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GTA 6 is a generational leap over GTA 5: a bigger world in the new state of Leonida instead of Los Santos, two playable leads (Jason and Lucia) instead of three unlocked over time, and a denser, current-gen-only open world with over 700 enterable interiors. GTA 5 launched in 2013; GTA 6 arrives 19 November 2026. Here’s how they compare on confirmed facts.
GTA 5 is still hugely popular more than a decade on, so the bar is high. What Rockstar has shown points to more map, more detail and a new approach to storytelling. Map-size multipliers are community estimates — everything else below is confirmed.
GTA 6 vs GTA 5 at a glance
The headline differences, side by side.
| Feature | GTA 5 | GTA 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Los Santos & Blaine County | State of Leonida & Vice City |
| Protagonists | Three (Michael, Franklin, Trevor) | Two (Jason & Lucia) |
| Female lead | No | Yes — Lucia, a series first |
| Map size | Baseline | Around twice as large (estimate) |
| Enterable interiors | Relatively few | Over 700 |
| Launch platforms | PS3 / Xbox 360 (2013) | PS5 / Xbox Series X|S (2026) |
| Release date | 17 September 2013 | 19 November 2026 |
Map and setting
GTA 5 gave us Los Santos and the surrounding Blaine County — one city and its hinterland. GTA 6 moves to the entire state of Leonida, with Vice City as its urban core and five more regions around it, from Everglades-style swamps to a mountain national park. Rockstar hasn’t published a size figure, but the world is clearly larger and denser, with over 700 interiors you can walk into and no loading screens. For the full breakdown, see our GTA 6 map guide.
Protagonists and gameplay
GTA 5’s big innovation was three protagonists you could switch between. GTA 6 refines the idea with two leads — Jason and Lucia — playable from the start and tied together by a single Bonnie-and-Clyde story rather than three separate arcs. Both have their own signature abilities in combat, and you can play solo as either or control the pair together in the open world.
Platforms and tech
The biggest under-the-hood change is generation. GTA 5 launched on PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2013 and was later ported forward three times, all the way to PS5. GTA 6 is built for current-gen hardware from day one — PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only — using their SSDs and power to run a bigger, more reactive world. No PC version has been confirmed for launch.
While you wait, revisit what made the last game special — the fastest cars in GTA 5 Online — and see where the series ranks among the best open-world games and best PS5 games. Meet the leads in our GTA 6 characters guide and get the launch details in our GTA 6 release date, editions and price guide.
