It feels almost surreal to say, but after more than a decade of waiting, the colossus of the gaming world is finally on the horizon. In just a few short months, Grand Theft Auto VI—the follow-up to the highest-earning entertainment product of all time—will be released into the wild.
With a reported development and marketing budget surpassing one billion dollars, GTA VI isn’t just another sequel; it is a cultural event. The original Grand Theft Auto V, released in 2013, became a perpetual motion machine of revenue for developer Rockstar Games, selling over 200 million copies and redefining what was possible in an open-world sandbox. The expectations for its successor, arriving nearly 13 years later, are stratospheric.
Set to launch on November 19, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the plot, the setting, the trailers, and the consoles to prepare you for the biggest game of the year—and possibly the decade.
What is the Plot of Grand Theft Auto VI?
For the first time in the mainline series’ history, GTA VI will feature a narrative centered on a dual-protagonist couple, drawing heavy inspiration from infamous real-life criminals Bonnie and Clyde.
The story follows Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval. Lucia, fresh out of prison, sees her relationship with Jason as a potential “way out” and a fresh start. According to Rockstar’s official website, the pair’s journey begins when “an easy score goes wrong,” plunging them into a dangerous spiral that forces them to navigate “the darkest side of the sunniest place in America.”
Beyond the two leads, Rockstar is populating its world with a colorful cast of characters that feel ripped from a Florida-centric crime news feed. Confirmed characters include:
Cal Hampton: Jason’s friend.
Boobie Ike: A legendary figure in the game’s version of Vice City.
Dre’Quan Priest: An aspiring musician navigating the state’s underworld.
Bae-Luxe and Roxy: A duo of friends likely connected to the game’s social scene.
Raul Bautista: A professional bank robber.
Brian Heder: A smuggler operating in the region.
Where Does Grand Theft Auto VI Take Place?
The game is set in the fictional state of Leonida, Rockstar’s over-the-top satire of modern Florida. This setting marks a massive return to form for the series, as it will include a reimagined Vice City—the iconic, neon-drenched stand-in for Miami that was the star of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City back in 2002.
Beyond Vice City, the state of Leonida will reportedly encompass a wide variety of locales based on real-world Floridian geography, from the swamps of the Everglades to the sprawling suburbs and beach towns that line the coast. This diverse landscape promises to be the most detailed and interactive open world Rockstar has ever built.
When is the Release Date?
Mark your calendars. After a brief delay from an initial window in early 2026, Grand Theft Auto VI is officially scheduled for a global release on November 19, 2026.
What Consoles Will It Be On?
For players hoping to jump back into the world on older hardware, there’s some disappointing news. Rockstar is focusing its efforts on the current generation of consoles to push graphical fidelity and performance to the limit.
GTA VI has been officially confirmed for:
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X|S
It has not been confirmed for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or PC. While a PC release is highly likely in the future, history suggests it could be a year or more after the console launch before PC players get to join the heist.
Why the Radio Silence?
Aside from two breathtaking cinematic trailers, Rockstar and its publisher, Take-Two Interactive, have maintained an unusually tight lid on information. This is by design. During an earnings call in 2026, Take-Two confirmed that the full-scale marketing campaign for the game will not begin until summer 2026. The company is intentionally compressing the marketing window to keep the game’s details fresh in players’ minds as they approach the finish line.
Will There Be a Physical Copy?
Amid rumors suggesting that GTA VI might launch as a digital-only title, with physical discs delayed until 2027, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has moved to set the record straight. “That’s not the plan,” he told Variety, confirming that physical copies will be available alongside digital downloads at launch.
