Rockstar Games confirmed Grand Theft Auto VI launches worldwide on May 26, 2026, marking a delay from the original fall 2025 target. The developer cited quality standards as the primary reason for the postponement.
The game releases simultaneously at midnight local time across all global time zones. This staggered approach ensures players worldwide access GTA 6 at exactly 12:00 AM in their respective regions.
For multi-timezone countries, the unlock occurs at midnight in the earliest zone. United States players access the game at 12:00 AM Eastern Time, translating to 9:00 PM Pacific Time on May 25, 2026.
GTA 6 launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms simultaneously. PlayStation’s digital store already displays the game with confirmed timing, while Xbox’s store page remains pending but follows identical scheduling.
Xbox players can potentially access the game early by changing their console’s region settings to earlier time zones. This workaround exploits regional unlock differences, similar to previous major game releases.
The game takes place in Leonida state, featuring Vice City as the primary location. Additional confirmed areas include Leonida Keys, Grassrivers, Port Gellhorn, Ambrosia, and Mount Kalaga across the expanded map.
Fan analysis suggests the GTA 6 map spans over 1,000 rage units longer than GTA 5 vertically and 2,300 units longer horizontally. Industry rumors indicate the total map size exceeds GTA 5 by approximately 70 percent.
Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval serve as dual protagonists, representing the franchise’s first female lead character. Their Bonnie and Clyde-style partnership drives the criminal narrative through Vice City’s underworld.
Enhanced stealth mechanics include crawling, sneaking, and body-carrying features based on leaked footage. These additions expand tactical gameplay options beyond traditional gunfight sequences.
The game promises fast-paced action sequences featuring chases, heists, and intense shootouts. Rockstar positions this as their most immersive open-world experience to date.
Recent trailer analysis reveals advanced technical features including dedicated beer physics and sophisticated cloth animation systems. These details demonstrate significant technological advancement over previous franchise entries.
Familiar Vice City landmarks return, including the iconic Malibu Club and Ocean Drive. These locations blend nostalgia with modern visual fidelity for longtime franchise fans.
Over a decade separates GTA 6 from GTA 5’s September 2013 release. This extended development period reflects Rockstar’s commitment to delivering unprecedented quality and innovation.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick described GTA 6 as setting “creative benchmarks for the series, industry, and all entertainment”. These ambitious statements highlight the project’s massive scope and expectations.
The confirmed release date eliminates speculation while providing concrete planning timeframes for eager players worldwide.
