Rockstar Games has confirmed that the map for Grand Theft Auto VI is the largest they have ever created. Modeled after the real-world U.S. state of Florida, the fictional state of Leonida is twice the size of the map in Grand Theft Auto V. Additionally, the game introduces a new dynamic, localized weather system, where distinct weather phenomena occur in different regions of the map.
These details regarding GTA VI were revealed in a recent Game Informer cover story, in which Rockstar Games provided an in-depth look at the game’s setting: Vice City and the broader state of Leonida. In an interview with the magazine, Aaron Garbut—the studio’s development director and co-studio head—noted that player expectations for Grand Theft Auto VI are “unprecedented” following the releases of GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2. The setting of the upcoming title was the “natural choice” to meet those expectations.
Garbut explained that Rockstar Games spent years conducting field research in Miami and South Florida, striving to authentically capture the atmosphere of the region in Grand Theft Auto VI. Vice City, which previously appeared in earlier Grand Theft Auto titles, has been completely rebuilt and expanded for this release. Beyond this central city, the overall scale of Leonida surpasses—”in some ways”—every map Rockstar has created in the past.
Garbut stated that the map in Grand Theft Auto VI is not only twice the size of the one in Grand Theft Auto V but also denser, more interactive, and richer in detail. While Grand Theft Auto V drew criticism for its lack of explorable interiors, Rockstar has addressed these issues in Grand Theft Auto VI.
“This new world is vastly different. We’ve obsessed over every detail—rooftops, alleyways, interiors, and everything in between—to the point where the sheer volume of interior spaces reaches a critical mass, making the buildings feel truly authentic from the inside out. It is a cohesive, richly detailed world where every element has been meticulously crafted,” he said.
Garbutt stated that the game’s main storyline will guide players across the entire map, aiming to deliver an experience that is both “authentic and engaging.” While the narrative won’t touch every single corner of the map, players will be able to experience the six major regions and their distinct cultures. In addition to Vice City, the map includes the Leonida Islands, the Glass River, Port Gellhorn, Ambrosia, and Caracara Mountain National Park.
GTA 6’s New Weather System
The game’s all-new weather system will also reflect these regional variations. GTA 6 faithfully recreates Florida’s unpredictable weather patterns, including extreme conditions. It features a dynamic system capable of generating localized storms, hurricanes, and other severe weather events.
Owen Shepherd, Rockstar’s Vice President of Art (Lighting and Rendering), stated: “We redesigned the weather system to make everything more localized and persistent; we really wanted the world to feel dynamic and solid, and to achieve a sense of scale unlike anything we’ve experienced before.”
The game world features a fully dynamic cloud system that rolls across the map, creating a variety of weather conditions—ranging from the clear blue skies of a Miami winter to the towering cumulonimbus clouds, complete with sporadic lightning, often seen on summer and autumn afternoons in Florida.
Localized rain showers will occur across the map, leaving behind traces of the downpour; when an area is hit by rain, the ground remains wet, and persistent puddles form. GTA 6 also introduces an updated wind system, incorporating effects such as offshore winds after sunset, convective updrafts, and wind shielding caused by buildings.
Rockstar also reiterated previously confirmed details about the game. The relationship between the two protagonists, Jason and Lucia, can be either platonic or romantic, depending on player choices. GTA 6 introduces a new car-jacking system requiring players to bypass complex security measures to acquire high-end modern vehicles. Players can also use a ride-sharing app called “RydeMe” to hail a ride to their destination.
Rockstar Games has revealed details about the wildlife in GTA 6 for the first time. The game features over 170 animal species, including 60 types of birds, more than 30 land mammals, and a variety of fish, reptiles, and more. Much like in Red Dead Redemption 2, players can study and catalog animal species—a feature that was showcased in the extended GTA 6 trailer released last month.
Players in Leonida can also engage in various side activities, including BASE jumping, billiards, gym workouts, kayaking, mini-golf, scuba diving, racing, visiting the zoo, airboating, and jet-skiing—many of which appeared in previous GTA 6 trailers.
Players will be able to experience all this and more when GTA 6 launches on PS5 and Xbox Series S/X on November 19, 2026.