Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) is officially scheduled for release on *May 26, 2026*, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, marking the much-anticipated return to a modern Vice City setting in the fictional state of Leonida, heavily inspired by Florida.
Release Date and Platforms
- Confirmed launch: *May 26, 2026* on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
- Despite earlier rumors about delays, current reports from Take-Two affirm this release date remains firm as of August 2025
Price
- The base price for GTA 6 is expected to be *around $70*, reflecting industry trends following increased development costs.
- There are rumors about premium/early access editions possibly reaching *up to $100*, but the standard edition pricing is expected to remain in the $70 range, aligning with Take-Two’s pricing strategy for high-profile AAA games.
Main Characters
- GTA 6 features a dual-protagonist system with Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, a first for the series by including a female playable lead* as co-main character.
- Jason is a former soldier turned drug runner, while Lucia is an ex-convict released from prison, both caught in a statewide criminal conspiracy.
- Players can switch between Jason and Lucia during gameplay, continuing the multiple playable character mechanic introduced in GTA V.
- Other notable characters include Jason’s friend Cal Hampton, music mogul Boobie Ike, rapper Dre’Quan Priest, and others related to Vice City’s criminal and entertainment scenes.
Setting and Story
- The game world is the fictional state of *Leonida*, modeled after Florida, including the Miami-inspired Vice City, the Everglades (Grassrivers), and the Florida Keys (Leonida Keys).
- The story focuses on the criminal partnership between Jason and Lucia, entwined with 2020s American culture parodies including social media, law enforcement with advanced police tactics (e.g., body cameras, CCTV), and internet meme elements like “Florida Man”.
- The narrative involves high-stakes criminal endeavors following a botched bank robbery, with intense character-driven drama and a state-wide conspiracy.
New Features and Gameplay Enhancements
- Advanced police system: Police responses vary based on your exposure; detailed descriptions and CCTV footage affect pursuit difficulty. Players may need to change clothes or vehicles to evade capture.
- Upgraded NPC AI: NPCs now behave more realistically, moving in groups with common goals, interacting naturally with the environment, and responding dynamically to player actions.
- Expanded side activities: New minigames including billiards, kayaking, fishing, gym workouts, and dirt bike racing are confirmed, enriching the gameplay beyond the main story.
- Gameplay improvements: Introduction of going prone, fully entering and interacting with various indoor locations, and more immersive world interactions are expected- Character switch mechanic remains, allowing fluid switching between protagonists during missions.
Leaks and Public Reception
A significant leak in September 2022 revealed early game footage and animations, described as a PR challenge for Rockstar but not indicative of the final product’s quality.
Despite criticism from some early viewers, professionals and other developers showed solidarity emphasizing these were unfinished builds.
GTA 6 promises to be Rockstar’s most ambitious entry, featuring a rich open world with two protagonist leads, a modern Florida-inspired setting, an advanced AI police system, diverse side activities, and a release set firmly for May 26, 2026. Pricing will align with current AAA standards at approximately $70 for the standard edition, with potential pricier premium editions
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