More than a decade after GTA 5 first hit consoles, Rockstar Games is finally ready to take players back to Vice City. Grand Theft Auto VI is shaping up to be one of the biggest entertainment releases in history across any medium, and with November 19 now locked in, here is absolutely everything you need to know heading into launch day.

What is the story?

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 criminal 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 narrative is heavily inspired by the infamous real-life criminal duo Bonnie and Clyde, with both protagonists caught in a web of crime, betrayal, and survival in a state that has never been more dangerous.

Who are the main characters?

GTA 6 features two playable protagonists: Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, marking the first female lead in the series. Jason is ex-military with a possible paratrooper background, while Lucia originally lived in Liberty City and had fighting skills taught to her by her father. Early in the story she wears an ankle monitor but removes it quickly, and it does not affect gameplay. The couple lives rent-free in the Leonida Keys in exchange for helping Brian collect debts and do local shakedowns.

Key supporting characters include Boobie Ike, Brian Heder, Cal Hampton, DreQuan Priest, Raul Bautista, and The Real Dimez.

What is the setting and map?

The game is set in the modern day and leans heavily into the social-media-saturated, influencer-driven culture of contemporary Florida. Rockstar’s official website confirms multiple distinct regions: Vice City, the primary urban environment modeled on Miami with waterways, Art Deco architecture, high-rises, and the iconic beachfront; Leonida Keys, a chain of island communities south of Vice City where the game’s story begins; Grassrivers, Rockstar’s version of the Everglades featuring swamps and subtropical wilderness; and Port Gellhorn, a working port and industrial area.

Community mapping projects using leaked coordinate data estimate the landmass at over two times the size of GTA V’s map, with significantly more enterable buildings and environmental diversity.

What are the gameplay features?

Rockstar has kept specific gameplay details close to the chest, but between official trailers, leaks, and credible reports, a detailed picture has emerged.

The character selection wheel features three distinct modes: Solo Jason, Solo Lucia, and dual protagonist control, allowing both characters to be used simultaneously during open-world robberies. In a similar way to Red Dead Redemption 2, players can only carry two rifles and two pistols at once, while other weapons are stored in vehicle trunks. Expanded drive-by mechanics allow shooting from car windows, truck beds, and even while swimming. New stealth mechanics include crouching. GTA 6 features a dynamic under-fire animation where characters react differently based on the weapon used. Melee combat is more refined and interactive, with detailed hand-to-hand animations. You can tie up NPCs with zip ties, use hostages as human shields, and carry or loot bodies.

Trailers and screenshots also suggest social media will play a significant role in the game’s world. Viral videos, livestreams, and internet culture appear deeply woven into everyday life throughout Leonida, potentially offering Rockstar a fresh avenue for satire.

What are the trailers like?

Mini-games and activities include Pool, Boxing, Basketball, Tennis, Mini Golf, Gym workouts, Races, and more. Both Hunting and Fishing return from Red Dead Redemption 2 as confirmed GTA 6 activities. Over 200 vehicles have already been confirmed from trailers and leaks including cars, motorcycles, helicopters, planes, and boats.

The first trailer broke YouTube records, amassing hundreds of millions of views. It confirmed the Vice City setting, introduced Lucia and Jason, and showcased the game’s stunning visual fidelity. Released alongside the delay announcement, Trailer 2 provided a deeper look at gameplay mechanics, more of the map, and expanded character moments. Both trailers have sent the internet into full meltdown mode each time they dropped, with fans dissecting every single frame for hidden details.

What is the budget?

Credible estimates place the total budget between $1 billion and $2 billion, making it one of the most expensive entertainment productions in history across any medium. For context, that figure dwarfs most Hollywood blockbusters and reflects just how massive the scope of this project truly is.

What is the soundtrack?

Rockstar has not officially revealed the GTA 6 radio station lineup yet, but given the Miami and Florida setting, expect a heavy mix of genres spanning hip-hop, Latin trap, electronic dance music, and pop. The in-game radio stations have always been one of GTA’s most beloved features, and Vice City’s cultural backdrop opens the door for some genuinely exciting musical choices. An official announcement on the soundtrack is expected as part of the summer 2026 marketing push.

When does GTA 6 release?

GTA 6 is confirmed to release on November 19, 2026, after being delayed twice. The game was originally targeting a 2025 window before being pushed to May 26, 2026, and then delayed again to its current November date. Rockstar stated that the extra time was needed “to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve.” Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick confirmed in February 2026 that the November 19 date remains firmly on track.

Will GTA 6 come to PC?

A PC port of GTA 6 has not been officially announced by Rockstar Games yet. However, judging from the studio’s previous releases, a PC version of the game will likely arrive sometime after its console launch. Based on Rockstar’s historical pattern with previous GTA titles, a PC release landing in late 2027 or early 2028 would be the most realistic expectation for desktop players.

How much does GTA 6 cost and how do you pre-order?

The Standard Edition will cost $79.99. The Ultimate Edition, which includes an exclusive collection of premium vehicles, weapons, and apparel available throughout the story of both Jason and Lucia, will run $99.99. Anyone who pre-orders or purchases before November 20 will receive the Vintage Vice City Pack as a bonus. Pre-orders opened on June 25, 2026, through both digital storefronts and select retail locations.

What happens next?

With pre-orders now open and the marketing campaign ramping up through the summer, the final stretch to November 19 is going to be loud. A third trailer and a dedicated gameplay showcase are both widely expected before launch. If Rockstar delivers on everything they have been building toward for over a decade, GTA 6 will not just be the biggest game ever made. It will be one of the biggest cultural events in history.