GTA 6 plays as two protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, and you can switch between them, even mid-chase, when the story allows it confirmed. Around them, Rockstar has rebuilt the core systems: police who need a witness before they come, a limited weapon loadout, cars you have to fuel and crack, and money that can be lost if you don’t bank it reported.
Most of those details came from Rockstar’s August 2026 previews, the Extended Look and Edge’s October cover feature. Because they reached us through press, we grade them reported; Rockstar-posted facts are confirmed.
What’s new in GTA 6 gameplay?
- Heat, not just stars. Six wanted stars, and police track your clothes, car and face. Change outfits or split up to shake them.
- No weapon wheel. Two handguns and two long guns on you; the rest stays in your vehicle.
- Car crime with friction. Security tiers, theft tools, trackers, fuel and the Waink app.
- Money you can lose. Cash drops on Wasted or Busted; loot needs a fence.
- A relationship you can lose. The romance is optional, and partner activities build closeness.
Is it all confirmed?
No. Rockstar has posted very little gameplay detail itself. Our master features list grades every claim line by line, including one debunked rumour (that the wanted stars are gone).
Start here
- Confirmed features list: every system in one graded table.
- Wanted system and heat: six stars, witnesses and how to lose the cops.
- Weapons: every named gun and the new loadout.
- Vehicles: every officially named vehicle, theft and fuel.
- Money, banks and fences: bank vs cash vs loot.
- Phone and social media: Snapmatic, BuckMe, Waink, RydeMe.
- Character switching: why you can’t swap at any time.
- Criminal Profile: the Professional-to-Irredeemable meter.
- Activities and side content: fishing, diving, gyms, racing and more.
Where all of this happens is covered in the world and map hub. If you’re planning launch day, start with tips before you start.