From Los Santos to Vice City: How GTA 6 Will Redefine Open World as Compared to GTA 5

When GTA 5 came out in 2013, it instantly broke several records and captured the hearts of gamers from every corner of the globe. With record-breaking sales, an engaging storyline, and amazing graphics, GTA 5 has solidified its status as one of the best games ever produced by Rockstar Games. The iconic trio of protagonists, a wide open-world version, and GTA Online continue to expand. GTA 5 is still a pop culture spectacle even after a decade of its release.

However, the time people will finally move on from this masterpiece is close. With GTA 6 set to be released on May 26, 2026, the fans can’t keep calm to get their hands on the latest chapter of the GTA series. For the players who have spent years creating moments in Los Santos and for the new players desperately waiting to explore the new world, GTA 6 is going to be the biggest and arguably the most awaited game of this series.
Before the release of GTA 6, many questions might be crossing the minds of the franchise’s fans, like what will be new in it and how will it be different from GTA 5. In this article, we have covered everything we know about GTA 6 so far and how it will be different from GTA 5.

GTA 6 Price vs GTA 5 Price

When GTA 5 first released back in 2013, the standard version was $59.99 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 users, and PC gamers received the same game for a relatively cheaper and/or equivalent price later, depending on which region you came from. As time passed, being the flagship title for multiple console generations, the price of the game quickly fell to a significant reduction in price, now routinely falling under $20 on sale, and would even hold the price of free for a limited time on platforms like the Epic Games Store.

However, there are differences about GTA 6. The world is not what it used to be, the industry has changed, the costs of games have increased tremendously, and Rockstar has bigger plans than ever before. From leaks and early retail listings, it appears GTA 6 (base edition) is expected to launch at $69.99 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, a $10 dollar increase from last generation titles (and what will now likely be the norm for AAA games made for the next generation). Moreover, there is perhaps a possibility for multiple editions: a Gold or Deluxe edition ranging from $89.99 to $99.99, or a possibility of a Collector's Edition with additional materials and perhaps even additional in-game currency and missions.

Is the price hike reasonable? Keeping in mind the supposed size of GTA 6’s map, the two protagonists, the new graphics engine, and the online integration, the increased price follows the modern development trend. Plus, if Rockstar continues its previous strategy of regular updates as it did with GTA Online, then fans could be reaping years of gameplay from a single, larger purchase.

Ultimately, GTA 6 is likely more expensive, but it's also offering more with innovation, content, and longevity. Fans might be paying several dollars more up front, but they will probably end up with a significant amount of additional gameplay.

GTA 6 Release Date vs GTA 5 Release Date

GTA 5 was released on September 17, 2013, for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The title slowly extended to PS4, Xbox One, and eventually to PC, along with the improved version for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Rockstar supported the title for a period of a decade, mainly through its wildly popular GTA Online.

Now, after many years of waiting, GTA 6 is finally on the way. Rockstar Games did not confirm a specific date, but from various sources and insiders, we expect a release in the latter half of 2025 (likely around the holidays). That timeline will amount to a 12-year wait between the release of GTA 5 and GTA 6, making it the longest wait in the series' history.

Additionally, reports suggest that the release of the games may not be completely synchronized. Similar to GTA 5, GTA 6 will be released for next-gen consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X/S) first, with the PC release potentially taking longer, and could launch in 2026. This allows Rockstar time to fine-tune the game and avoid the same issues reported with the last couple of PC launches.

For enthusiasts, the time just continues to fan the flames of excitement. Rockstar has had more time than ever to polish their systems, innovate gameplay mechanics, and create a world that feels fundamentally next-gen. Inevitably, it means that the bar has been set. Players who were teenagers when they played GTA 5 are now adults, eager for a sequel that represents the growth of the studio and the advances of technology.

Whether you are simply waiting to place your pre-order or are counting down the days until a new trailer drops, GTA 6 is going to be the biggest game launch in years.

GTA 6 System Requirements vs GTA 5 System Requirements

When GTA 5 was released on PC in 2015, it was surprisingly optimized. The minimum requirements included a dual-core CPU at 2.5GHz, 4GB of RAM, and a simple NVIDIA 9800 GT graphics card. The recommended specifications indicated a quad-core CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a graphics card such as the NVIDIA GTX 660. Even budget builds could reasonably run GTA 5 at medium to high settings.

Now, when looking ahead to 2025, GTA 6 will likely be a game that really pushes hardware. We haven't seen any official system requirements for the PC yet, but it is been speculated in leaks and through various developers that the game will significantly increase the specs and performance in comparison to Grand Theft Auto 5. The minimum requirements will likely be something like the following:

• Minimum Specs (Expected):

• Recommended Specs (Expected):

The increase in requirements shows the game's target next-gen experience: ray-traced lighting, deep NPC AI, real-time weather, and possibly continuous travel between large open-world areas. Rockstar appears to be creating an experience where immersion is critical, and that doesn't come cheap or at a cost to hardware.

