GTA 6 isn’t just a bigger map. Rockstar has reworked how police chase you, how you steal cars, how you get around and how Jason and Lucia’s relationship grows. Pulling together Rockstar’s interviews and hands-on previews with IGN, Edge, GamesRadar and The Guardian, here are the confirmed GTA 6 gameplay features you should know before launch.
Quick answer: In GTA 6, police only come after you if a witness sees a crime or an alarm sounds, and changing your outfit can lose them. Many cars are locked and need tools like a key cloner. Your phone can scan cars for locks, alarms and trackers. Ryde Me, an in-game ride app, works as fast travel. You can switch between Jason and Lucia, build their relationship, and hit the gym, which really changes your character.
Want the full details? GTA6 Basecamp lists every confirmed detail with sources: GTA 6 gameplay details from Rockstar’s interviews.
1. A smarter wanted system
- Crimes are only reported if a witness sees them or an alarm goes off.
- Officers remember your outfit, so buying new clothes can clear your “heat.”
- Splitting up Jason and Lucia, or switching cars, can help shake pursuers.
- A focus mode, similar to Eagle Eye in Red Dead Redemption 2, highlights nearby police.
- Wanted levels can reach six stars, as shown in the Extended Look.
GTA6 Basecamp has a full guide: how to lose the police in GTA 6.
2. Car theft takes skill
There’s no one-button hotwiring. Some cars need tools such as a key cloner or slim jim. You can always carjack someone, but drivers may flee or fight back.
3. Your phone scans cars
Point your phone at a car to see whether it’s locked, has an alarm or a tracker, its resale value and registration cost. Cars with advanced trackers reveal your location unless you drive fast.
4. Your personal vehicle is a mobile base
You can call it any time, and it stores spare outfits and every weapon you’ve bought.
5. Ryde Me fast travel
An in-game ride-hailing app, Ryde Me, doubles as fast travel. Rockstar also says working buses and trains exist, and the team tested getting across the map using only public transport.
6. Switch between Jason and Lucia
You can swap between the two leads, much like GTA 5’s three-character system. GTA6 Basecamp explains how to switch characters in GTA 6. Meet them in GTA 6 characters explained.
7. A relationship system that matters
Jason and Lucia’s bond grows through activities like pool, mini golf, kayaking and heists. You can text or call any time, and ignoring a goodnight message may slightly hurt the relationship. Rockstar’s Rob Nelson told IGN there’s no direct gameplay bonus, but how you nurture it affects how their story plays out.
8. Safehouses like RDR2’s camps
Nelson compared safehouses to the camps in Red Dead Redemption 2, places that feel lived in.
9. Money gates parts of the story
Some story sections require you to earn cash before missions continue.
10. Everyday life changes your character
- Gyms build strength, and overeating adds weight.
- Salons offer new hairstyles.
- Jason can eat a donut and drink a beer while walking, as The Guardian’s preview noted.
11. Wildlife and photography
Studying wildlife returns from RDR2 as a collection activity, and there are more than 170 animal species, per Game Informer. GTA6 Basecamp covers GTA 6 photo mode and Snapmatic. More in the Game Informer cover story.
Frequently asked questions
How does the GTA 6 wanted system work?
Police respond to witnesses and alarms, remember your outfit, and can be shaken by changing clothes or cars. Wanted levels go up to six stars.
Can you steal any car in GTA 6?
You can always carjack, but many parked cars are locked and need tools to steal quietly.
Is there fast travel in GTA 6?
Yes. The Ryde Me app works as fast travel, and you can take buses and trains.
Can you switch characters in GTA 6?
Yes, between Jason and Lucia.
For guides, walkthroughs and daily GTA 6 news from launch, visit gta6basecamp.com.
Sources: IGN (Rob Nelson interview via Inven Global), Edge, GamesRadar+, The Guardian, Game Informer, PC Gamer, GTA6 Basecamp.
