Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature an advanced weather system with dynamic cloudscapes, and over 170 animal species populating its world, according to a recent preview from Game Informer.
Rockstar Games has detailed its approach to environmental simulation, confirming that the game will accurately model phenomena like wind and rain. Vice president of art for lighting and rendering, Owen Shepard, stated that heavy clouds, strong winds, and dense atmospherics will combine to create detailed weather effects. "Everything is dripping wet, water is gushing off roof edges and lampposts, thunder rumbles, and flashes of lightning light up the clouds dramatically," Shepard explained. The studio is also focusing on smaller-scale wind effects, such as hair and debris swirling on rooftops, ripples on water surfaces, and grass bending in swamps. The game's weather system is designed to be localized and persistent, contributing to a dynamically solid world with a greater sense of scale.
The world of Grand Theft Auto 6 will also host a significant variety of wildlife. Players can expect to encounter over 170 animal species across the map, which is described as the largest in the series' history. This diverse ecosystem includes over 60 types of birds, more than 30 land mammals, as well as various sharks, reptiles, and fish. The game will also feature non-native species like monkeys and armadillos, which are present in Florida. These animals will be rendered with high detail, including accurate fur reactions to interactions and environmental conditions such as getting wet. Similar to Red Dead Redemption 2, Grand Theft Auto 6 will include a rarity system for animals and the presence of Legendary creatures for players to track down.