GTA 6 vs GTA 5: Complete Comparison
Everything new and improved in Grand Theft Auto 6
Last updated: January 2026
GTA 6 Release Update
GTA 6 is confirmed for November 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The PC version is expected approximately one year after console release. This marks 13 years since GTA 5's original launch.
Key Differences
Release
GTA 5
September 2013 (PS3/360), 2014 (PS4/XB1), 2015 (PC), 2022 (PS5/XSX)
GTA 6
November 2026 (PS5/XSX), PC version expected 2027
Improvement: 13 years of technology advancement between the original releases
Setting
GTA 5
Los Santos (Los Angeles) and Blaine County, California
GTA 6
Vice City (Miami) and Leonida (Florida)
Improvement: Return to beloved Vice City with modern graphics and larger map
Protagonists
GTA 5
Three protagonists: Michael, Franklin, and Trevor
GTA 6
Two protagonists: Lucia (first female lead) and Jason
Improvement: First playable female protagonist in main GTA series, Bonnie & Clyde storyline
Map Size
GTA 5
75.84 square miles (Los Santos and Blaine County)
GTA 6
Estimated to be significantly larger with more enterable buildings
Improvement: More detailed interiors, dynamic environment changes
Graphics Engine
GTA 5
RAGE (Rockstar Advanced Game Engine)
GTA 6
Enhanced RAGE with next-gen improvements
Improvement: Ray tracing, realistic water, dynamic weather, lifelike character animations
New Features in GTA 6
Prone Position
Players can now go prone (lie flat on the ground) for better cover and stealth during combat. This was not possible in GTA 5.
Shoulder Swapping
While aiming, players can switch which shoulder they aim over. Provides tactical advantage in cover-based combat.
Loot Bags
Physical loot bags must be carried after robberies. Affects movement speed and visible to NPCs and police.
In-Game Social Media
NPCs post about crimes on social networks. Your actions can trend digitally, affecting how NPCs react to you.
Dynamic Wanted System
Police AI completely overhauled. Cops investigate crime scenes, follow leads, and use more realistic tactics.
Character Tanning
Stay in the sun and your character develops a tan. Small detail showing the attention to realism.
Non-Lethal Options
Missions offer multiple outcomes. One trailer shows robbery where a slap replaces a gun, showing choice exists.
Improved First Person
First-person mode built from the ground up, not added later like GTA 5. More polished and less janky.
Technical Improvements
| Aspect | GTA 5 | GTA 6 |
|---|---|---|
| NPC AI | Basic routines, predictable behavior | Dynamic behavior, NPCs respond to events and player reputation |
| Police AI | Instant location knowledge, predictable response | Investigation-based, follows clues, more realistic tactics |
| Character Switching | Sometimes slow transitions due to hardware | Smooth next-gen transitions between Lucia and Jason |
| Weather | Static weather patterns | Dynamic hurricanes, realistic Florida weather simulation |
| Water Physics | Basic wave simulation | Advanced water physics, realistic ocean behavior |
| Vehicle Damage | Standard deformation model | Enhanced physics, more realistic destruction |
Protagonists Comparison
GTA 5 Characters
- Michael De Santa - Retired bank robber living in witness protection
- Franklin Clinton - Young hustler looking for real opportunities
- Trevor Philips - Unhinged criminal and Michael's former partner
GTA 6 Characters
- Lucia - First female protagonist in main GTA series, recently released from prison
- Jason - Lucia's partner in crime, Bonnie and Clyde style dynamic
The duo dynamic suggests more focused storytelling compared to GTA 5's three-way split.
GTA Online 2 Expectations
Living World
GTA Online 2 expected to feel like a living ecosystem that evolves over time, not static like current GTA Online.
Dynamic Events
More world events that players can participate in, creating emergent gameplay opportunities.
Deeper Progression
More detailed progression systems and job roles expected compared to current GTA Online.
Evolving Districts
Different areas of the map may change over time based on player activity and Rockstar updates.
Confirmed Information
- •Setting: Vice City (Miami) and the state of Leonida (Florida)
- •Release: November 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
- •Protagonists: Lucia and Jason as a criminal duo
- •Platforms: Next-gen consoles only at launch, PC later
- •Trailer: Official trailer released December 2023