GTA 6 Gameplay: Every Confirmed Feature and Mechanic

Q: Does GTA 6 have a six-star wanted level?

Yes. The Extended Look shows a six-star maximum wanted level.

Last updated: September 23, 2026

Rockstar showed GTA 6 gameplay in depth in “An Extended Look” on August 27, 2026. Confirmed features include switching between Jason and Lucia mid-mission, cover-based combat with slow-motion aiming, a returning six-star wanted level, police who react to witnesses, and a big list of side activities. This page covers only what was shown or confirmed.

Two protagonists and switching

You play as both Jason and Lucia. The Extended Look shows the camera pulling out over Vice City and dropping in on the other character, like GTA 5’s switch system, including switches in the middle of missions.

Wanted level and police

Six-star wanted level, back from the classic GTA games (GTA 5 had five).
Crimes need to be witnessed or reported (for example by an alarm or a caller) before police respond.
Hollow wanted stars mean police are searching without a full ID of the suspect, according to IGN’s preview. Masks and switching vehicles help you escape.
Patrol cars, armed officers and helicopters join pursuits.

Combat and weapons

Cover-based shooting, a weapon wheel and slow-motion aiming that highlights targets
Close-quarters fighting with contextual prompts
Shooting from moving vehicles
Weapons shown include pistols, shotguns, assault rifles and Molotov cocktails
Ultimate Edition weapons: Hawk & Little Morgan revolvers, Girardi ES9 Custom and Klose K17 Custom pistols

Stealing cars

Cars no longer open instantly: you break in, and newer or more secure cars need specialized tools. According to IGN’s preview, an in-game app can scan parked cars to show their value, lock and alarm status.

Your character changes over time

According to IGN’s preview, going to the gym builds muscle, food affects body weight, and skipping sleep shows on your character’s face.

Phone, social media and animals

Phones appear throughout gameplay; livestreams and viral videos are part of Leonida’s culture.
Jason and Lucia can call and text each other and meet up in the open world.
You can pet, scold or study a dog, and newly discovered animal species are tracked by the game.

Side activities

Basketball, pool, gyms, swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, hunting, base jumping, shooting ranges, racing, jet skis, fanboats, e-scooters, bars and clubs. Full activities list →

FAQ

Does GTA 6 have a six-star wanted level?

Yes. The Extended Look shows a six-star maximum, up from GTA 5’s five.

Can you switch characters in GTA 6?

Yes, between Jason and Lucia, including mid-mission.

Is there first-person mode in GTA 6?

Rockstar hasn’t detailed camera options yet.