Rockstar Games confirmed that GTA 6 contains over ten times the amount of unique animations found in GTA 5, and double those in Red Dead Redemption 2. According to Eurogamer, the scale of animated detail in the upcoming release reflects the ambitious technological leap of the project.
Beyond animations, GTA 6's map is three times larger than Red Dead Redemption 2's and twice the size of GTA 5's, as Rockstar confirmed to the New York Times. Vice City, the main setting, is double the size of Los Santos, while the city and its surroundings total eleven times the area of Los Santos and its suburbs.
Weapon management undergoes radical changes. Unlike previous titles, protagonists Jason and Lucia can carry only two handguns and two long guns, with secondary weapons remaining hidden and long weapons visible on the character. Vehicle trunks function as inventory extensions.
Stealing cars also gained layers of complexity. While older vehicles can still be broken into using the traditional quick method, modern models require a slim jim tool with a control stick minigame. According to GameSpot, the theft method varies based on vehicle type.
The game also features a Criminal Profile system similar to Red Dead Redemption 2's honor mechanic, tracking player crime violence. Vehicle physics gained more weight and realistic behavior, moving away from GTA 5's arcade feel. Rob Nelson, Rockstar North co-director, states that the realism level sits between GTA 5 and Red Dead 2, but with extreme attention to detail.
