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Gameplay Mechanics
February 28, 2026 at 02:32 PM
Initial version
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.
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 the central relationship between Jason and Lucia.
How the switching works in practice (whether it's 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Both third-person and first-person perspectives are available while driving, continuing the feature introduced in GTA V's next-generation release. The improved vehicle interiors make the first-person view considerably more detailed.
