in many other games.
Lucia and Jason's backgrounds mean that they have both received specialized combat training: Jason professionally and Lucia from her father. They aren't just ordinary street thugs, and this will be reflected in an improved melee combat system with far more detailed animations.
Unlike in the previous game, you'll now be able to crouch freely without having to move up against cover. This will allow you to make your way through certain areas without resorting to a shootout. You'll also be able to tie up unconscious NPCs and move bodies to hide them from guards.
The days of being able to break into any vehicle with ease are over. Stealing a high-end vehicle isn't as simple as forcing a lock, and you'll now need to use an electronic hacking system to steal luxury cars. This will involve completing a special minigame to bypass the vehicle's security systems.
After GTA V reduced the maximum wanted level to five stars, GTA VI could bring back six-star wanted levels. This means that if Lucia and Jason start wreaking havoc a little "too effectively," military forces could eventually be deployed to hunt them down. It's worth noting that this information comes from leaks and the feature could be removed to avoid undermining the game's realism. However, since Jason's background includes a stint in the military, Rockstar may be able to justify the armed forces coming after them if they go too far.
Rumors also suggest that leaving witnesses behind will make it easier for the authorities to identify you, as composite sketches of the characters may be produced. The police also won't appear instantly and will instead need time to reach the scene of the crime.
The city's gangs have hideouts that can be raided, where we'll be able to obtain loot, weapons and equipment. While it remains unclear whether these will be repeatable activities or whether a hideout will become unavailable after being cleared, the mechanic has been confirmed by one of the bonuses included in the Ultimate Edition, which adds an exclusive gang hideout.
