Revision 2

Gameplay Mechanics

Grand 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.

Dual Protagonist System

Players 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.

How 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.

Robberies and Holdups

Trailer 2 shows multiple robbery scenes. In the opening seconds, Jason enters a store carrying a baseball bat, strikes 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.

The 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.

The 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.

Weapon and Inventory Limits

GTA 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.

In-Game Social Media

The game features 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 noteworthy events, including crimes committed by the player.

This 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.

Fitness and Appearance

Characters 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.

Character 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.

Vehicle Interiors

Vehicle 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.

Stealth

Crouching 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.

Drive-By Shooting

Drive-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.