Update, September 19, 2025: The release of GTA 6 is reportedly still on schedule, according to the latest news from Take-Two’s annual shareholder meeting, easing concerns after a previous delay.
The question on everyone’s mind: When is GTA 6 finally coming out? Given the sheer scale and immersive quality of games like GTA 5, it’s no shock that Rockstar Games has dedicated years to developing Grand Theft Auto 6. While Rockstar typically keeps development details under wraps until closer to launch, publisher Take-Two has now shed light on when we can expect this highly anticipated title to arrive.
The journey to the Grand Theft Auto 6 release date has been a long one, fueled by leaks of early gameplay footage, source code, and development clips last year. Speculation has run wild, but we now have official confirmation regarding the GTA 6 release date, its compelling story, and its vibrant setting. Here, we compile all the most recent updates on GTA 6, including trailers and breaking news.
A dynamic glimpse of the game was unveiled in its first official trailer, setting the stage for what’s to come.
GTA 6 release date
The official release date for GTA 6 is Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Initially, this launch will be exclusively for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, with the PC version of GTA 6 expected to follow later, likely by the end of the same year.
Interestingly, the game is set for a staggered midnight release across all time zones, meaning players in New Zealand will be among the first to dive into the new Grand Theft Auto experience. For other regions, access will unlock as midnight strikes locally. The game is currently available for wishlisting on both the Xbox and PlayStation digital stores. PC gamers will likely need to wait a bit longer, as digital storefronts for PC typically list the game after its console debut. For those wondering, we’ll keep you updated on whether GTA 6 will be on Steam.
GTA 6 PC release date estimate
During the TD Cowen 52nd Annual Technology, Media, and Telecom Conference, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick specifically commented on the GTA 6 PC release date, stating, “Rockstar has an approach to platforms which we’ve seen before, and they will make more announcements in due time.” Based on historical patterns, the GTA 6 PC release is anticipated to fall within six months to a year following its console launch.
GTA 6 delay
Good news for fans: the latest Take-Two earnings call reaffirms that GTA 6 is still on schedule for its May 2026 release. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed high confidence in this timeline during a CNBC interview, stating, “My level of conviction [in the release date] is very, very high.” This update brings relief, especially after an earlier announcement confirmed an initial delay for GTA 6. Rockstar Games addressed the delay directly on their official X account, apologizing for the revised schedule and explaining, “We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”
Take-Two’s publisher also supported Rockstar’s decision, with Zelnick adding that they “fully support Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI.” The game was initially slated for a 2025 release, as revealed by Take-Two during its fiscal year 2024 quarterly earnings call. The official announcement included a statement from Rockstar Games founder Sam Houser, who expressed excitement about GTA 6’s potential to “push the limits of what’s possible in highly immersive, story-driven open-world experiences.” The first trailer also indicated a 2025 release year, which Rockstar PR later clarified was console-specific. It’s highly probable that this console-first approach will continue with the updated May 2026 date, with the PC release expected later that year.
GTA 6 price
While Take-Two has not yet officially confirmed the price of GTA 6, CEO Strauss Zelnick has assured investors that it will be “fair.” The pricing of GTA 6 has become a significant talking point, especially as many publishers are considering an $80 standard price point. Zelnick emphasized their commitment: “Our goal always is to deliver more value than what we charge.”
However, a $100 price tag isn’t entirely out of the question, particularly when considering the inevitable deluxe and collector’s editions that will offer premium merchandise. Industry analyst Matthew Ball, in his report “The State of Video Gaming in 2025,” predicted that GTA 6 could indeed retail for $100, potentially setting a new precedent for pricing and addressing industry deflation. Following the GTA 6 launch announcement, Take-Two’s stock saw a substantial increase, a trend expected to continue as more details emerge. Analysts even project that GTA 6 could generate over $1 billion in pre-order sales alone, underscoring its pivotal role in helping Take-Two achieve its ambitious financial targets.
GTA 6 Game Pass
Regardless of whether you’re eyeing the console or PC release, one thing seems clear: Grand Theft Auto 6 is unlikely to be a day-one Game Pass title. CEO Strauss Zelnick explicitly stated in a recent interview that a GTA 6 Game Pass launch on day one will not occur. Persistent rumors about a marketing exclusivity deal between Rockstar and Sony have circulated for months, and the second trailer’s release appears to support this. The trailer, notably captured on PS5, even features a Dualshock-like controller prominently displayed, reinforcing the notion that Rockstar isn’t currently prioritizing Xbox Game Pass integration.
GTA 6 trailers
The highly anticipated GTA 6 trailer 2 premiered on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, just days after the official release date was confirmed. This trailer introduces us to the game’s two main characters, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, as they reunite following Lucia’s release from prison. Their journey quickly devolves into a thrilling, Bonnie-and-Clyde-esque crime spree across the vibrant landscape of Vice City, underscored by an engaging selection of tracks from the GTA 6 soundtrack.
