Grand Theft Auto 6 might be incorporating a significant gameplay mechanic from Rockstar's previous title, Red Dead Redemption 2, a move that could divide the GTA fanbase. Recent details, particularly concerning the game's Ultimate Edition, hint at a more deliberate approach to managing player loadouts.
The Ultimate Edition for GTA 6 includes a free garage with a weapons locker, described as a place to "customize your loadout for any occasion." This suggests players may need to be more strategic about the weapons they carry into missions and encounters. Such a system would be a stark departure from Grand Theft Auto 5, where players can carry a vast arsenal in their pockets.
Red Dead Redemption 2 limits players to carrying two large weapons and two handguns at any given time, with additional firearms stored on the player's horse. This realistic limitation forces players to make conscious choices about their equipment. While praised by some for its immersion, it has also been a point of contention among players who prefer greater accessibility to their entire weapon collection.
Leaked gameplay footage from GTA 6 previously showed protagonists equipped with weapons on their backs and in duffel bags, which could indicate a new system for carrying additional items. However, as this footage was from an early build, its current relevance to the final game remains uncertain.
While GTA Online did eventually introduce weapon lockers, this was several years after the game's launch and primarily served to manage the extensive collection of weapons added over time. Whether GTA 6 will necessitate a similar system depends on the number of distinct armaments available, as an overly crowded weapon wheel could diminish the utility of a locker if the game doesn't feature a comparable quantity of weaponry to its online counterpart.
Beyond weapons, the Ultimate Edition's free garage also features a stash box for "deposit[ing] stolen goods to be fenced." This detail strongly implies that looting and dynamic robberies could play a more prominent role in GTA 6, echoing systems seen in Red Dead Redemption 2 where players could freely rob NPCs and sell looted items. The duffel bag mentioned earlier might also serve a purpose in carrying this plunder.
Further details about GTA 6's gameplay mechanics will likely emerge as Rockstar Games continues its marketing push. Pre-orders are now available, with the standard edition priced at $79.99. Notably, physical copies of the game will not contain discs but will include a digital code, a decision that has reportedly led some retailers to refuse sales.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated for release on November 19 for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. 
