GTA 6 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games in history, and we just got a wave of new details thanks to the recent Take-Two Interactive investors call, updated trailer analysis, and some well-placed industry leaks.From the official release date to a deeper look at the GTA 6 map, gameplay features, and even when production officially began, here’s everything you need to know about Rockstar’s next big title.
GTA 6 Release Date Officially Set for May 26, 2026
Rockstar Games has officially confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on May 26, 2026. The new release date comes after a previously planned 2025 release window was delayed, a move many fans and analysts saw coming.
Interestingly, despite the firm date, pre-orders for GTA 6 have not yet opened, which has raised a few eyebrows. Some believe Rockstar may be holding back to avoid early backlash over a possible $100 price tag, while others speculate it’s part of their marketing strategy to build anticipation.
Insiders, including Jason Schreier, have reported that Rockstar still needs additional time for polish, suggesting that even the May 2026 date isn’t guaranteed. Still, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick remains confident. In a recent IGN interview, he said:
“When we’ve set a specific date in the past, we’ve generally been very good about meeting it.”
That’s true—Rockstar rarely misses a confirmed date once it’s public. But with a full year of development still ahead, a smaller delay into late 2026 isn’t off the table.
When Did GTA 6 Development Actually Start?
Many fans have speculated that GTA 6 development began right after GTA 5, but according to Take-Two, full production didn’t officially begin until 2020, following the massive success of Red Dead Redemption 2.
That said, pre-production likely started earlier—possibly in 2018—while Rockstar worked on upgrading their RAGE engine and planning out the world of GTA 6. This lines up with the 2021 leak, which showcased surprisingly advanced visuals for a build that was only about a year into development.
GTA 6 Map Size: Just How Big Will It Be?
One of the biggest talking points around GTA 6 is the map size. Based on recent leaks, official trailers, and ongoing efforts from the GTA 6 Mapping Project, we now have a much better picture of just how massive this open world is going to be.
Key GTA 6 Map Locations:
Vice City (main hub, coastal metro area)
Leonida Keys (southern region, potentially another major city)
Port Gellhorn (western part of the map, semi-urban)
Mountain ranges, lakes, wetlands, and more to the north
The map is set in the fictional state of Leonida, inspired by Florida, and may even include parts of the neighboring Gloriana State. Rockstar has also confirmed that the world will feature multiple biomes, including:
Beaches
Swamps
Suburbs
Plains
Deserts
Forests
Mountains
Even without considering the leaked footage, official promotional material already reveals a diverse and massive world, likely Rockstar’s biggest open-world map to date.
Interior Access in GTA 6: A Huge Gameplay Upgrade
One of the most exciting features reportedly coming to GTA 6 is the sheer number of enterable buildings.
For reference, GTA 5 featured around 449 interior locations. According to leaks and insider sources, GTA 6 could see up to 40% of all buildings be explorable—a dramatic leap that would add thousands of accessible interiors to the game.
This not only makes the map feel more alive but also greatly enhances immersion and gameplay variety. Think: stores, apartments, restaurants, and skyscrapers—now actually accessible.
Why GTA 6 Could Be Rockstar’s Most Ambitious Game Yet
Between the massive map, interior depth, and extra time spent on polish, it’s clear Rockstar is going all out with GTA VI. The game is expected to be:
The largest Rockstar map ever
Filled with highly detailed, diverse biomes
Featuring next-gen engine upgrades and visuals
Packed with immersive interiors and interactivity
Driven by a tight focus on perfection and polish
As of now, everything seems to be on track for the May 26, 2026 release. But given Rockstar’s history, a small delay into Fall 2026 wouldn’t be surprising.
Either way, GTA 6 is going to be a game-changer.
TL;DR — GTA 6 at a Glance
Feature Details
Release Date May 26, 2026 (official)
Started Development Full production began in 2020
Map Size Likely Rockstar’s biggest yet
Interior Access Up to 40% of buildings may be enterable
Confirmed Biomes Beaches, cities, swamps, mountains, deserts
Platforms PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (likely later)
Final Thoughts
GTA 6 is easily the most anticipated open-world game of this decade, and all signs point to Rockstar delivering something truly groundbreaking. Whether it hits the May 2026 release or slips into the fall, what’s certain is that we’re in for one of the most immersive and expansive open-world games ever made.
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