[Last Updated: February 2026]
[This article is updated regularly as new info drops. Bookmark it.]
Thirteen years. That’s how long it’s been between GTA V (September 2013) and GTA 6 (November 2026). In that time, we’ve seen three console generations, the rise and fall of multiple gaming trends, and approximately one billion Shark Card purchases. So what has Rockstar actually improved? Based on the trailers, confirmed features, and Rockstar’s own evolution through Red Dead Redemption 2, here’s every major difference between GTA 5 and GTA 6.
Graphics: A Generational Leap
| Feature | GTA 5 | GTA 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Tracing | None (added in Enhanced Edition, limited) | Full RT reflections, GI, possibly path tracing |
| Lighting | Baked lighting + dynamic sun | Real-time global illumination |
| Water | Good for 2013, flat at distance | Realistic ocean with wave physics, volumetric foam |
| NPC Detail | Moderate polygon count, limited variety | High-fidelity models, visible body hair, working watches |
| Weather | Rain, sun, fog, occasional thunderstorms | Tropical storms, hurricanes, heat haze, dynamic flooding |
| Vegetation | Basic trees and grass | Dense, varied foliage with wind physics |
The visual gap is enormous. GTA V was originally a PS3/Xbox 360 game, and even the Enhanced Edition is limited by its foundational engine. GTA 6 is built from the ground up for PS5/Series X hardware, and the difference is immediately apparent in every trailer frame.
Map: Bigger, Denser, More Diverse
| Aspect | GTA 5 | GTA 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Map Size | ~75 km² | ~125 km² (estimated, 67% larger) |
| Setting | Los Santos (LA) + Blaine County | Vice City (Miami) + Leonida (Florida) |
| Biomes | City, desert, mountains, countryside | City, swamps, keys, beaches, rural, mountains |
| Interiors | Limited (most buildings not enterable) | Significantly more enterable buildings |
| Underwater | Scuba diving, submarines | Expected expansion with coral reefs, shipwrecks |
| Water Area | Ocean on three sides | Ocean + islands + swamp waterways + intercoastal |
For a deep dive into the map, see our GTA 6 Map Guide.
Characters and Story
| Aspect | GTA 5 | GTA 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Protagonists | 3 (Michael, Franklin, Trevor) | 2 (Lucia, Jason) |
| Relationship | Criminal associates | Romantic partners in crime |
| Female Protagonist | No | Yes (Lucia — series first) |
| Tone | Dark comedy, satire | Satire + more grounded drama |
| Social Commentary | Hollywood, tech industry, American excess | Social media, influencer culture, immigration |
The shift from three loosely connected criminals to two lovers in crime suggests more focused, emotionally invested storytelling. Read more in our GTA 6 Characters guide.
Gameplay Mechanics
| Mechanic | GTA 5 | GTA 6 |
|---|---|---|
| NPC Interaction | Limited (push, punch, shoot) | RDR2-style dialogue (Greet, Threaten, Rob) |
| Combat | Standard third-person cover shooter | Hand-switching, zip ties, human shields, stealth |
| Melee | Basic punching | Fighting system with underground fighting |
| Police AI | Star-based wanted system | NPC memory, facial recognition, vehicle tracking |
| Character Stats | Fixed abilities per character | Gym/fitness system returns (San Andreas style) |
| Social Media | Lifeinvader (minimal gameplay impact) | Active in-game social media affecting wanted level |
| Phone | Calls, texts, internet | Calls, texts, internet, hacking tool |
| Stealth | Basic (crouch + silencer) | Dedicated stealth system with crouching |
Full breakdown in our GTA 6 Gameplay Features article.
Vehicles and Driving
| Aspect | GTA 5 | GTA 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Count | ~350 (with Online updates) | 200+ spotted in trailers (launch only) |
| Driving Physics | Arcade-leaning | Improved realism (between GTA 4 and 5) |
| Vehicle Damage | Good deformation model | Enhanced: bumpers detach, detailed crumpling |
| Boats | Standard selection | Expanded: airboats, jet skis, more variety |
| Customization | Los Santos Customs (extensive) | Expected expansion with more options |
Physics and World Simulation
GTA V’s RAGE engine was impressive for 2013. GTA 6’s upgraded RAGE engine is in another league:
- Water physics: GTA 5 had flat ocean. GTA 6 shows volumetric waves, realistic foam, and flowing swamp currents.
- Cloth physics: Character clothing reacts to movement and wind dynamically.
- Hair physics: Visible individual strands and body hair on character models.
- Destruction: More detailed environmental damage and vehicle deformation.
- Weather effects: Flooding, dynamic puddles, wind affecting objects.
Online Mode
| Aspect | GTA V Online | GTA 6 Online (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Player Count | 30 per session | 50+ expected |
| Heists | Added 18 months after launch | Expected at or near launch |
| Loading | Infamously long (improved on next-gen) | NVMe SSD = near-instant |
| Cheating | Rampant (peer-to-peer) | Hopefully dedicated servers |
| Cross-Platform | No | Console cross-play likely |
| Economy Start | 13 years of inflation | Fresh start for everyone |
More details in our GTA 6 Online guide.
Technical Specifications
| Spec | GTA 5 (Original) | GTA 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Original Platform | PS3/Xbox 360 | PS5/Xbox Series X|S only |
| Target Resolution | 720p (original), 4K (enhanced) | 4K with ray tracing |
| Target FPS | 30 FPS (original), 60 FPS (enhanced) | 30-60 FPS depending on mode |
| Development Cost | ~$265 million | $1+ billion |
| Development Time | ~5 years | 10+ years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GTA 6 better than GTA 5?
Based on everything we’ve seen, GTA 6 is a massive improvement in every category: graphics, AI, gameplay mechanics, map design, and story ambition. Whether the story is “better” remains to be seen, but technically it’s a generational leap.
Should I play GTA 5 before GTA 6?
GTA 6 is a standalone story set in a different city with new characters. Playing GTA 5 isn’t required. However, GTA 5 is still an excellent game and provides context for how the series has evolved.
Will GTA 5 still be popular after GTA 6?
GTA 5’s single-player will remain a classic. GTA Online will gradually decline as players migrate to GTA 6 Online, but may persist for years in a reduced capacity.
Is the GTA 6 map really bigger than GTA 5?
Yes. Community estimates suggest the GTA 6 map is approximately 67% larger than GTA 5’s map, with significantly more density and enterable interiors.
Can you go back to Los Santos in GTA 6?
No. GTA 6 is set entirely in Vice City/Leonida. Los Santos is not part of the map. However, there may be Easter egg references to GTA 5’s characters and locations.