The description accompanying trailer 2 offers a concise overview of the GTA 6 narrative: “Jason and Lucia have always known the deck is stacked against them. But when an easy score goes wrong, they find themselves on the darkest side of the sunniest place in America, in the middle of a conspiracy stretching across the state of Leonida – forced to rely on each other more than ever if they want to make it out alive.”
The debut of the first GTA 6 trailer was unexpectedly moved up due to extensive leaks. Originally slated for Tuesday, December 5, 2023, Rockstar Games decided to release it a day early following the security breach. This initial 91-second trailer confirmed long-standing rumors of the series’ return to Vice City, showcasing iconic GTA 6 locations like the Malibu Club and Ocean Drive.
The surprise drop of trailer 2 came after months of intense fan speculation, including a widely discussed theory that predicted a trailer seven months prior – a theory that was ultimately debunked. Nevertheless, Rockstar has a history of hiding GTA 6 easter eggs within past GTA Online updates, keeping fans on their toes.
While rumors swirled about a potential GTA 6 appearance at Gamescom 2025 after Rockstar’s logo was spotted on a booth, this seems improbable. The logo was alongside those for 2K Games and Take-Two, who were primarily there to promote Borderlands 4. Any Rockstar presence at Gamescom was more likely for private business meetings rather than public announcements or trailer reveals for GTA 6.
However, the game did receive a humorous nod at Gamescom when Ben Schwartz, before introducing The Outer Worlds 2 trailer, quipped, “What are you going to get? More planets, more chaos and an actual release date now GTA 6 got pushed to the Spring.”
GTA 6 leaks
Following the debut of the second trailer, a wave of new leaks emerged, notably from GameRoll. A staffer from GTA Base elaborated on X/Twitter that a reliable source, who had previously revealed Jason and Lucia’s surnames before their public announcement, provided fresh insights. While these extensive leaks remain unverified, they present several intriguing claims.
GameRoll’s source suggests that GTA 6’s storyline will unfold across five distinct chapters, with all cutscenes showcased in trailer 2 originating from the first three. The classic six-star wanted level is rumored to make a return, alongside a limited inventory system. Instead, the trunk of Jason’s car will reportedly function as a crucial storage area for extra gear, a detail that aligns with several repeated shots in the trailer.
Rockstar is believed to have drawn inspiration from Red Dead Redemption 2, integrating an honor-based relationship system and a “dead-eye” ability that both Jason and Lucia can utilize differently. Regarding the protagonists, players might have the option to control each character individually or switch to a dual-control system, presumably during specific scenarios.
While verifying GTA 6 leaks is challenging, some carry more weight than others. In September 2022, a staggering 90 videos, totaling over 53 minutes of test footage, were leaked in one of gaming’s most significant data breaches. This early footage confirmed Bloomberg’s earlier reports, showing players controlling both male and female characters. A particularly memorable clip depicted Lucia and Jason robbing a diner, reminiscent of a scene from Pulp Fiction. Other footage showed Lucia observing traffic on a sunlit street and Jason at a nightclub. Notably, the individual responsible for the GTA 6 leak has since been apprehended.
Another leak surfaced on TikTok just days before the official GTA 6 trailer release, offering a quick peek at the map. However, this was swiftly overshadowed when the full GTA 6 trailer itself leaked on X/Twitter less than 24 hours before its scheduled reveal. Rockstar Games promptly responded by officially releasing the trailer early, stating, “Our trailer has leaked, so please watch the real thing.”
GTA 6 news
Despite the significant challenge posed by leaked game footage, Rockstar swiftly issued a statement, conveying their “extreme disappointment” but assuring fans that development on “the next Grand Theft Auto will continue as planned.” Previously, on February 4, 2022, Rockstar had confirmed in a community update that “active development for the next entry in the Grand Theft Auto series was well underway.” This announcement came as the studio redirected resources from Red Dead Online to accelerate progress on the upcoming Grand Theft Auto title.
Adding to the development timeline, former Rockstar environmental artist David O’Reilly revealed he worked on GTA 6 for five years before leaving in 2023, suggesting the game’s overall development has spanned approximately eight years. A recent, unverified leak speculates that GTA 6 will offer around 75 hours of gameplay, comprising five chapters and a prologue.
In a 2019 interview, Take-Two’s Zelnick discussed how advanced development tools and larger teams could lead to shorter gaps between game releases, potentially resulting in games that are “a bit shorter” but receive robust post-launch support. This strategy could also be a conscious effort to mitigate crunch time, a notorious issue in game development. A 2020 Kotaku report corroborated this, stating: “One plan that management has laid out for the next game, a new entry in the Grand Theft Auto series, is to start with a moderately sized release (which, by Rockstar’s standards, would still be a large game) that is then expanded with regular updates over time, which may help mitigate stress and crunch.”
