All the Features We’re Looking Forward to in GTA VI

Originally published July 30, 2026. This article covers the most popular features in the Grand Theft Auto video game franchise.

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Though little has been outright confirmed and most of what we know is based on two cinematic trailers, the excitement for the next Grand Theft Auto is real. GTA V came out 13 years ago and provided over a decade of entertainment in the open world of San Andreas. Even on the PS4, I still love to pick up my controller and cause some trouble in Los Santos — especially if it involves stealing airplanes from a certain military base.

Now, with GTA VI finally on the horizon, what we love about the franchise is only going to get improved upon in the fictional state of Leonida as we return to Vice City for the first time since 2002. Here are some things that have been teased and have us looking forward to that November release.

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A Diverse Map

GTA V brought us Los Santos, Mount Chiliad, the appropriately named Sandy Shores, Vespucci Beach, and more inspired by Los Angeles and other real locations in California. With GTA VI’s Leonida being based off the state of Florida, we’re hoping to see an even more diverse map. Vice City alone is worth the hype with a huge variety of neighborhoods, but it doesn’t stop there. From what it looks like in the trailers, we can also look forward to the keys, wetlands, a heavily industrial district, a national park, and more rural neighborhoods.

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Expanded Customization

Something that will keep players entertained for many, many hours is the rumor of expanded customization in several areas, including cars, weapons, and characters. We can expect more unique cars from previous games, more modifications, and more cosmetic options.

There may also be a more extensive weapon modification system on top of improved gun models, making them more accurate to their real life counterparts, as well as cosmetic options, according to some recently released screenshots. A huge expansion to the variety of shops available has also been teased, but it includes the classic tattoo parlors, clothes shops with styles according to local culture, and barbershops.

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An Improved Boating Experience

Taking off in a boat in GTA V — whether for a mission or for fun, on the ocean or on a river — was just okay. There are some moments, like launching off waterfalls, that are addictive, but nothing to write home about. However, boats are heavily featured in the two trailers we have of GTA VI so far.

You can spot fishing vessels, yachts, airboats, and even kayaks, and it wouldn’t be far-fetched to guess that cruise ships will make an appearance since Vice City is based off Miami, the Cruise Capital of the World. Boats will likely be requirements to traverse the wetlands and between the islands in the keys, but it seems like they will have a major role in the story as primary modes of transport. Jason Duval — one of our two new protagonists — starts off affiliated with smugglers, working for a drug trafficker and, surprise, boatyard owner.

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An Updated Take on Social Media

Social media was a prominent feature even in GTA V. One could go on the internet to purchase cars, bikes, boats, and planes, and even buy stock or check your personal profile (or your family’s). You could even use email and texts, all from your character’s cellphone. The first GTA VI trailer showcases a lot of social media in the style of reels inspired by real-life viral Florida moments (who hasn’t heard of Florida Man?).

Jason Duval’s friend, Cal Hampton, seems especially connected with social media since he has a profile on the GTA VI website with the headline, “What if everything on the internet is true?” So will the game have a modern, expanded take on social media, or was it just a stylistic choice for the trailer? I think for the reason of recurring themes in the franchise and for what was already present in the last game, we can have some hope here.

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An Engaging Story with Memorable Characters

In GTA V, the story was centered on three protagonists: Michael De Santa, Trevor Philips, and Franklin Clinton. We got a chance to see how their stories unfolded in their individual lives and in their tumultuous dynamics with each other. Their endings depended on the player, with some devastating results.

GTA VI features two protagonists: Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos — Grand Theft Auto’s first female protagonist. Unlike previous games, Jason and Lucia are in a romantic relationship. At least, at the start. Their dynamic has been described as inspired by real life crime partners Bonnie and Clyde. But that doesn’t mean their stories will go any better than Michael, Tevor, and Franklin’s.

The GTA VI website hints at some trouble ahead for the lovers, stating that “meeting Lucia could be best or the worst thing to ever happen” to Jason. And for Lucia, “a life with Jason could be her way out” of a life previously without peace or safety — to the point that her father was teaching her how to fight. Knowing Rockstar Games like previous Grand Theft Auto titles and Red Dead Redemption, what these characters want the most may end up coming at the steep cost of their closest relationships. Will we see their relationship deteriorate over the course of the game, or strengthen? Maybe it’s even up to the player. A new mechanic for swapping characters—like the D-pad selection wheel in the previous game — has also been teased, but nothing more has been confirmed.

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What are you looking forward to most in GTA VI?

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