Recent gameplay leaks from Grand Theft Auto 6 appear to confirm the return of the franchise's classic six-star Wanted Level system, a feature absent since Grand Theft Auto IV. This iconic mechanic, which dictates the intensity of police pursuit, was notably reduced to five stars in Grand Theft Auto V upon its initial release.
Footage of the system in action, though frequently targeted by publisher Take-Two Interactive for removal, was reviewed by Polygon. The clips reportedly show co-protagonist Jason engaging in a violent act, striking a man with a wrench. Even before any stars are displayed, police can be heard communicating via megaphone, seemingly issuing a warning and tracking Jason's location. This suggests the mechanic may serve as an early alert to players.
Upon the man's apparent death, two stars of the Wanted Level appear, with four remaining greyed out. Approximately ten seconds later, a single police car arrives, followed by another shortly after. The leaked clip concludes before higher Wanted levels are depicted, leaving the progression of the system unknown.
In Grand Theft Auto V, a single Wanted star indicated a minor offense, often easily evaded. However, depending on the specific law enforcement agency, a single star could still escalate into a shootout. At two stars in GTA V, police pursuits become more aggressive, involving at least three police cars. Law enforcement officers begin deploying roadblocks and utilizing helicopters, and they are programmed to shoot to kill. By four stars, police vehicles, including riot vans, will engage players directly, opening fire without exiting the vehicle. The highest level, five stars in GTA V, spawns an overwhelming number of police officers across the entire map, continuing to pursue the player until they are apprehended or manage to escape.
A common criticism of GTA V's police system was its perceived aggression and lack of nuance compared to earlier installments. Some players also harbored a misconception that the game's police unfairly targeted the Black protagonist, Franklin, more severely than other characters, a claim Rockstar denied. The belief in this bias may have stemmed from the GTA V's tuning of its Wanted system.
Data miners had previously discovered evidence suggesting Rockstar had experimented with a six-star system in GTA V, which historically involved the deployment of military tanks for an unparalleled level of chaos. The potential return of this element could satisfy long-time fans, though some speculate it might clash with GTA 6's purportedly more grounded tone.
The leaked footage also reveals three icons beneath Jason's Wanted level: a coat hanger, a torso, and a car. This has led to fan theories that law enforcement in Grand Theft Auto 6 might be able to track players based on their vehicle and appearance, hinting at a more sophisticated pursuit system than previously seen.