When Rockstar Games dropped the first GTA 6 trailer in December 2023, it broke the internet, garnering over 93 million views in just 24 hours. The second trailer smashed that ceiling – achieving 475 million views in the same time.

Now, with a confirmed release date of 26th May 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, anticipation for the latest instalment in the joyriding franchise has reached fever pitch. Yes, it’s a console-only launch (for now), and yes, the release date delay stung a little. But this is GTA, after all – and when it arrives, it’s going to be epic.

Fasten your seatbelts as we dive into why GTA 6 could change the game forever – from next-level tech and stunning visuals, to a sprawling map and dual-protagonist story.

Release date and platforms

Originally rumoured for a late 2025 launch, Rockstar recently confirmed that GTA 6 will officially land on 26th May 2026 – but only on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. There’s no PC version for now, with that expected to drop (in true Rockstar fashion) around 12-18 months’ later, much to fans’ disappointment. 

For now, PC gamers might want to start budgeting for a new console – or simply invest in a whole lot of patience.

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High-tech visuals

Everything you see in the trailer was rendered in-game on a base PS5. No high-end PCs, no dev kits – just raw, next-gen power. We’re talking dynamic lighting, precise detail, improved AI, and massive draw distances that make the world truly jump out of the screen. For tech nerds, it’s a glimpse at what the future of gaming looks like – and it’s highly photorealistic.

First-ever dual-protagonists

For the first time in series history, GTA 6 features a non-optional female lead. Lucia Caminos is a tough, street-smart ex-con, fresh out of prison. Alongside her is Jason Duval, a former soldier with a murky past, and ties to Leonida’s drug trade.

Together, they form a Bonnie and Clyde-style duo, navigating the criminal underworld of Leonida. Their chemistry and contrasting personalities has already sparked rampant fan theories and speculative Reddit threads.

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Double-crossing new characters

We now know the game will follow Lucia and Jason through a web of criminal conspiracy that spans the Leonida underworld. The supporting cast includes colourful characters like Cal Hampton, Boobie Ike, Bae-Luxe, Roxy, Raul Bautista, and Brian Heder – and that’s barely even scratching the surface. There’s already talk about back-stabbing, secret identities, and maybe even an undercover cop twist.

Beyond Vice City

Vice City is back, baby! However, this isn’t the sun-soaked neon playground of 2002. Now set in the fictional state of Leonida (a stand-in for modern-day Florida), GTA 6 offers a massive open world, packed with swamps, coastlines, trailer parks, luxury condos, and even mountainous state parks. Expect alligator encounters, influencer meltdowns, cults, and even a few hurricanes. It’s Vice City on steroids.

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Shiny new features

GTA 6 looks set to merge cinematic cutscenes with seamless, in-engine gameplay. Rockstar’s focus on real-time physics, dynamic AI, and smart world events could redefine open-world immersion. There’s already speculation around F1-style heists, celebrity sports cameos, and captivating side quests. It’s everything gamers love, with plenty of Easter eggs to boot.

Industry reactions so far

Within just 12 hours, the GTA 6 trailer racked up 46 million views – a number that’s hard to wrap your head around. For context – GTA 5 sold 185 million copies globally. With a rumoured price of around £70 in the UK, GTA 6 could easily smash that. The buzz rivals launch hype for titles like Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and the Last of Us Part II. Only this time – Rockstar’s got a decade’s worth of expectations to exceed.

Why GTA 6 is worth the wait

With visuals like nothing you’ve seen before, two leads, a huge new map, and layered storylines, GTA 6 is shaping up to be the game of a generation. But when it comes to servers, like its predecessors, they’ll probably be built in as an unofficial mod by the fan community – meaning you won’t be able to take Fasthosts for a ride in the passenger seat…

While you wait for May 2026, why not explore some existing worlds that Fasthosts can support you in? Whether you’re exploring ancient dinosaur-infested lands in ARK, or taking down enemies in Counter-Strike 2, do it your way with our UK Game Servers. No interruptions. No compromises. And no randoms. Chat to our expert team to find a plan that works for you.