For players who were still running old rigs and could play GTA 5 no problem, they may find it disappointing to upgrade. Console players, on PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, can put themselves at ease. PC gamers will want to prepare themselves well in advance to upgrade their system.

GTA 6 Graphics vs GTA 5 Graphics

Upon its release in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 was a visual phenomenon. Its lighting, animations, weather systems, and sheer attention to detail were all state-of-the-art for its era. Years later, the aesthetic still stands, especially after remixing the title and upgrading its visuals on the recent consoles that have come out. From the shining skyline of Los Santos at night to the dry and dusty paths of Blaine County, the world felt vibrant and alive.

That said, GTA 6 seems set to put forth an entirely new level of graphical realism. According to reports, Rockstar developed an entirely new GTA 6 graphics engine—dubbed RAGE 9 internally, it will seem—built for modern technology, including ray tracing, global illumination, and advanced physics-based rendering. Leaked engine footage and trailers seem to indicate that the lighting in GTA 6 will be far more dynamic than previous titles, featuring real-time shadows, water reflections, and time-of-day transitions that rival the real world.

Another significant improvement is in character animation and AI behavior. The NPCs in GTA 6 are likely to act more organically in relation to the world and player action. The animations of mass are smoother, motion is more realistic, and small detail touches—such as fabric physics or rain running down windows—add another layer of cinematic detail that surpasses what we saw in GTA 5. As far as the weather goes, you can expect a whole variety of weather systems and interactions.

Thunderstorms will have their own realistic lightning systems, heat haze in Vice City, and even potentially flooding and wind damage as they did in Red Dead; all of them will provide another layer of immersion you haven't yet seen in a GTA game. From the subtle detail of puddles popping up sooner after the rain to crazy car chases that reflect and shine off vehicle hoods, GTA 6 will make GTA 5 look like it is a generation off—and it should.

GTA 6 Map vs GTA 5 Map

The GTA 5 map is inspired by Southern California and covers the urban expansion of Los Santos, with districts like Vinewood and Downtown. The open world features freeways, a horrifying abyss in the ocean, and, interestingly, some secrets to uncover as well. GTA 5 has a variety of landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and forests. It also has a variety of routes in both urban and rural areas, as well as different terrains and heights.

On the other hand, GTA 6 is set in the fictional city of Leonida, which is based on Florida. It revolves around Vice City, which means the OG fans of the franchise will get to relive the vibe of GTA Vice City (4th edition of the GTA series). Vice City is well known for its beach life, street graffiti, and fun nightlife. The GTA 6 map also introduces a variety of ecosystems like Grassriver (inspired by marshy wetlands), Leonida Keys (a tropical archipelago), and Mount Kalaga National Park.

GTA 6’s trailer shows many details about Vice City. Urban neighborhoods show neon-lit nightlife. Beaches are crowded, and the nightclubs show a city full of life with both beauty and danger. The crime, viral videos, and social media culture in the trailer reflect a contemporary world. It also highlights both charm and degradation. With a tone that combines chaos, reality, and satire, GTA 6 promises an exciting experience for the fans.

GTA 6 Characters vs GTA 5 Characters

The most notable element of GTA 5 was that it had three protagonists: Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Each one of them had intriguing backstories, different skills, and unique storylines that turned out to be one of the most iconic plots in the history of video games. GTA 5 also had the option to switch characters in the middle of a mission or even while free-roaming, which gave a new level of complexity and variation. GTA 6 also has two protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. The most fascinating thing about the upcoming game is that Lucia is the first-ever protagonist in the GTA series. Jason is an ex-soldier, while Lucia is an ex-convict. The criminal couple are anticipated to have a gritty and character-driven story. As compared to the chaotic trio of GTA 5, Jason and Lucia's dynamic introduces a more emotionally charged and intimate storyline. The story explores the themes of gun culture, racism, and the severity of the contemporary crime against the flashy scenery of Vice City.

GTA 6 Online vs GTA 5 Online

When GTA 5 Online debuted in 2013, it was innovative, but no one could have guessed how huge it would become. What started as a relatively simple multiplayer experience evolved into a world in a game unto itself, featuring heists, nightclubs, flying motorcycles, casinos, and player-run empires. With more than 150 million players worldwide and growing in number, GTA Online has had a significant impact on gaming and its profitability for Rockstar.

With that said, GTA 6 Online is expected to go even further. Rumors indicate that Rockstar is developing a more integrated experience between the single-player and online experiences, with a more seamless transition from one to another. Rather than load into a different world, it is expected that players will be able to jump into an online session from the single-player campaign or potentially continue their single-player story progression in real-time with friends.