After more than a decade of waiting, Grand Theft Auto VI is finally on the horizon. Rockstar Games has confirmed its release date, shown off multiple trailers, and provided the first official details about the story, characters, and setting. That hasn't stopped the flood of rumors and leaks that have surrounded the game since development began, and fans are combing through every shred of information they can find in the lead-up to launch.

This article compiles everything we know so far - including confirmed facts, credible leaks, and industry speculation - to give you the clearest picture yet of what's coming when GTA 6 lands.

GTA 6 Release Date and Launch Platforms

Rockstar has officially set Tuesday, May 26, 2026, as the release date for Grand Theft Auto VI. The game will launch first on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC release expected later in the year.

As with many major global releases, GTA 6 will launch at midnight local time in each time zone. That means New Zealand will get to play first, while players in North America and Europe will have to wait until their clock strikes 12. In countries with multiple time zones, the earliest zone will unlock first.

The May 2026 release represents a delay from Rockstar's earlier target of 2025. In an official statement, the studio explained that the extra time is necessary to deliver "the level of quality you expect and deserve." Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick echoed this sentiment, saying they "fully support" Rockstar taking additional time to achieve its creative vision.

PC Release Timeline

Historically, Rockstar has released its major titles on consoles first, with PC versions following six to twelve months later. CEO Strauss Zelnick has hinted that this approach will be repeated for GTA 6, stating that Rockstar will "make more announcements in due time" regarding PC.

If that timeline holds, PC players can expect GTA 6 sometime between late 2026 and mid-2027. As with previous titles, the PC version may arrive with enhanced visuals, improved performance options, and possibly expanded modding support.

Price Expectations and Editions

While no official price has been confirmed, industry analyst Matthew Ball predicts that GTA 6 could become the first major AAA release to carry a $100 standard edition price tag. This would break the current $70 ceiling and could signal a wider industry shift, especially for massive, resource-intensive open-world games.

Collector's and deluxe editions are almost certain, potentially including physical merchandise, in-game bonuses, and early access. Given the franchise's popularity, analysts expect GTA 6 to generate over $1 billion in pre-order sales alone - a figure that would set new industry records.

GTA 6 on Game Pass?

One thing players shouldn't count on is a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass. Zelnick has confirmed that this will not happen. There are also long-running rumors of a marketing exclusivity arrangement between Rockstar and Sony, bolstered by the fact that both trailers so far have been captured on PS5 hardware.

While this doesn't mean Xbox players will be left behind in terms of features or performance, it does suggest that Sony may have some early promotional advantages.

Setting and Story: Welcome Back to Vice City

Both trailers have confirmed what many leaks hinted at for years - GTA 6 will return to Vice City, Rockstar's fictionalized take on Miami, Florida. The setting extends beyond the city itself into the wider state of Leonida, featuring swamps, small towns, highways, and beachside communities.

The story follows two protagonists:

·Lucia Caminos, a woman introduced leaving prison at the start of trailer 2.

·Jason Duval, her partner in crime.

Rockstar describes the narrative as a Bonnie-and-Clyde-style crime spree, with the duo becoming entangled in a statewide conspiracy. They'll have to rely on each other to survive, suggesting a mix of cooperative and solo missions. The player will reportedly be able to switch between the two, as in GTA V, but also control both simultaneously in certain scenarios.

Trailers and Gameplay Teasers

Trailer 1 (December 4, 2023) - Released early due to a leak, this 91-second teaser confirmed Vice City's return and showcased iconic landmarks like the Malibu Club and Ocean Drive. It emphasized vibrant street life, from beach parties to chaotic police chases.

Trailer 2 (May 6, 2025) - This longer look introduced Jason and Lucia properly, showing them committing robberies, evading police, and exploring varied environments. The tone is more narrative-driven, hinting at a deeper personal story compared to GTA V's more satirical approach.

Major Gameplay Leaks and Rumors

While Rockstar has kept official gameplay details minimal, credible leaks suggest:

·Five story chapters plus a prologue. Trailer 2 reportedly only features scenes from the first three chapters.

·The six-star wanted level will return, increasing the stakes during police chases.

·Limited carry capacity, requiring players to store extra gear in Jason's car trunk.

·An honor system inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2, affecting NPC reactions and story outcomes.

·A Dead Eye-style targeting ability, potentially unique to each protagonist.

·The option to play as either character solo or control both in tandem during certain missions.

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These features, if accurate, suggest a hybrid of GTA V's open-world chaos with the narrative depth and realism of RDR2.

How Long Will GTA 6 Be?

A recent unverified leak claims that GTA 6's main story will last around 75 hours, not counting side content, minigames, and online play. Given Rockstar's history, the real figure could be far higher, especially for completionists.

The State of Hype: Can GTA 6 Live Up to Expectations?

The launch of GTA 6 will be unlike anything the gaming industry has seen in over a decade. GTA V sold over 185 million copies and generated billions in revenue, driven by its massive online component. The follow-up has to satisfy fans of both the single-player and multiplayer experiences.

Industry experts expect GTA 6 to set sales records in its first 24 hours, potentially surpassing the $1 billion launch revenue milestone that GTA V achieved in 2013. Rockstar's challenge will be balancing cutting-edge storytelling and gameplay innovation with the freedom and chaos that made the franchise famous.

In summary:

·Release Date: May 26, 2026 (PS5 & Xbox Series X|S)

·PC Release: Late 2026 or 2027

·Setting: Vice City & the state of Leonida

·Protagonists: Jason Duval & Lucia Caminos

·Story: Bonnie & Clyde-inspired crime spree with conspiracy elements

·Confirmed Trailers: December 2023 & May 2025

·Rumored Features: Six-star wanted level, honor system, Dead Eye-style targeting, limited carry capacity

·Price: Possibly $100 standard edition

·Game Pass: Not at launch

When the day finally comes, GTA 6 won't just be another release - it will be a global event.