Grand Theft Auto 6 is bringing side activities back to a scale closer to San Andreas than GTA 5, and the systems now feed directly into stats and character progression. Trailer footage and hands-on previews from Rockstar North confirm gyms, fishing, hunting, wrestling, water sports, and multiple racing types, each tied to health, stamina, or focus. This guide is for new fans and returning players who want a clear picture of what Jason and Lucia can actually do outside missions, how these systems reportedly work, and which activities are worth prioritizing once the open world opens up.
Gyms And Stats
Gyms are confirmed and appear to be one of the deepest returning systems in the series. Footage shows several locations, including a home setup at Jason's first safe house and a full gym with front-desk membership, changing rooms, and vending machines. Weightlifting reportedly uses a trigger-based rhythm, and stamina drains as you exercise, so buying a drink beforehand—which costs GTA 6 Money—extends a session. Only three strength exercises are reportedly needed to complete a workout and raise health. This system matters most for players who want tangible stat payoffs from optional content rather than just cosmetic activities.
Fishing And Hunting
Fishing is reported to be as detailed as recent open-world hunting games, though it's catch-and-release rather than an inventory system. It's framed as a narrative and collectibles activity rather than a moneymaker. Hunting is reportedly the paid version of this loop, unlocked through a character connected to Jason, though that character hasn't been clearly identified yet. Players who enjoyed slower, atmospheric side content in past open-world titles should treat fishing as a relaxation loop and hunting as the practical income source.
Sports And Combat
Basketball, pool, mini golf, tennis, and wrestling all appear in footage, with basketball reportedly tied to a focus stat and requiring manual aim and timing rather than simplified shooting. Wrestling and kickboxing show up as distinct animation sets for Jason and Lucia, suggesting different fighting styles rather than one shared system. Golf itself has been shown less than expected so far despite mini golf's confirmation. This category is best for players who like quick, replayable activities scattered around Vice City rather than long commitments.
Water And Flight
Scuba diving now includes an oxygen meter, and swimming uses a lung-capacity bar that reportedly replaces stamina underwater, both suggesting a stat that improves with practice. Kayaking and jet skiing are confirmed, with kayaking framed as a couples activity between Jason and Lucia. Parachuting and base jumping return with minimal on-screen HUD, and given Vice City's skyline, mission-based parachuting is likely though not yet confirmed. This is the strongest category for players who prioritize exploration and scenery over combat or racing.
Racing And Collecting
Racing spans street racing, closed-track racing, off-road events at Mount Kalaga mixing bikes and cars, and jet ski competition, with nitrous confirmed for street races. A separate car-collecting system lets players gather parts for Wyman, who reportedly assembles them into drivable classic cars over time, and players can use cheap GTA 6 Money to buy missing components or speed up the restoration process. Competitive players and collectors get the most value here, since these systems reward repeated engagement rather than one-time completion.
Activity | Stat Affected | Confirmation Status | Best For |
Gyms | Health, Stamina | Confirmed | Stat-focused players |
Fishing | None (narrative/collectibles) | Confirmed | Casual/exploration players |
Hunting | Money | Reported | Players seeking income |
Basketball | Focus | Reported | Quick side-content fans |
Racing | None (competition) | Confirmed | Competitive players |
The table shows that most confirmed activities tie into either character stats or in-world money, meaning few side activities in GTA 6 exist purely for cosmetic flavor.
What Stats Do Side Activities Improve in GTA 6?
Side activities reportedly improve health, stamina, focus, or lung capacity depending on the activity type. Gyms and cardio raise health and stamina, basketball reportedly raises focus, and swimming or diving affect lung capacity. These systems appear designed to make regular engagement with optional content meaningful rather than cosmetic only.
How Does the Weightlifting Mechanic Work?
Weightlifting reportedly uses trigger inputs to control the lift, with timing sensitivity depending on the exercise. Stamina drops during a set, so an energy drink or coffee beforehand helps players finish before running out. This makes preparation matter more than repetition for efficient workouts.
Is Hunting Worth Doing in GTA 6?
Hunting is reportedly the main paid side activity, unlocked through a contact connected to Jason. It's positioned as a money-focused counterpart to fishing, which exists mainly for collectibles and story flavor. Players who want in-game income outside missions should prioritize unlocking this contact early.
Quick Tips
· Buy a drink or snack before workouts to offset stamina drain during gym sessions.
· Treat fishing as a relaxed collectibles activity, not a money source.
· Prioritize finding Jason's hunting contact if you want a steady income loop.
· Pair activities like kayaking or gym visits with Lucia for relationship-building side benefits.
· Track sleep through the in-game phone app, since poor rest reportedly slows stat regeneration.
Who Benefits Most?
New players get a clear map of which side activities exist and what they reward before diving into Vice City. Returning fans can compare how much deeper these systems are compared to GTA 5's more limited offerings. Collectors and completionists get a head start on car-part gathering and hunting-based income before the wider community maps out every location.
Side activities in GTA 6 are shaping up to reward consistent engagement rather than one-off visits, so players who treat gyms, hunting, and racing as ongoing systems rather than distractions will get the most value once the game is available.

