Rockstar Games has finally revealed the highly anticipated next entry in their iconic open-world franchise. Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on May 26, 2026, exclusively for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S platforms. After years of speculation, fans can now look forward to returning to the sun-soaked streets of Vice City.
The game takes place in the fictional state of Leonida, described as the "sunniest place in America." However, beneath the gleaming surface lies a darker side where ambition, greed, and crime flourish. When the sun sets and neon lights illuminate the streets, Rockstar promises a world where "everyone has something to gain — and more to lose."
Explore the Diverse State of Leonida
Players will explore various locations throughout the state of Leonida, each with its own distinct atmosphere and opportunities:
- Vice City: Dubbed the "sun and fun capital of America," this metropolis captures the "glamour, hustle, and greed" of modern America. Diverse neighborhoods range from the art deco architecture of Ocean Beach to the authentic panaderías of Little Cuba.
- The Leonida Keys: Known as the "Gateway to Paradise," this tropical archipelago offers stunning coastal scenery.
- Grassrivers: The "untamable jewel" of Leonida's wetlands provides a stark contrast to urban environments.
- Port Gellhorn: This "forgotten coast" runs on a new economy of illicit substances.
- Ambrosia: A place where "American industry and old school values still reign supreme."
- Mount Kalaga: Offers outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and off-road trails in what's described as the "Wild, Wild Country."
Meet Jason and Lucia: Dual Protagonists with Different Backgrounds
For the first time since GTA V, the series returns to multiple protagonists. The narrative centers around two characters with intertwining fates:
Lucia Caminos: Fighting Against the Odds
Fresh out of Leonida Penitentiary, Lucia's life has been defined by struggle. Taught to fight by her father from a young age, she's determined to create the good life her mother dreamed about since their days in Liberty City. With nothing to lose, Lucia believes "The only thing that matters is who you know and what you got." She's ready to change her fortune, no matter the cost.
Jason Duval: Seeking an Escape
Jason wants an "easy life," but circumstances keep pushing him toward danger. Despite trying to escape his past with military service, he ended up back in the Keys working for local drug runners. Meeting Lucia could be his salvation or his downfall. As he puts it: "Another day in paradise, right?"
A Criminal Journey Across Leonida
The story begins when what should have been an easy score goes terribly wrong. This mishap throws Jason and Lucia into the heart of a criminal conspiracy spanning the entire state. To survive, they must rely on each other more than ever before.
Colorful Supporting Cast
The world of GTA VI features a diverse supporting cast of characters:
- Cal Hampton: Jason's paranoid friend who monitors Coast Guard communications.
- Boobie Ike: A "local Vice City legend" who transformed street life into a legitimate business empire including real estate, a strip club, and a recording studio.
- Dre'Quan Priest: A hustler breaking into the music industry through his partnership with Boobie Ike at "Only Raw Records."
- Real Dimez: A rap duo comprised of Bae-Luxe and Roxy, known for viral content and signed to Only Raw Records.
- Raul Bautista: A "seasoned bank robber" known for his confidence and cunning, but whose increasing recklessness raises the stakes.
- Brian Heder: A veteran drug runner operating from his boat yard in the Keys who lets Jason live rent-free in exchange for help with local "business."
The Return of an Iconic Setting
Grand Theft Auto VI marks a return to Vice City, one of the most beloved locations in GTA history. First featured prominently in 2002's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, this fictional version of Miami captured players' imaginations with its vibrant 1980s aesthetic.
Now, over two decades later, players will experience a modern reimagining of this iconic location within the broader context of the state of Leonida. The combination of nostalgic setting and fresh characters promises to deliver the perfect blend of familiarity and innovation.
Coming Spring 2026
Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. As one of the most anticipated video games of all time, it follows the unprecedented success of Grand Theft Auto V, which remains one of the best-selling entertainment products ever created.
For long-time fans and newcomers alike, the return to Vice City offers a chance to experience the next evolution of Rockstar's open-world design and storytelling.
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