Leonida
Leonida is the fictional state in which Grand Theft Auto VI takes place. It is the GTA universe's version of Florida, continuing the franchise's tradition of creating satirical versions of real U.S. states (San Andreas for California/Nevada, Liberty for New York/New Jersey).
Geography
Leonida spans a diverse landscape from dense urban coastline to vast inland wilderness. The state's major regions include Vice City (Miami), the Leonida Keys (Florida Keys), Grassrivers (Everglades), Port Gellhorn (decaying coastal town), Ambrosia (rural interior), and Mount Kalaga National Park (forests). A large freshwater body, Lake Leonida (inspired by Lake Okeechobee), sits in the state's interior. For detailed region information, see the Map and Regions article.
County System
Leonida is divided into multiple counties, visible on in-game maps and license plates in the trailers. Confirmed counties include Vice-Dale (Vice City), Kelly (Port Gellhorn), Leonard, Ambrosia, and Mariana. This administrative structure adds a layer of world-building detail not present in previous GTA games.
Culture and Satire
Leonida is a satirical lens on modern Florida and broader American culture. The game's in-game social media platforms, viral video culture, and diverse population reflect contemporary themes. GTA has always used its fictional locations to parody American excess and contradictions, and Leonida's version of Florida leans into themes of wealth inequality, immigration, tourism, retirement culture, and the collision between scenery and urban development.
The state's name itself follows GTA convention: Liberty City (New York), San Andreas (California), and now Leonida (Florida). The name's origin has not been officially explained by Rockstar.
History in the Series
Vice City, Leonida's capital, first appeared in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002), set in 1986. It returned in Vice City Stories (2006), set in 1984. Both games depicted Vice City as a fictional Miami during the 1980s cocaine trade era. GTA VI marks the first time Vice City (and the broader state of Leonida) is depicted in a modern-day setting.
The wider state of Leonida beyond Vice City is new to GTA VI. Previous games set in Vice City used only the city and nearby beach areas. GTA VI expands the explorable area dramatically to include swamps, rural countryside, island chains, forests, and small towns across the full state.
Gloriana State
License plates in Trailer 2 reference "Gloriana State," potentially indicating a neighboring state (possibly inspired by Georgia). Whether any part of Gloriana is accessible in the game has not been confirmed by Rockstar. It may simply be a detail on vehicles imported from out of state.