Is Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay really different from GTA 5, and which changes will affect how you play? The biggest shifts involve driving, crime consequences, and two protagonists who live separate lives across Leonida, according to Rockstar's extended look and early previews. This guide to GTA 6 gameplay features helps newcomers and GTA 5 veterans plan their first hours, though preview-based details remain unconfirmed until launch. You will learn which mechanics deserve attention, which old habits no longer work, and what to prioritize once the story starts.
Driving and Vehicles
Deliveries, repairs, and tighter roads
Cars now support your crimes instead of just carrying you. In single player, you can request a car delivery, and a Scooter Bros mechanic drops off your ride, then leaves on a foldable electric scooter. Jason and Lucia each get a personal car, and a third slot is shared.
Any gas station can repair and refuel your vehicle, so Los Santos Customs is no longer required. Roads are narrower, off-road driving depends on your tires, and stolen cars may have almost no fuel. Motorbikes allow quick escapes but carry little, while vans and trucks hold more gear and slow you down. Match your vehicle to the job.
Crime and Consequences
Marked cash, evidence, and police
GTA 6 Money now has consequences beyond wanted levels. Money from big targets like bank vaults comes as marked bills that you must clean before spending. Duffel bag loot becomes a third money type besides cash and your bank balance, and deposits require a trip to an ATM. Threatening a cashier can reveal a hidden safe, so you choose between quick register cash and a longer vault job.
You can also hide evidence by stuffing an unseen victim into your trunk, or hiding in the trunk yourself to escape police. Heavier officers reportedly tire faster in long chases.
This table compares five crime-related mechanics by status and best-fit player.
Mechanic | Change | Status | Best for |
Marked bills | Launder before spending | Reported | Heist planners |
ATM deposits | Visit in person | Reported | Cash managers |
Free aim | No default auto aim | Reported | Controller players |
Trunk hiding | Conceal bodies or yourself | Reported | Stealth players |
Police car loot | Guaranteed shotgun or rifle | Reported | Low-ammo chases |
Marked cash and free aim will change habits the most, so plan for both early.
Life and Co-op
Sleep, gym, and Jason and Lucia
Daily habits and partnership now affect performance. Safe houses work like RDR2 camps, and poor sleep quality slows health regeneration. Gyms require a membership and a change of clothes.
Jason and Lucia can hand weapons to each other, follow separate off-screen routines, and bump into each other in the open world. Hiding secrets can damage their relationship, which reportedly affects robberies but not the main story. Their melee styles differ too: Lucia fights like a kickboxer, Jason like a soldier. Players who enjoy role-playing depth will benefit most.
Player Questions Answered
Can You Use Auto Aim in Grand Theft Auto 6?
Yes, but it is not the default. Previews report that controller auto aim is removed in favor of free aim, which you can make weaker or stronger in settings. You can turn auto aim back on, though Rockstar reportedly prefers free aim. Controller players should practice manual aiming early.
Can Jason and Lucia Break Up in GTA 6?
Yes, previews describe a mechanic that can end the relationship even if you do not want that. The main story is reportedly unaffected, but robberies and open-world moments can go wrong. Hiding secrets can trigger fallout, so share information for smoother teamwork.
How Do You Make Money in GTA 6?
Beyond robbing stores, you can enter monster truck races, scuba dive for treasure, and hunt wildlife for skin and fur. Bank job cash cannot be spent immediately because the bills are marked. Players who want steady income should try hunting and side activities.
Is Tennis Playable in Grand Theft Auto 6?
No, tennis has been confirmed as not a playable minigame. You can still pick up a racket and hit a ball in the open world, but nothing more. Players wanting structured sports should look to other activities.
Final Takeaways
Quick Tips
· Pick bikes for fast escapes and vans or trucks for heavy gear.
· Loot nearby police cars when you run low on ammo.
· Plan laundering time before spending bank job cash.
· Adjust free aim strength in settings before your first shootout.
· Ask owners before petting dogs, and buy treats for animals you want to study.
Who Benefits Most?
· Beginners: Focus on vehicle choice and aim settings to avoid early frustration.
· Returning Players: Rethink GTA 5 habits like instant cash and Los Santos Customs repairs.
· Collectors: Track the animal journal and collectible newspapers.
Grand Theft Auto 6 rewards planning more than earlier entries, with marked cash, tighter roads, and daily needs shaping how you play. Focus first on vehicle choice, aim settings, and money laundering—not on finding cheap GTA 6 Money—then explore hunting and co-op systems. Treat preview details as reported until Rockstar confirms them, and revisit this guide after launch information arrives.

