Grand Theft Auto VI, the long-awaited (and long-delayed) new entry in Rockstar Games’ iconic crime sandbox series, is set to launch on May 26, 2026. Considering GTA V’s ridiculous sales numbers (more than $800 million on its first day), it should be one of 2026’s most discussed and successful games.
However, Rockstar Games has been tight-lipped about what to expect from Grand Theft Auto VI. The company released just one tantalizing trailer, though you can find leaked, unfinished gameplay footage online. Right now, I can only speculate about the crime drama’s direction. Before GTA VI becomes a reality, here are seven features I’d like to see Rockstar Games include in its upcoming title.
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(Credit: Rockstar Games)
1. A Crime-Filled Love Story
Rumors suggest that GTA VI will be a tragic, criminal love story in the style of Bonnie and Clyde. The trailer seems to confirm this, focusing on a pair of lovers committing robberies. Two playable characters sound more manageable than GTA V’s trio (plus it will finally let us play as a woman). Grand Theft Auto is famous for its crass, satirical sense of humor. However, centering a serious adult relationship may give GTA VI a stronger emotional core closer to Rockstar Games’ Red Dead Redemption games. The main characters also appear Latino, which makes sense for the Miami-esque setting, so treating their story, humanity, and identity with respect would be a win for representation.
(Credit: Rockstar Games)
2. Bigger Heists
The GTA games let you indulge in debauchery in a sprawling city, but they need missions to provide structure. Grand Theft Auto V introduced elaborate, multi-step heists, and I’d love to see those return in GTA VI. Remember raiding federal buildings or stealing gold bullion? I want GTA VI heists to make me feel like I’m building an empire, not scraping by as a petty crook. It makes sense for the characters, ups the sense of scale, and deepens the gangster fantasy.
(Credit: Rockstar Games)
3. A Florida Fever Dream
GTA VI returns to the fake Miami, Florida setting last seen in the beloved Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The Sunshine State has gotten even crazier over the past 20 years, and I’m morbidly curious to see that shift reflected in GTA VI. The trailer references bonkers, real-world Florida headlines, such as the “Florida Joker” covered in clown makeup in his mugshot.
(Credit: Rockstar Games)
GTA VI should have an in-game social media system, considering how much the real world relies on the internet for breaking news and entertainment. Imagine committing elaborate crimes to garner viral influencer attention or making connections with shady associates via the dark web. GTA VI needn’t go full Watch Dogs, but it should leverage contemporary tech that wasn’t quite as popular when GTA V dropped. Your phone should be just as powerful as your gun and your car.
(Credit: Rockstar Games)
5. A Stellar, Modern Soundtrack
Grand Theft Auto games deliver amazing, curated soundtracks. In fact, sometimes those soundtracks are so good they cause licensing issues that prevent later re-releases. I fully expect Grand Theft Auto VI to continue this trend. There’s been so much incredible music, perfect for criminal Florida dirtbags, released in the decade since GTA V’s release. Just think of all the potential drill music, mumble rap, and synth wave that could ride GTA VI’s in-game airwaves. And with GTA VI spotlighting its first female protagonist, it’s only right that the soundtrack spotlights female artists, such as Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion. Will we get a reference to the Kendrick/Drake beef?
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(Credit: Rockstar Games)
6. Unexpected, Revolutionary Gameplay
Over the years, Rockstar has made some of the best and most influential games. But much like the rest of the industry, the developer’s output has dramatically slowed. The last major Rockstar game was Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018 (just forget about the disastrous Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy). Making a single AAA game on modern hardware requires so much time and manpower that it’s unsustainable. Granted, Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online made so much money that Rockstar can comfortably do as it pleases. Still, there’s pressure on Grand Theft Auto VI to prove the team still has what it takes to be the industry leader in the AAA gaming space.
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A 10-year gap between series titles is practically an eternity in the video game business, so GTA VI must be more than just a prettier, bigger GTA V. It needs to do revolutionary things in the open-world crime game space that inspire a new generation of imitators, just like GTA III did back in 2001. Hopefully, Rockstar has figured it out. They’ve certainly had enough time.
(Credit: Nintendo/PCMag)
7. GTA VI on the Nintendo Switch 2
On June 5, Nintendo launches the Nintendo Switch 2, the long-awaited follow-up to its original smash-hit hybrid system. With increased power, the console will have impressive third-party support, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Yakuza 0. However, I’m still unsure if it can handle Rockstar’s upcoming opus. But if Grand Theft Auto VI can run on Xbox Series S, there’s hope!. The delay into 2026 even gives more time to make this potential miracle port a reality. GTA VI needs to reach as many players as possible, so Nintendo and Rockstar should move heaven and Earth to get a version up and running on the next-generation portable. Plus, GTA games are just a blast on the go. Remember Chinatown Wars?
Grand Theft Auto VI is coming on May 26, 2026. To occupy your time until then, check out the 2025 release we’re most excited for.
About Jordan Minor
Senior Analyst, Software
