Animals are returning to GTA, and they’re going to be more detailed than ever.
In a recent Game Informer cover story for Grand Theft Auto VI, developer Rockstar Games revealed a bevy of information regarding the open world game’s new features. These features include actual in-game hurricanes, 170 animal species, fast travel systems, and much more.
There’s quite a lot of information to go through, but we’ll cover it all below.
Grand Theft Auto VI
Release Date: 19 November, 2026
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S Series
Developer: Rockstar Games
Price: US$80 for Standard Edition, US$100 for Ultimate Edition
Will GTA VI have hurricanes?
Hurricanes are endemic to Florida, the state which GTA VI’s main location, Leonida, is based on. Hence, players have long speculated over their inclusion in-game. Rockstar confirmed as much this week, noting that hurricanes will be a part of the game’s new weather systems. However, the developer stopped short of explaining just how strong these hurricanes will be, and how they will impact gameplay.
Specifically, the developer said that the game will have “heavy clouds, strong winds, dense atmospherics, and a lot of rain combine so that everything is dripping wet, water is gushing off roof edges and lampposts, thunder rumbles and flashes of lightning light up the clouds dramatically.”
Rockstar has also retooled its weather systems to be more dynamic and persistent in GTA VI. This means that, much like real life, players will be able to see sunny skies in one part of the map and still see an approaching storm in the distance. Rainbows and puddles will signal that it recently rained in an area even if players weren’t present for it, and the wind can affect the environment by blowing the player’s hair up and pushing debris about.
How big is GTA VI’s map?
GTA VI’s map will officially be twice as big as GTA V’s map, according to Rockstar North’s co-studio head Aaron Garbut. The map will also be packed with detail, with Garbut saying that “This world is a cohesive whole with the density of content and a hand-crafted quality to every bit."
The map will consist of six different regions, all of which players can explore simply by playing through the story. While there is plenty of room to wander off the beaten path, the campaign will cover the contrasting aspects of Leonida’s richer and poorer areas. Players can also hop in ride share cars to travel around the area quickly, but they might end up with other passengers and have conversations along the way.
The game’s parody of Instagram, Snapmatic, can be scrolled through like real social media. However, Jason and Lucia won’t be able to post on the platform in order to keep themselves on the down low. Other side activities include base jumping, jet skiing, car racing, mini golf, going to the gym, scuba diving, visiting zoos, and kayaking.
Does GTA VI have animals?
Players will be able to not just see, but interact with a whopping 170 different species of animals in GTA VI. That number includes over 30 land mammals, over 60 birds, and a number of other fish and reptiles. Rockstar’s vice president of dynamic art, Michael Kane, explained that:
“Florida has a diverse animal ecosystem that we wanted to faithfully include across the different biomes in Leonida–urban and rural environs, aquatic life both inland and ocean, and the wetland habitats like the swamps and Everglades [...] The animal art and population teams are incredibly passionate about delivering animals that are accurately researched and look visually correct in every respect, alongside the supporting movement and animation to bring them to life.”
Different underwater animals like jellyfish and turtles will behave in unique ways compared to land animals, and can be encountered while exploring underwater environments. Red Dead Redemption 2 also featured hunting as a major game mechanic, and Game Informer’s cover story seems to hint at its return here. One screenshot sees Jason coming towards a deer with a rifle, and the ability to track animals has been confirmed.
Much like Red Dead Redemption 2, rare animal types will also be in the game.
How does robbing work in GTA VI?
Players will be able to work in tandem as Jason and Lucia while carrying out criminal activities in Leonida. This means that if there’s a wanted level on their heads, they’ll be able to split up and let one or the other take the heat for the crime. Cars will also be more tricky to steal, as higher-end cars will have trackers or security systems to deal with.
Can you romance Jason or Lucia in GTA VI?
Jason and Lucia can either engage in a platonic or romantic relationship in GTA VI, depending on the player’s actions. These choices will ultimately determine the outcome of the game’s story, with Rockstar saying that players are encouraged to replay the game and see different outcomes to their choices. However, you won’t be able to break them up.
What clothing is available in GTA VI?
GTA VI’s NPCs can vary in height, weight, and general body type. Some NPCs may have tans and moles, presenting a pretty varied population for Leonida as a whole. There will even be culturally-accurate tattoo styles to represent the state’s diversity. Players can also impact how Jason and Lucia look by taking them to the gym, bulking them up in due time.
The game will also have a ton of clothing options for players to dress up Jason and Lucia with. Hair and grooming options for Jason and Lucia have also been expanded upon. Kane said to Game Informer:
“We’ve been able to really go hard on that with creating the biggest range of garments and accessories we’ve ever made–supported with rich, realistic materials. That surfacing includes colour, patterns and branding that are both area-appropriate, but also tied to context (states of dirt/weathering and fitment) for the characters themselves and their social situation and how they inhabit Leonida. Shoes, sneakers, and colourways that we know carry cultural weight as items–likewise watches, sunglasses, or hats.”
