10 new mechanics confirmed in GTA 6’s latest leak as Rockstar held to ransom

Rockstar Games has gone into overdrive over the last 24 hours, with tons of GTA VI leaked gameplay footage making the rounds on social media.

While Rockstar is reportedly working to remove the footage, the leaks have given fans an early look at several new features that could represent a major overhaul for the series.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably seen the GTA VI gameplay footage online, offering an early look at the playable protagonists, Jason and Lucia, as they explore modern-day Vice City and get up to all kinds of activities.

Understandably, Rockstar Games wants to remove all leaked gameplay ahead of the GTA VI ‘Extended Look’, which premieres on Netflix on August 27 and will later be released on Rockstar’s website and YouTube channel.

We won’t be showing any of the leaked GTA VI gameplay here, but dedicated fans have been busy analysing the footage and sharing their findings on Reddit. So, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most exciting features spotted in the leaks that could make GTA VI a major evolution for the series.

READ MORE: GTA 6 full map and gameplay leaks online in protest from disgruntled 'fans'

10 new GTA VI gameplay features to be excited about

Scrambling in GTA VI, Rockstar Games

Six-star wanted level returns

While this isn't technically a new feature, it was absent in GTA V. The last time the six-star wanted level was present was in 2008’s GTA IV. The extra star might suggest that the police and military chases will be more aggressive than ever.

Your car has its own storage compartment

Other than your playable character and additional NPCs, nothing else has ever been stored in GTA cars throughout the franchise's history, but GTA VI might change that. If this leak is true, it means that a car will be an on-the-go storage box, which could be especially handy for more challenging tasks that might require heist preparation.

Cars need fuel and maintenance

If cars need to be topped up with fuel, this could be a huge new gameplay mechanic, and missions or long drives will need extra planning. Can you imagine the chaos of a high-speed chase only to run out of fuel on the freeway? It’s also suggested that you will have to take care of your car, perhaps similar to a horse in a Red Dead Redemption 2 stable.

Honour system for the first time in GTA

For the first time in the Grand Theft Auto series, GTA VI could have an honour system. This has only been present in the two Red Dead Redemption games. How this might play out is interesting, and could lead to your wanted poster being shared with police who may recognise you casually strolling by. Unless you behave yourself in Vice City, of course, but where is the fun in that?

Police may recognise your car, face, and clothes

Adding to the wanted poster above, how police will now recognise you might get more sophisticated in GTA VI. Typically, police are notified by your mere presence, but they could now communicate with each other on the map, providing descriptions of your car, face and clothes.

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RPG mechanics to level up Jason and Lucia

Side missions levelling up characters in the series is nothing new; after all, it was a feature in 2004’s GTA: San Andreas. Judging by some of the leaked gameplay, not only will Jason and Lucia be able to play a plethora of mini-games such as basketball and more, but they could also get stat increases for the likes of muscle, stamina, strength and so forth.

An overhaul cash system

It looks like GTA VI could have a new cash system that would change how you manage in-game finances. Depending on the task, money could be sent straight to your pocket, a home vault or even a bank. Who knows, perhaps this could lead to more investment opportunities in Vice City.

Overhauled water physics

While that may not have a huge impact on gameplay, who isn't impressed by gorgeous and shiny water physics? However, the gameplay leaks appear to show how objects such as basketballs naturally float in water and how manoeuvring vehicles such as jet skis and boats could have a big impact, especially during stormy weather.

Car damage looks more realistic

The likes of GTA IV and GTA V saw big leaps in how car damage appeared, but GTA VI could be taking it to another level. Not only will your front hood and rear bumper be dented with scratches all around, but damage now looks to be more dynamic than ever and is dependent on the current situation, such as the angle of a crash or collision.

NPCs could be more lifelike

Rather than just being wandering NPCs programmed to do simple tasks and interactions, AI behaviours look to be improved. Such as how they might react to the actions of Jason and Lucia in that moment, perhaps even recognise them from previous events, as we’ve seen in Red Dead Redemption 2. Fight animations also look to be improved, and if rumours of NPC interaction on social media in-game are true, the immersion in GTA VI could be like something we’ve never seen before in the series.

Grand Theft Auto VI will be released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on 19 November 2026.