Rockstar Games has released the highly anticipated launch trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6, offering a detailed glimpse into the upcoming title. The 90-second trailer presents numerous new elements, from the protagonists' backgrounds to the scope of their criminal activities and the vibrant setting of Leonida.
Jason's Military Past and Criminal Present
The trailer provides substantial new details about Jason, one of the game's playable characters. It's confirmed he is an ex-military individual, with a scene showing him in a U.S. Army T-shirt that references combat training at North Fort Law, a location recognizable from the original Grand Theft Auto. This base is suggested to be in the State of Alderney, the HD universe's equivalent of New Jersey, a detail that might connect him with Lucia, who hails from Liberty City.
Further reinforcing his military background, Jason wears a T-shirt with the word "Marauder," matching a tattoo on his arm. This likely refers to his former military unit, possibly drawing inspiration from the real-life Merrill's Marauders. His dialogue reveals he "didn't leave on the best of terms" and struggles to secure loans, which seems to be a driving factor behind his turn to crime. His past training appears to equip him with skills useful for illicit activities, as evidenced by scenes showing him in infiltration gear, using night-vision goggles and a silenced assault rifle while wading through water, accompanied by former squadmates. Other moments depict him in tactical gear, on a helicopter, and handling a rifle with professional composure, suggesting a competent individual drawn into a life of crime.
Lucia's Evolving Criminal Tactics
While Lucia may not share Jason's formal military training, she appears to adopt similar tactical approaches. She is seen in special forces-like attire, wielding a grenade launcher and destroying police vehicles. One sequence shows her hanging from a cargo net attached to a helicopter, possibly engaging in a mission that involves rappelling down a skyscraper. The trailer also showcases extensive environmental destruction, with hundreds of glass shards erupting from a building after a crash, hinting at advanced demolition mechanics.
Lucia is also depicted leaping from a car onto a commercial liner, an action reminiscent of the large-scale stunts seen from characters like Trevor in Grand Theft Auto 5. The trailer confirms a bank heist is part of the game, featuring Lucia with her hair in a ponytail, a scene previously shown in an exclusive screenshot. She is seen here with an anonymous accomplice, suggesting that players will not always be alone during heists. Later, she is shown with gunmen disguised as construction workers, raising questions about whether these will be story-driven characters or NPCs hired for specific jobs.
The World of Leonida and its Inhabitants
The trailer hints at new economic activities, including a bi-plane advertising "DacityCoin," a parody of cryptocurrency, suggesting potential scams or unique financial heists. Street racing makes a return, with a glimpse of a new Invetero Coquette in a high-speed chase against the police. For those preferring aquatic pursuits, the Shasa, a new boat model, is shown with Jason and his associate Cal working on it at Brian's Marina. This indicates Jason's early story arc involves working as a laborer.
Beyond local businesses, larger corporations like Globe Oil, previously seen in Grand Theft Auto 4 and Chinatown Wars, are present. A romantic element between Lucia and Jason is shown on an apartment balcony, suggesting a progression in their living situation as the story unfolds. Their dialogue emphasizes their reliance on each other while on the run.
Other characters introduced include Cal, who is depicted playing with a pet snake, and the rap duo Real Dimez, consisting of Roxy and Bae-Luxe, signed to Only Raw Records. Vice City Police Department officer Mendez is briefly seen and is posited as a potential antagonist. Police pursuits show officers from Mariana County, an area containing the Leonida Keys. The trailer also features tattooed gang members in a green car and individuals in balaclavas with AK rifles, hinting at various criminal factions.
Activities and Environmental Details
Robb Bautista, an accomplice to Jason and Lucia, is shown threatening a man at a construction site belonging to Schlott Construction. A Cluckin' Bell bucket is visible, with a design similar to KFC, indicating an update to the fast-food chain's branding. The close relationship between Jason and Lucia is further emphasized through intimate scenes, including them sharing a shower. The game's detailed "sweat tech" is highlighted with a shot of a man flexing at a gym.
Jason is seen preparing to use knuckle dusters, a melee weapon previously known as Brass Knuckles. He is also shown wielding a sniper rifle, with a reflection in the scope revealing a helicopter, potentially leading to an explosion in a subsequent shot. Lucia's gold dress at the trailer's end matches her attire from a previous trailer, suggesting a connected mission sequence involving a yacht, the Nine1Nine club, and an escape into a pool.
Soundtracking the trailer is "Flower in a Hurricane," a new single by French electronic duo Justice, who are also composing the game's score. The track features Tame Impala, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, and SZA. The trailer concludes with the confirmation of Grand Theft Auto 6's release date: November 19. Extreme weather is also confirmed to be a gameplay element.