In GTA 6, smart police, complex car thefts, and free mission progression will be added

In GTA 6, there will be more freedom in completing missions, more complex car theft, and a reworked wanted system that accounts for witnesses, character appearance, and the vehicle being used.

This was shared by one of the heads of Rockstar North, Rob Nelson, in an interview with IGN on October 7. During a closed-door presentation, the developers demonstrated exploration of Vice City, robberies, and police chases.

Freedom of action and mission completion

In GTA VI, players will be able to choose their own methods for completing tasks. For example, during a mission where Jason and Lucia are surrounded by police in a high-rise building, several escape routes are available.

In another mission, after meeting Raul, the player first controls Jason, who fires back at pursuers while Lucia drives the car. Then, control shifts to Lucia, allowing the player to choose the route and attempt to lose the police.

Decisions will vary in significance: some directly influence the development of events, while the consequences of others may accumulate.

Car theft and security systems

To steal certain parked cars in GTA 6, special tools will be required, which are unlocked as the story progresses. These include a car lockpick and a key signal cloning device. The ability to pull a driver out of a moving vehicle will remain.

The WAiNK scanner on the smartphone will allow players to check if a car is locked, whether it has an alarm and GPS tracker installed, and to find out the car’s value at a fence and the cost of re-registering it.

Some expensive cars are equipped with tracking systems. A flashing red indicator will warn of an active tracker. If a stolen car moves too slowly, the system will transmit its location to the police.

Stolen cars can be sold to fences who also offer side missions. For example, you may need to retrieve an expensive vehicle from a police impound lot using a pre-acquired access code. Damaged vehicles will fetch a lower price.

Smart police and wanted system

In GTA VI, the wanted system will feature six stars instead of the five in GTA V. Police receive reports of crimes from witnesses and alarm systems, but they do not always immediately identify the suspect.

Empty white stars indicate that the police are aware of a crime but do not yet have a description of the perpetrator. By quickly leaving the area, you can avoid a full-scale pursuit.

The police also remember the character’s face, clothing, and vehicle. To lose your wanted level, you will need to change clothes, switch vehicles, or alter your appearance. Simply changing a hat or glasses will not work. Spare clothing can be stored in the trunk of your personal car.

Active search areas are marked on the map. Returning to such a zone can resume the pursuit even after a successful escape.

At three stars, escaping by car in heavy city traffic will become more difficult. Players will be able to evade pursuit on foot through courtyards, alleys, and over fences. Jason and Lucia will also be able to split up to make identification more difficult.

Focus mode will allow you to detect nearby police officers by highlighting them in the environment.

Heists, characters, and the open world

At certain stages of the story, the protagonists will have to earn money on their own by selling stolen cars or committing robberies.

Unlike in other games, safes can be opened in several ways. You can find the code or use explosives, but the latter option may damage some of the loot. A pre-staged getaway car at the entrance will simplify the escape.

Passersby will be able to notice being followed, react to intense scrutiny, engage in conflicts, and use weapons. The animation system automatically adjusts to the height and build of the characters.

Jason and Lucia’s relationship will depend on the time they spend together. The characters will be able to go for walks, exercise, and visit various locations. Ignoring a partner’s messages for a long time may worsen the relationship.

The open world will also feature exclusive hairstyles and clothing in select stores, as well as the ability to study animals, similar to Red Dead Redemption 2.

Release date of GTA 6

Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The release date for the PC version has not yet been announced.