review: First GTA VI Review Scores Are In — And They Look Promising

Unless you’ve been living under a rock over the last few years, you’ll be well aware that the next entry of Rockstar Games’ iconic Grand Theft Auto series is on the way later in 2026. That’s, of course, if it doesn’t suffer yet another release date delay, which is always a possibility. As of May 2026, GTA VI (or GTA 6) is firmly locked in for November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Early “reviews” have popped up on sites like HowLongToBeat—sketchy user-submitted scores hovering around 70-76% from supposed early builds or leaks. While these aren’t official critic scores (Rockstar is notoriously tight-lipped and unlikely to send out review copies far in advance), they hint at a game that’s already delivering on hype. Fans and analysts see them as a positive signal: even imperfect dev builds are scoring solidly, suggesting the polished final product could be a masterpiece.

This isn’t just another GTA game. It’s the culmination of over a decade of development, building on the cultural phenomenon of GTA V (which has sold over 200 million copies) and the narrative depth of Red Dead Redemption 2. With a return to Vice City in the state of Leonida, dual protagonists Lucia and Jason, and unprecedented technical ambition, GTA VI promises to redefine open-world gaming. Let’s dive deep into why this “kinda review” is fueling massive optimism.

Watch Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer 2 Now

Explore Vice City and beyond at https://t.co/XPwC8URCQ4 pic.twitter.com/6HKtk5K2b5

— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) May 6, 2025

stir

Rockstar formally revealed GTA VI in December 2023 with a trailer that shattered viewership records. The first trailer alone racked up hundreds of millions of views, showcasing a vibrant, satirical take on modern Florida—complete with social media influencers, alligators in suburban backyards, and the neon-drenched chaos of Vice City.

New Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer shows off Vice City and the game’s partners in crime, Jason and Lucia, and it looks absolutely incredible

Delays followed: originally eyed for Fall 2025, it shifted to May 26, 2026, then November 19, 2026, to ensure “the level of polish you have come to expect.” Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two, and CEO Strauss Zelnick have repeatedly reaffirmed the date, with marketing ramping up in summer 2026. Internal challenges, including staff changes, haven’t derailed it. This patience mirrors RDR2’s development, which paid off with critical acclaim and massive sales.

Those early user “reviews” on aggregation sites, while dubious, align with leaked footage from 2022 that showed raw but impressive gameplay. Even in unfinished form, the world felt alive. If those glimpses scored in the mid-70s, the final version—after years of iteration—could easily hit 90+ on Metacritic, joining the pantheon of highest-rated games.

relation

At the heart of GTA VI are protagonists Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, a couple navigating crime in Leonida. Lucia, recently out of prison after protecting her family, brings street smarts and intensity. Jason, a former soldier turned low-level criminal, complements her with loyalty and muscle. Their dynamic—romantic, criminal, and deeply intertwined—promises richer storytelling than previous entries.

New Trailer for GRAND THEFT AUTO VI Drops – Meet Jason, Lucia, and the Sunshine State’s Dark Underbelly

Trailer 2 (released around May 2025) expanded on this, showing their relationship amid heists gone wrong, family tensions, and a sprawling criminal conspiracy. Supporting characters like Cal Hampton, Boobie Ike, Dre’Quan Priest, and others add layers of alliances, betrayals, and Florida-flavored eccentricity. The story explores themes of economic inequality, the American Dream’s dark side, celebrity culture, and loyalty in a cutthroat world—hallmarks of Rockstar’s satire.

Early impressions suggest the narrative will blend high-stakes action with intimate moments, much like Arthur Morgan’s arc in RDR2. Players can likely switch between Lucia and Jason, with their perspectives shaping missions. This duo approach could offer replayability and emotional depth absent in single-protagonist games.

flow

Vice City returns, but it’s part of a massive state: Leonida. Expect a diverse map including beaches, swamps, urban sprawl, the Keys, Port Gellhorn, Grassrivers, Ambrosia, and Mount Kalaga. Early visuals show unprecedented density—pedestrians with individual routines, dynamic weather affecting gameplay (hurricanes anyone?), and wildlife integration.

Grand Theft Auto VI | Official Trailer 2 | Lucia & Jason’s Vice City Saga Unfolds

Compared to GTA V’s Los Santos, Leonida promises more verticality, interiors (hundreds of enterable buildings), and reactivity. NPCs react to drawn weapons, traffic, and player actions in real-time. Social media elements (think in-game TikTok-style posting) could let players influence the world or go viral.

Exploration feels rewarding: boating through mangroves, jet-ski chases, off-road in the Everglades, or blending into beach crowds. Activities might include fishing, surfing, cage fighting, street racing, and property management. The economy could be deeper, with stock markets, drug running, and player-driven businesses.

evolve

Rockstar isn’t reinventing the wheel but polishing it to a mirror shine. Expect:

• Improved Combat and Stealth: Prone crawling, body carrying, shoulder-switching aim, grappling in fights, and better cover systems. Painkillers and dynamic health add tension.
• Driving and Vehicles: Hyper-realistic physics with Florida flair—boats, jetskis, planes, and muscle cars handling differently based on terrain and weather.
• Wanted System: Up to 6 stars with smarter police AI—tactical responses, negotiations, or pursuits that evolve over time.
• RPG-lite Elements: Skill progression, relationship building with NPCs, and choice-driven story branches.
• Technical Marvels: RAGE engine advancements for ray-traced lighting, detailed character models (sweat, expressions), massive draw distances, and seamless streaming. It runs beautifully on current-gen hardware, with potential PC version later.

culture

GTA has always mirrored society. GTA VI targets influencer culture, political polarization, tourism economies, and crime glorification in sunny paradises. Expect over-the-top radio stations, TV parodies, and billboards that roast modern absurdities. With dual protagonists and a couple’s story, it might explore gender dynamics and partnership in crime more nuancedly than past entries.

Concerns exist—online toxicity, microtransactions (though single-player focused), or delays—but Rockstar’s track record suggests they’ll deliver a complete experience at launch, with post-launch support.

why

GTA V changed gaming, entertainment, and even economies (GTA Online’s longevity is legendary). GTA VI arrives in a post-pandemic world of live-service fatigue, where single-player epics feel rare. Its success could validate big-budget, story-driven open worlds amid indie booms and mobile dominance.

Economically, it’s projected to be enormous—potentially billions in first-week sales. Culturally, it will dominate conversations, memes, and YouTube for years.

Those early 70s scores? They’re a teaser. They indicate a game that’s fun, immersive, and ambitious even unfinished. With Rockstar’s final polish—extra months for bug fixes, balance, and content—the sky’s the limit. Critics will likely hail it as a technical and narrative triumph.

potential

Delays have tested patience, but quality-first is the right call. Fans want no rushed bugs or cut content. PC release timing remains unclear (historically later), and always-online rumors were debunked. Modding support could extend longevity.

Expect controversies: violence, satire misreads, or review bombing. But GTA thrives on that edge.

sum

November 19, 2026, marks a new era. Imagine launch trailers, day-one patches, and community discoveries. GTA Online 2.0 or expanded single-player DLC could follow. Rockstar might evolve the formula further, perhaps with more player agency or evolving worlds.

For now, the “first review” (sketchy as it is) is a green light. GTA VI isn’t just a game—it’s an event. A love letter to open-world freedom, criminal fantasy, and masterful craftsmanship.

In a gaming landscape craving substance, Rockstar is poised to deliver. If those preliminary scores hold, we’re in for something special. Pack your flip-flops, load up on ammo, and get ready for Leonida. The wait is almost over, and it’s shaping up to be worth every second.