GTA 6 versus GTA 5: confirmed differences

Checked against official sources on September 25, 2026.

Confirmed comparison

This table compares published facts, not technical performance or gameplay quality. It also separates GTA V’s historical PC release from GTA VI’s current platform announcement. Our PC status article explains why the older game’s timing is not a GTA VI schedule.

World and characters

Confirmed Rockstar describes GTA VI’s Leonida through Vice City, Leonida Keys, Grassrivers, Port Gellhorn, Ambrosia and Mount Kalaga. GTA V’s setting is Los Santos and Blaine County. The names establish a change of place; they do not establish a comparative map size. Our Leonida guide lists the six official regions without guessing at scale.

Confirmed Jason and Lucia lead GTA VI’s announced story. GTA V’s protagonists are Michael, Franklin and Trevor. Those are distinct casts, and Rockstar has published additional GTA VI character bios. The GTA VI character guide introduces all eight official entries at the marketing level.

Platforms and release generations

Confirmed GTA V first launched September 17, 2013 on PS3 and Xbox 360. It later reached PS4 and Xbox One in 2014, PC in April 2015, and PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in March 2022. GTA VI’s current launch announcement names PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only. Our platform guide covers the exact wording and PS5 Pro Enhanced label.

Analysis The two launch lineups reflect different console generations. That is a useful buying distinction, but no comparison of frame rates, resolution or game size is supported by the dossier. A platform label tells us where a title is announced, not how one version will perform.

What can be compared on price?

Confirmed The US and UK PlayStation Stores list GTA VI Standard at $79.99/£69.99 and Ultimate at $99.99/£89.99 as of September 25, 2026. We do not have a sourced GTA V launch price in the allowed facts, so there is no valid launch-price difference to calculate. Our edition guide explains what those GTA VI prices buy.

What hasn’t been announced

Not announced Rockstar hasn’t announced GTA VI’s numeric map size, PC date, storage size or performance targets yet (as of September 25, 2026). We cannot make a sourced “bigger,” “faster,” or “better value” claim from the official material available today.

Where the comparison stops

Analysis A comparison is most useful when both sides have the same kind of evidence. The settings, protagonist names and original launch platforms meet that test. Numeric map size and performance do not: the dossier has no official GTA VI figures to place alongside GTA V. Likewise, a GTA VI PlayStation price cannot produce an honest launch-price comparison without a sourced GTA V launch price. Leaving a cell blank is more informative than filling it with a remembered number.

GTA V’s long platform history can also mislead. Its later releases on PS4, Xbox One, PC and current-generation consoles are established facts about that title. GTA VI’s currently announced launch is narrower: PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The earlier PC pattern makes a future port conceivable, but not scheduled. Readers comparing purchase options should use the new game’s published platforms and current store listing rather than assuming Rockstar will repeat an old rollout.

Sources

1. Rockstar Games — Grand Theft Auto VI, checked September 25, 2026
2. Rockstar Games — Only in Leonida, checked September 25, 2026
3. PlayStation — Grand Theft Auto VI, US store, checked September 25, 2026
4. PlayStation — Grand Theft Auto VI, UK store, checked September 25, 2026