What is Grand Theft Auto VI?
Grand Theft Auto VI is Rockstar Games’ return to a sun-drenched criminal sandbox, this time set in the state of Leonida and its neon-lit crown jewel, Vice City. It follows Jason and Lucia, two people who already know the odds are against them, as a simple score spirals into a conspiracy that runs across the entire state. The mix of shooting, driving and open-world adventure that defined the series is back, rebuilt for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.
Getting started
Your first hours are about learning the two halves of the game: the streets and the story.
Start by finishing the early missions without wandering off. They teach you the controls, introduce Jason and Lucia, and unlock the systems you will actually rely on later — weapon handling, vehicle switching and the basics of moving through Leonida. Resist the urge to explore the whole map immediately; the game opens up naturally as the plot moves forward.
When free roam does unlock, treat driving as a skill, not a shortcut. Traffic, weather and the police all react to how you handle a car, and a clean getaway is usually about knowing the roads rather than outrunning anyone. Spend some time simply cruising Vice City to learn its layout.
Keep an eye on your money and your loadout before every job. The game rewards preparation — picking the right vehicle, buying the right weapon and scouting the area first will save you a lot of restarts.
Tips for beginners
- Finish story missions before side content. They unlock shops, safehouses and mechanics you will need later, so they are the fastest route to a stronger character.
- Use cover constantly. Standing in the open during a shootout is the quickest way to fail a mission. Pop out, fire, drop back.
- Switch between Jason and Lucia deliberately. Each has their own strengths and positioning; learning who is better suited to a firefight versus a chase pays off.
- Plan your escape route before you start. Pick a direction, know where the alleys are, and don’t drive straight into a busy main road.
- Save your money early. Weapons and vehicle upgrades matter more than cosmetic spending when you are still learning the ropes.
- Learn the wanted system. Breaking line of sight matters more than speed — duck into side streets and change vehicles when you can.
- Don’t skip the tutorials. They look optional, but they quietly teach the mechanics the later missions assume you know.
Is it worth playing?
If you enjoyed any previous Grand Theft Auto, yes — this is the biggest and most detailed version of that formula, with two protagonists whose partnership drives both the story and the missions. It is a long, dense game, so expect to invest real time before it fully opens up. For newcomers to the series, the early hours are a genuinely good on-ramp; for veterans, the Leonida setting is the main draw. Either way, it earns its place on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.