GTA 6 release date finally revealed! Rockstar confirms May 2026 launch

GTA 6 release date delayed

Rockstar Games has finally confirmed the release date for Grand Theft Auto VI, setting the launch for May 26, 2026. The announcement comes after years of speculation, rumors, and growing anticipation from fans and the gaming industry alike. With over a decade having passed since the release of Grand Theft Auto V in September 2013, GTA 6 has become one of the most eagerly awaited video game sequels in history.
The initial expectation had targeted a release in late 2025, but Rockstar has now pushed the launch into the following year, citing quality standards and development needs as the primary reasons. This long-awaited update confirms the studio’s commitment to delivering a title that meets the expectations set by its predecessor and decades of innovation in the open-world gaming genre.

GTA 6 delayed: Rockstar sets new release sate for May 2026

Rockstar Games announced the official release date as May 26, 2026, in a public statement released on May 2, 2025. This announcement confirmed what many had suspected—that the previously anticipated 2025 window would not be met. The company emphasized that the delay was necessary to uphold the quality and depth that fans expect from the franchise.
“We are very sorry that this is later than you expected,” Rockstar stated. “The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team. We want to thank you for your support and patience as we work to finish the game.”
The studio added that the additional time will allow developers to “deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve,” suggesting that final touches, optimizations, and polishing are ongoing.

GTA 6 delay explained: Rockstar aims for bigger, better, bolder

The delay from a projected Fall 2025 release to May 2026 has been attributed to the high development standards associated with Rockstar’s flagship titles. Since the overwhelming success of GTA V—which became one of the best-selling video games of all time with over 185 million copies sold—expectations for its successor have been immense.
Factors influencing the delay likely include:

Expansive open-world design expected to surpass GTA V
Integration of advanced graphics and physics engines
Voice acting, motion capture, and narrative scripting for dual protagonists
Optimization for next-gen consoles (likely PlayStation 5 Pro and Xbox Series X|S)
Post-pandemic production adjustments and remote workflows

Rockstar’s statement did not mention a specific reason for the delay beyond a focus on quality, but industry analysts have noted that development timelines for AAA games have generally expanded due to increasingly complex technology and player expectations.

GTA 6 trailer hints at modern Vice City and first female lead

Despite the long development timeline, Rockstar has released only one official trailer for GTA 6—premiering in December 2023. The trailer introduced players to a modern-day Vice City, Rockstar’s fictional version of Miami, Florida. The game is expected to feature dual protagonists, reportedly named Lucia and Jason, marking the first time a female playable lead will be included in the series.
Key details from the trailer and Rockstar’s previous statements include:

A return to Vice City in a modern, social media-influenced world
A Bonnie-and-Clyde-style crime duo narrative
Vast explorable map with surrounding rural areas and wetlands
Day-night cycles and dynamic weather systems
In-game parody of social media and modern internet culture

Although no new images or footage were released alongside the May 2025 release date announcement, Rockstar has promised more information will be shared “soon.”

Fan reactions and market impact

The announcement of the 2026 release date has triggered a mixed but largely understanding response from the fan community. While many expressed disappointment at the delay, most acknowledged Rockstar’s commitment to quality. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Reddit, and Discord saw trending discussions immediately following the announcement.
In the stock market, Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, saw minor fluctuations but remained stable, indicating long-term investor confidence in the title’s eventual commercial success.

GTA 6 previews expected late 2025: Gameplay, characters, and more

With the official date now set, it is expected that Rockstar will release additional trailers, gameplay demos, and developer insights in the second half of 2025. These previews may include:

Extended gameplay showing mechanics and missions
Details about multiplayer and GTA Online integration
Expanded information on characters, storylines, and factions
Soundtrack and voice actor reveals

Fans can likely anticipate new content drops during major gaming events such as Gamescom 2025, The Game Awards, or dedicated Rockstar livestreams.

GTA 6 expected on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC — No PS4 support likely

Though Rockstar has not yet confirmed the platforms for GTA 6, it is widely expected that the game will launch on:

PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro
Xbox Series X|S
PC (Windows), likely with a delayed release following the console versions

Support for older-generation consoles such as the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One is considered unlikely due to technical limitations.
The game is also expected to utilize Rockstar’s upgraded RAGE (Rockstar Advanced Game Engine), with enhanced realism in animations, AI behavior, and environmental interactivity.