GTA 6 Preview: Everything We Know About Grand Theft Auto VI's Return to Vice City

Sammy Schnor

• 3 min read
Grand Theft Auto VI Vice City skyline showing neon-lit skyscrapers and futuristic urban landscape

After over a decade of anticipation, Grand Theft Auto VI is finally on the horizon. Rockstar Games has unveiled an ambitious return to Vice City with dual protagonists, cutting-edge visuals, and the largest open world they've ever created. Here's everything we know about the most anticipated game of the decade.

Release Date: Delayed But Worth the Wait

GTA 6 will launch on May 26, 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. While fans were initially hoping for a 2025 release, Rockstar announced the delay in early May 2025, emphasizing their commitment to delivering the polished experience fans deserve.

"We want to ensure Grand Theft Auto VI meets the incredibly high standards our fans expect," Rockstar stated in their delay announcement. The extra development time should result in a more refined and bug-free launch.

Meet Your New Criminal Partners

For the first time in GTA history, players will control two protagonists simultaneously - Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. This dynamic duo represents a fresh take on the series' criminal storytelling.

Jason Duval

Jason grew up around grifters and crooks before trying to straighten his life through military service. Now working for local drug runners in the Florida Keys, he's looking for that one big score to change everything. His relationship with Lucia could be either his salvation or his downfall.

Lucia Caminos

Fresh out of Leonida Penitentiary, Lucia has learned to fight from an early age and is determined to secure the good life for her family. She's strategic, ambitious, and prepared to take matters into her own hands - no matter the cost.

The trailers show genuine intimacy between these characters - holding hands, dancing together, and supporting each other through their criminal endeavors. This represents a mature evolution in GTA's storytelling approach.

Welcome to Leonida: Vice City and Beyond

GTA 6 takes place in Leonida, Rockstar's fictional version of Florida. The map includes multiple distinct regions:

  • Vice City - The neon-soaked urban center with skyscrapers, beaches, and nightlife
  • Leonida Keys - Tropical islands perfect for drug running operations
  • Grassrivers - Everglades-inspired wetlands with wildlife and hidden secrets
  • Port Gellhorn - Industrial shipping district for large-scale criminal operations
  • Mount Kalaga National Park - Mountains and forests offering countryside contrast

The world promises to be Rockstar's most detailed and immersive yet, with each region offering unique activities, wildlife, and criminal opportunities.

Revolutionary Gameplay Features

GTA 6 introduces several groundbreaking gameplay elements:

Dual Character System

Players can switch between Jason and Lucia seamlessly, with each character offering unique abilities and story perspectives. Cooperative heists allow both characters to work together in complex multi-part operations.

Enhanced Crime Mechanics

The trailer showcases sophisticated robbery mechanics, including diner holdups reminiscent of Pulp Fiction. Players can plan elaborate heists with multiple entry points, escape routes, and crew coordination.

Next-Gen Vehicle Variety

From speedboats racing through the Keys to luxury sports cars cruising Vice City's neon strips, the vehicle roster spans boats, motorcycles, helicopters, and exotic supercars - all with realistic physics and customization options.

A Rich Supporting Cast

GTA 6 features an ensemble of memorable characters that bring Leonida to life:

  • Boobie Ike - Vice City legend running a business empire spanning real estate, strip clubs, and recording studios
  • Cal Hampton - Jason's paranoid friend who monitors Coast Guard communications from his bunker
  • Dre'Quan Priest - Former street dealer turned music mogul with Only Raw Records
  • Real Dimez - Rap duo (Bae-Luxe and Roxy) using social media and music to build their criminal empire
  • Raul Bautista - Experienced bank robber recruiting talent for high-stakes heists

Visual Spectacle: Next-Gen Graphics

The recently released 70+ official screenshots showcase stunning 4K visuals that represent a significant leap forward for the series. Key visual improvements include:

  • Photorealistic character models with detailed facial expressions
  • Dynamic lighting and weather systems affecting gameplay
  • Incredibly detailed environments from urban skylines to natural wetlands
  • Realistic vehicle damage and physics simulation
  • Immersive crowd density and NPC behavior

The jump from PS4/Xbox One to PS5/Xbox Series X|S allows Rockstar to realize their full vision without technical compromises.

What We're Still Waiting to See

While Rockstar has revealed substantial details, several key elements remain mysterious:

  • Multiplayer/GTA Online Integration - How will online modes evolve?
  • Extended Gameplay Footage - We've seen cinematics but limited actual gameplay
  • PC Release Window - Traditionally comes 1-2 years after console launch
  • Monetization Strategy - Will microtransactions affect single-player experience?

The Bottom Line

Grand Theft Auto VI represents Rockstar's most ambitious project yet. The combination of dual protagonists, a massive world spanning multiple Florida-inspired regions, next-generation graphics, and refined criminal gameplay mechanics suggests this could be the defining open-world game of the decade.

While the delay to May 2026 is disappointing, it gives Rockstar the time needed to polish every detail. Based on what we've seen so far, the wait will be worth it for what promises to be a revolutionary gaming experience.

Mark your calendars for May 26, 2026 - Jason and Lucia's criminal adventure through Leonida is shaping up to be everything fans have been hoping for and more.