Weapons and Combat
Grand Theft Auto VI introduces a more grounded approach to weapons and combat compared to previous entries. The most notable change is a strict limit on what players can carry, along with a redesigned weapon wheel and expanded drive-by shooting mechanics.
Carrying System
Players can carry a maximum of two rifles and two pistols on their person at any time. Additional weapons are stored in vehicle trunks and must be retrieved manually. This is a significant departure from the virtually unlimited weapon inventories of GTA IV and GTA V, pushing players toward more deliberate loadout planning before missions.
The practical effect is that vehicles become more important than just transportation. Keeping a car or truck nearby during a job means having access to heavier firepower when things escalate.
Weapon Wheel
The weapon wheel has been redesigned for the new carrying system. It allows quick switching between equipped weapons, gear, and equipment. On console, it is mapped to R1/RB. The wheel reflects only what the player is currently carrying, not their full arsenal.
Confirmed Weapon Types
The following weapon categories and specific models have been identified in official trailers and screenshots. Rockstar has not published a complete weapons list.
Category | Identified Models | Source |
|---|---|---|
Pistols | Handgun resembling Beretta 92FS, compact pistol | Trailer 2 |
Shotguns | Side-by-side double-barreled shotgun | Screenshots |
Rifles | AR-15-style rifle with "Duke" branding (Colt parody), M1A-style rifle | Trailer 2 |
Grenade Launchers | Multi-shot grenade launcher (resembles Milkor Mark 14 MGL) | Trailer 2 |
Sniper Rifles | Long-range scoped rifle | Trailer footage |
Drive-By Shooting
Drive-by shooting mechanics have been expanded. Players can fire from car windows, truck beds, and while in water. This was visible across multiple scenes in both trailers. The improved vehicle interiors and weapon handling suggest drive-by shooting will feel more integrated into vehicle gameplay than in previous entries.
No Dual Wielding
Dual wielding does not appear to be returning in GTA VI. Players use one weapon at a time, consistent with the game's more grounded combat design. This was the case in GTA V as well, after dual wielding appeared briefly in earlier titles.
Melee Combat
Hand-to-hand combat is confirmed through scenes of Lucia fighting in an MMA cage. Whether players can engage in melee combat freely outside of scripted activities is likely (the series has always supported it) but has not been specifically showcased in official materials.