GTA 6 story
The GTA 6 trailer has delivered concrete details about the game’s story, quickly establishing that it is set in a modern-day Vice City, rather than its 1980s iteration. The trailer features a flurry of in-game social media posts, offering satirical snapshots of daily life in Rockstar’s over-the-top version of Miami, complete with alligator wrangling, spontaneous drive-by twerking, and an unforgettable scene of a woman in a nightie wielding two hammers.
While in-universe social media elements have appeared in past Grand Theft Auto titles, this contemporary portrayal of Vice City perfectly illustrates that some things never truly change. We’re also formally introduced to Lucia, one of GTA 6’s two primary protagonists, seen in orange prison attire, speaking with a counselor. Her casual shrug – “Bad luck, I guess” – when questioned about her incarceration sets the tone. While the exact timing of this scene within the narrative is unclear, the GTA 6 story is poised to meticulously chronicle her journey on the fringes of the law.
The trailers also offer a peek at Jason, the second GTA 6 protagonist and Lucia’s accomplice. While he seems to have a slightly less central role than Lucia, their bond is clearly intimate, a relationship that will undoubtedly be tested by their criminal endeavors. In a poignant voiceover, Lucia confides in Jason, asserting, “The only way that we get through this is by sticking together. Being a team.” This theme of partnership is vividly portrayed in a tense cutscene where they escape from the police in a getaway car, with Lucia clutching bundles of cash. We see them repeatedly storming convenience stores and other establishments, their faces concealed and weapons drawn – a clear sign that their crime spree is one we won’t want to miss.
Trailer 2 further expanded the cast with a host of new GTA 6 characters, including Jason’s conspiracy-minded friend Cal Hampton, the infamous club owner and drug lord Boobie Ike, and the viral rap duo Real Dimez. Each of these vibrant personalities is set to weave into Jason and Lucia’s complex narrative, all while pursuing their own agendas.
Intriguingly, there’s speculation that a John Cena character could make an appearance in GTA 6. This rumor gained traction after a cryptic Instagram post from the actor and professional wrestler, who has a history in both film and video games. While it might simply be an expression of his enthusiasm for the game’s release, the possibility of encountering Cena on the treacherous streets of Vice City is certainly an exciting prospect.
GTA 6 gameplay
Based on the leaked footage, the core GTA 6 gameplay doesn’t appear drastically different from GTA 5. However, former Rockstar developer Obbe Vermeij, in an interview with SanInPlay, cautiously predicted that “people might be a little disappointed” upon the GTA 6 release, while still confidently stating it will “be the best game out there.”
Regarding the vastness of the GTA 6 map, some fans speculate that, if calculations from leaks are accurate, this rendition of Vice City and its surrounding territories could be twice the size of GTA 5’s Los Santos. Interestingly, another former developer suggested a smaller, more densely packed map for GTA 6. Yet, as more leaks emerge, modders have already begun recreating the GTA 6 map within GTA 5’s engine, giving players a tangible sense of its immense scale.
Further rumors hint that the campaign map itself will evolve through DLC, introducing new areas or updating existing ones to match specific themes. This evolving map concept might also extend to the new GTA Online mode, promising continuous alterations and tweaks with each update.
Players can expect a familiar array of drivable vehicles, including GTA 6 cars and boats, alongside public transportation options for rapid city traversal. A new level of customization seems to be present for cars, allowing players to adjust wheel positions, seat angles, and other controls. Regardless of their chosen mode of transport, former Rockstar developer Ben Hinchcliffe stresses that creative freedom will be a priority, ensuring players can “still do […] weird things.”
Early test footage has also revealed enhanced movement mechanics, including a comprehensive cover system, crouching, and crawling. Playable characters can even use their hands or GTA 6 weapons to shield their faces from headshots. In one clip, Jason is observed utilizing a new vision ability while in a convenience store, appearing akin to the “Deadeye” mechanic in Red Dead Redemption, though currently it only seems to alter the footage’s color palette.
Adding another layer of intrigue, a recent report hints at a potential GTA 6 metaverse, drawing parallels to platforms like Fortnite and Roblox. This ambitious feature would reportedly be driven by user-generated content (UGC), empowering creators to “modify the game’s environment and assets to bring their own intellectual property – and potentially their brand sponsors – into GTA’s virtual sandbox.” This aligns with earlier rumors that Rockstar Games had been engaging with prominent Roblox and Fortnite creators to explore possibilities for in-game custom content within GTA 6.
That concludes our comprehensive update on the highly anticipated GTA 6 release. While the wait for the next installment in this legendary series, poised to be one of the best PC games ever, continues, you can tide yourself over with games like Grand Taking Ages, a management game satirizing GTA 6’s development. Alternatively, you can check out the predicted Grand Theft Auto 6 system requirements to see if your rig is ready for Vice City.