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Gameplay Mechanics - Version 9 vs Version 10
Apr 5, 2026, 09:44 AM
Fixed 1 misleading/unverified claim: Change surrender 'confirmed via debug tools' to 'observed in leaked build'
Apr 5, 2026, 09:45 AM
Structural fix: Removed 15 duplicate nodes (Weapon Carry, Hand-Switching, Zip-Ties, Human Shields, Player Surrender, Expanded Vehicle duplicated)
11Gameplay Mechanics22Grand Theft Auto VI builds on the open-world foundation of GTA V while introducing new systems and refining existing ones. The following mechanics have been confirmed through official trailers, the Rockstar website, and accompanying materials.44Dual Protagonist System66Players can switch between Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos during gameplay. GTA V introduced a three-character switching system with Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. GTA VI focuses on a tighter two-character structure built around Jason and Lucia's Bonnie-and-Clyde partnership.88How the switching works in practice (whether it is free-form like GTA V or more mission-dependent) has not been fully detailed. Both trailers show missions from both characters' perspectives, suggesting substantial content for each.1111Robberies and Holdups1313Trailer 2 shows multiple robbery scenes. In the opening seconds, Jason enters a store carrying a baseball bat, slaps a clerk, and takes cash from the register. The cashier is left on the floor. Other shots in the trailer show what appear to be a pawn shop robbery and a liquor store holdup.1515The baseball bat robbery is notable because Jason uses physical intimidation rather than a firearm, a departure from GTA V where store holdups typically required pulling a gun. Whether these scenes represent player-controlled gameplay or cinematic cutscenes has not been confirmed by Rockstar, but small-scale store robberies have been a series staple since GTA III.1717The game's story synopsis describes an "easy score" that goes wrong, and Raul Bautista (a confirmed supporting character described by Rockstar as a "seasoned bank robber") suggests that larger, planned heists are also part of the game. Whether heists follow GTA V's structured approach with preparation missions or take a different form is unknown.1919Weapon and Inventory Limits2121GTA VI imposes strict carrying limits: two rifles and two pistols on the player's person at a time. Extra weapons go in vehicle trunks. This is a major shift from previous entries where players could carry an entire arsenal simultaneously. The redesigned weapon wheel (R1/RB on console) reflects only the currently carried loadout. For full details, see Weapons and Combat.2323In-Game Social Media2525The game has a satirical social media ecosystem. Both trailers prominently show a TikTok-style video platform where NPCs record events and post them. Other in-game apps parody Uber (ride-sharing), WhatsApp (messaging), and OnlyFans (content subscription). NPCs actively pull out their phones to film notable events, including crimes committed by the player.2727This system ties into the game's broader satire of modern American culture, particularly Florida's internet and celebrity scene. Whether player actions appearing on in-game social media have gameplay consequences (such as affecting the wanted level or reputation) is not confirmed.2929Fitness and Appearance3131Characters can work out at gyms and outdoor fitness locations. Jason is shown lifting weights on a beach; Lucia is seen sparring in a gym. This suggests a return to the stat-building fitness system from GTA: San Andreas, where exercise affected character appearance and possibly stats. Rockstar has not confirmed whether fitness has mechanical effects on gameplay.3333Character appearance changes over time. Strand-based hair physics mean hair grows and moves realistically. Characters are also seen with different hairstyles and facial hair across different trailer scenes, suggesting grooming options or natural progression.3535Vehicle Interiors3737Vehicle interiors are significantly more detailed than any previous GTA game. Working speedometers, fuel gauges, and other instruments are visible. Rearview mirrors display real-time reflections of the environment behind the vehicle, powered by the updated RAGE engine. Both first-person and third-person driving views are available.3939Stealth4141Crouching is confirmed visible in trailer footage. Whether a full stealth system (comparable to GTA V's stealth stat) is present has not been officially detailed.4343Weapon Carry and Storage4545GTA VI introduces a limited weapon carry system inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2. Players can carry only two rifles and two pistols on their person at any given time. Additional weapons must be stored in the trunk of the player's current vehicle, meaning loadout planning before missions becomes a genuine tactical consideration. This represents a major departure from previous GTA games, where the weapon wheel provided instant access to an entire arsenal regardless of context.4747The system is designed to encourage players to think about what they bring into each situation. A player heading into a stealth mission might carry a suppressed pistol and a compact SMG, while a full-assault approach requires stopping at the car trunk to equip heavier firepower. Vehicle trunks serve as mobile armories, and losing access to your car during a mission can leave you short on options.4949Hand-Switching5151Weapon handling in GTA VI includes a hand-switching mechanic, allowing players to fire with either the left or right hand depending on the situation. This is particularly relevant during cover-based combat, where switching hands lets the player lean around either side of cover without exposing their body. The system also plays into drive-by scenarios, where the hand holding the weapon determines which side of the vehicle the player can shoot from.5353Zip-Ties and Restraints5555For the first time in the series, players can use zip-ties to restrain NPCs non-lethally. This mechanic opens up stealth approaches to missions and robberies where keeping hostages compliant matters more than eliminating everyone in the building. Restrained NPCs remain where they are placed and cannot call for help or trigger alarms. The zip-tie system works alongside the existing melee and firearm mechanics, giving players