GTA 6 in 7 Weeks: What the Game Informer Cover Story Told Us
The short version
- GTA 6 launches November 19, 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. No PC version has been announced.
- The standard edition is $79.99.
- Game Informer's 14-page cover story, published September 29, is the biggest batch of new details since the trailers.
- Big reveals: a map about twice GTA 5's size, hurricanes, and 170+ animal species.
The map
The state of Leonida is "about twice the size" of GTA 5's map, according to Rockstar's Aaron Garbut. He also says it's "denser, more detailed, and more interactive, with a lot more interiors."
It has six regions: Vice City, the Leonida Keys, Grassrivers, Port Gellhorn, Ambrosia and Mount Kalaga National Park.
Weather that sticks around
Weather is now local, so it can rain in one region and not another. Puddles and wet streets stay after a storm, and a new wind system moves hair, debris and water. Tropical storms and full hurricanes are confirmed.
Wildlife and things to do
There are 170+ species, from alligators and manatees to flamingos and sharks. A tracking system sorts them into Rare, Discoverable and Legendary.
Confirmed activities include scuba diving, airboating, jet skiing, mini golf, kayaking, base jumping, gyms, billiards and street and off-road racing.
Jason and Lucia
You can play as either and switch between them often. Their relationship can be romantic or platonic, depending on choices like calling each other and accepting invites. Game Informer says neither path gives a gameplay bonus. Your choice changes parts of the story instead.
Cops got smarter
Six-star wanted levels are back. A new Heat system means police recognise you by your look and location, so changing clothes or ditching a car helps you get away.
Getting ready for November 19
- Clear storage space now, because the install size hasn't been announced.
- Watch for pre-load dates. Rockstar hasn't announced them yet.
- Finish anything else you're playing. GTA tends to take over.
For editions, price and the full timeline, see our GTA 6 everything-confirmed guide.