If there is one game we’d have to single out as being the most anticipated, Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) would take the crown. The latest installment in the GTA series is expected to be released sometime in late 2025, with no confirmed set date for now.
But while we may not have all the details available, as Rockstar Games has been keeping everything tightly under wraps, some features have been confirmed. So, to tide you over until you finally get your hands on the game, here are the fan-favorite franchise elements likely to make a comeback in GTA 6.
A Casino
With the online casino sector set to reach just over 985 million users by 2029, as advised by Statista, it should come as no surprise that Rockstar is set to bring back casinos in GTA 6. This is a feature that has been well-received by many players, thanks to its realistic portrayal.
The way these establishments are presented in the game is very similar to a regular digital casino, here you can find all casino games you might typically find in a brick-and-mortar locale. One particularly popular category of casino games that’s available is slots.
For those who haven’t had the chance to explore slots, be it online or via the game series, these are fast-paced games with plenty of action. Here, you simply spin the reels and watch to see if you’ve triggered a winning combo. Some variants add to the excitement by including extra features such as progressive jackpots, where the pot grows as people play. Slots have been popular pretty much since their invention, and that’s not surprising when you consider their thrilling, energetic approach to gaming.
But there are many more options to be found, from table games to specialty ones. And the best way to discover them is to play the games in question, wherever you may wish to – whether online or in one of the past GTA releases.
As most fans already know, the first instance of an interactive casino appeared in GTA: San Andreas. As such, it makes for a great entry point in the series if you haven’t played yet and want to experience casinos in-game prior to the GTA 6 release.
That’s especially true as it is one of the most critically acclaimed video games from the 2000s, and for good reason. Between the memorable characters, the well-crafted world, and the first online casino of its kind, it truly cemented the series as one that pushed boundaries of innovative gaming, and allowed future releases to thrive.
Vice City
While we currently have only one proper trailer of GTA 6, eagle-eyed fans spotted a well-known location in it. Vice City, based on Miami, is set to be part of a bigger map in GTA 6, making it Rockstar’s most ambitious and elaborate project yet.
Vice City made its debut in the first installment of GTA, but it also reappeared in other iconic main games. More specifically, it featured in GTA: Vice City along with GTA: Vice City Stories. But that was almost 20 years ago, so this will mark its first modern reappearance.
From what we’ve glimpsed, it will be a brightly lit, neon-studded city made prettier than ever before. It will be quite interesting to see the modern take on this city, and how it will feel to drive and stroll through it, or to be more game-accurate, dodge cops through its alleyways.
Immersive Open-World
One of the main selling points of the series in question has always been its open-world approach – with much to explore, many NPCs to interact with, and a setting that went above and beyond what was expected in each respective year’s release.
And GTA 6 promises to once again defy expectations, with plenty of accessible buildings, incredible vistas, and expansive roads. As we already know from the above, it will feature Vice City, but the game itself is set in Leonida, which is based on Florida.
The game will be incredibly detailed, using the latest graphics, which will most definitely be quite demanding. For now, we don’t have any specific details, but the game is confirmed for the PS5 and the Xbox Series X/S, but not previous consoles.
Unfortunately, PC owners will have to wait as the release for these devices is expected in 2026 at the earliest, and could be as late as 2027. It’s a good idea to wait a bit for the hardware requirements before you commit to any upgrades.
And it’s well worth noting that for the first time, you’ll get to explore this incredible new world with the first proper female protagonist, Lucia. Alternatively, you’ll get to play as Jason, her male partner-in-crime.
Conclusion
GTA holds a special place in the gaming universe, and we luckily won’t have to wait much longer before finally getting to explore the sixth installment. So, while Rockstar is keeping us hungry and feeding us only morsels of information, we can rest assured that these signature features will be in the game.