GTA 6 vs GTA 5: Every Confirmed Difference So Far
Hub of GTA Editorial Team
Editorial · Hub of GTA
Confirmed official Rockstar, Take-Two or platform source. Reported a named outlet, not confirmed by Rockstar. Rumour unverified, treat with caution.
GTA 6 differs from GTA 5 in setting, cast, size and how it launches. Here's a comparison of what's actually on record. Nobody outside the press and Rockstar has played it, so how it feels is left out.
At a glance
| GTA 5 | GTA 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Los Santos and Blaine County | Vice City and the state of Leonida |
| Map | The baseline | Reported Roughly twice as large, per Rockstar |
| Playable leads | Three | Two: Jason and Lucia |
| Story length | About 31 to 32 hours (main story) | Reported One run of about 80 hours, with some optional content |
| Online at launch | Arrived separately later | Confirmed Listed as single player |
| Real-money purchases at launch | Via GTA Online | Reported "No monetization" at launch, per Rockstar's Rob Nelson |
| Platforms at launch | Older console generation | Confirmed PS5 and Xbox Series X|S |
Setting and map
Reported Dexerto reports that Rockstar reiterated the map is roughly twice GTA 5's, in statements to Netflix and Game Informer. Its Aaron Garbut called it the studio's largest. There's no square-kilometre figure, and higher multipliers you may see are estimates. Our map comparison goes further, and the interactive map shows the regions. Confirmed Rockstar will also release a free printable map on launch day.
Characters
GTA 5 famously switched between three men. GTA 6 has two leads, Jason and Lucia, telling one story. See our comparison of the two.
Length
GTA 5's main story takes about 31 to 32 hours on commonly cited estimates. GTA 6's 80-hour figure isn't an official length, and it includes some optional content, so it isn't a direct comparison.
Online and spending
GTA Online has been central to GTA 5's life. Confirmed GTA 6's store listings describe a single-player game. Here's what's known about online, and what happens to GTA Online. On spending, see our microtransactions explainer.
What can't be compared yet
Handling, shooting, AI, performance, story quality and how lived-in the world feels all need real play. Our features page lists what Rockstar has described, and reviews are reported for November 18.
Should you still play GTA 5?
Sure, nothing about GTA 6 replaces it. Reported Take-Two has said it expects to keep supporting GTA Online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GTA 6 bigger than GTA 5?
Rockstar has reiterated that the map is roughly twice as large as GTA 5's, according to Dexerto. No exact measurement has been published.
Is GTA 6 better than GTA 5?
Nobody can say until it's out. Reviews are reported for November 18.
Do I need GTA 5 to play GTA 6?
Nothing announced requires it. GTA 6 is sold as a standalone game.
Sources
Hub of GTA covers GTA 6 as an independent fan resource. Not affiliated with Rockstar Games or Take-Two Interactive.