Grand Theft Auto 6 will diverge from a quarter-century tradition by changing its default sprint control, moving away from the tap-to-run mechanic that has been a staple of the series. For nearly 25 years, players have been required to tap a face button, such as X or A depending on the console, to make their characters sprint. While some Rockstar titles have offered alternative control schemes, this tap-to-run method has consistently been the default.
Following a recent showcase of GTA 6 to select media outlets and content creators, details about its gameplay mechanics have begun to surface. YouTuber MikeShowSha, who attended the event, confirmed in a Q&A video that the default input command for sprinting in Grand Theft Auto 6 will be clicking the left analog stick (L3). This input method has been the standard for initiating sprints in the majority of shooter games for over a decade, where pressing the stick down starts the sprint, and releasing or tilting it returns the character to normal movement speed.
The unique tap-to-sprint control was one of the more recognizable aspects of Grand Theft Auto's control scheme, especially in a modern gaming landscape where most third-person titles utilize stick clicking for sprinting. Even in games that do feature face button running, such as many titles from FromSoftware, the input is typically a hold rather than a tap, and tapping face buttons is more commonly reserved for quick-time events.
In related news, it was also confirmed following the showcase that Grand Theft Auto 6 will run at 30 frames per second on consoles. Rockstar is reportedly uncertain about adding a 60 FPS option, and if a performance mode is introduced, it is expected to arrive post-launch. Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated for release on November 19th for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.