a third option for dealing with threats: eliminate, incapacitate, or restrain.5757The addition of non-lethal restraint mechanics suggests that GTA VI's mission design includes stealth-oriented objectives where killing civilians or witnesses carries penalties. This aligns with the expanded wanted system and its witness-based reporting, where leaving fewer witnesses means a cleaner getaway.5959Human Shields and Body Interaction6161Players can grab NPCs and use them as human shields during firefights, absorbing incoming gunfire at the cost of reduced mobility. This mechanic works in both open combat and during robbery scenarios, where holding a hostage can prevent police from opening fire immediately. Players can also carry and loot bodies, moving incapacitated or deceased NPCs to hidden locations to avoid detection.6363Player Surrender6565GTA VI allows players to surrender to police during a wanted level encounter rather than fighting or fleeing. Officers give the player time to comply before opening fire, a significant change from previous games where police engaged immediately. Surrender animations were observed in the 2022 leaked development build, indicating the mechanic was in active development at that time. The consequences of surrender have not been fully detailed, but this option would provide a new approach to wanted-level encounters beyond the traditional fight-or-flight loop.6767Expanded Vehicle Interactions6969Vehicle gameplay receives several notable additions. Drive-by shooting has been expanded to support firing from car windows, truck beds, and while swimming. Both third-person and first-person driving views are available, with vehicle interiors featuring working speedometers, gauges, and interior lighting. Real-time mirrors display accurate reflections. Vehicle interiors include interactive elements such as adjustable steering wheels, pedals, rearview mirrors, armrests, and sun visors.7171While dual wielding does not return from RDR2, the combination of hand-switching, expanded drive-by mechanics, and the trunk storage system creates a weapon handling experience that prioritizes tactical decision-making over raw firepower.7373Weapon Carry and Storage75-GTA VI introduces a limited weapon carry system inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2. Players can carry only two rifles and two pistols on their person at any given time. Additional weapons must be stored in the trunk of the player's current vehicle, meaning loadout planning before missions becomes a genuine tactical consideration. This represents a major departure from previous GTA games, where the weapon wheel provided instant access to an entire arsenal regardless of context.77-The system is designed to encourage players to think about what they bring into each situation. A player heading into a stealth mission might carry a suppressed pistol and a compact SMG, while a full-assault approach requires stopping at the car trunk to equip heavier firepower. Vehicle trunks serve as mobile armories, and losing access to your car during a mission can leave you short on options.79-Hand-Switching81-Weapon handling in GTA VI includes a hand-switching mechanic, allowing players to fire with either the left or right hand depending on the situation. This is particularly relevant during cover-based combat, where switching hands lets the player lean around either side of cover without exposing their body. The system also plays into drive-by scenarios, where the hand holding the weapon determines which side of the vehicle the player can shoot from.83-Zip-Ties and Restraints85-For the first time in the series, players can use zip-ties to restrain NPCs non-lethally. This mechanic opens up stealth approaches to missions and robberies where keeping hostages compliant matters more than eliminating everyone in the building. Restrained NPCs remain where they are placed and cannot call for help or trigger alarms. The zip-tie system works alongside the existing melee and firearm mechanics, giving players a third option for dealing with threats: eliminate, incapacitate, or restrain.87-The addition of non-lethal restraint mechanics suggests that GTA VI's mission design includes stealth-oriented objectives where killing civilians or witnesses carries penalties. This aligns with the expanded wanted system and its witness-based reporting, where leaving fewer witnesses means a cleaner getaway.89-Human Shields and Body Interaction91-Players can grab NPCs and use them as human shields during firefights, absorbing incoming gunfire at the cost of reduced mobility. This mechanic works in both open combat and during robbery scenarios, where holding a hostage can prevent police from opening fire immediately. Players can also carry and loot bodies, moving incapacitated or deceased NPCs to hidden locations to avoid detection.93-Player Surrender95-GTA VI allows players to surrender to police during a wanted level encounter rather than fighting or fleeing. Officers give the player time to comply before opening fire, a significant change from previous games where police engaged immediately. Surrender animations were observed in the 2022 leaked development build, indicating the mechanic was in active development at that time. The consequences of surrender have not been fully detailed, but this option would provide a new approach to wanted-level encounters beyond the traditional fight-or-flight loop.97-Expanded Vehicle Interactions99-Vehicle gameplay receives several notable additions. Drive-by shooting has been expanded to support firing from car windows, truck beds, and while swimming. Both third-person and first-person driving views are available, with vehicle interiors featuring working speedometers, gauges, and interior lighting. Real-time mirrors display accurate reflections. Vehicle interiors include interactive elements such as adjustable steering wheels, pedals, rearview mirrors, armrests, and sun visors.101-While dual wielding does not return from RDR2, the combination of hand-switching, expanded drive-by mechanics, and the trunk storage system creates a weapon handling experience that prioritizes tactical decision-making over raw firepower.103-Drive-By Shooting10575Drive-by shooting mechanics have been expanded. Players can fire from car windows and truck beds, visible across multiple scenes in both trailers. For weapon details, see Weapons and Combat.
