Gamers will have to wait a bit longer before they can get their hands on “Grand Theft Auto VI,” but Rockstar Games has just released a new trailer that reveals what’s in store for them. The highly anticipated video game, which has been delayed to May 26, 2026, showcases more of the story and mayhem awaiting players in “GTA 6.” The trailer introduces dual protagonists, Jason and Lucia, and the trouble they cause in Leonida, a Florida-inspired state. It also offers a glimpse of Vice City, the Miami-like hotspot previously featured in 2002’s “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.”
According to Rockstar Games’ official description, “Jason and Lucia have always known the deck is stacked against them. But when an easy score goes wrong, they find themselves on the darkest side of the sunniest place in America, in the middle of a conspiracy stretching across the state of Leonida — forced to rely on each other more than ever if they want to make it out alive.” The new trailer starts with a shirtless Jason working on a leaky beach house and picking up Lucia from prison — but not before robbing a store, picking up a six-pack of beer, and getting a quick workout in on the beach.
The two lovers are reunited and quickly get down to business. They toast to “new beginnings,” move into a new house, and start committing a litany of crimes. They rob businesses, shoot at police, steal bank vaults, ride jet skis, and, of course, hit the Vice City nightclubs. Although no official launch date was set, Rockstar Games’ owner, Take-Two Interactive, had previously stated that “GTA 6” was originally slated for a fall release in 2025. However, last week, Rockstar Games announced the delay until May 26, 2026.
“With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations, and ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ is no exception,” the company stated. “We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”
The second trailer for “Grand Theft Auto VI” comes nearly 18 months after the debut of the first trailer in December 2023. This latest preview arrived just days after Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar announced the delay in the game’s release. The launch has been pushed back by six months to May 26, 2026.
The second trailer focuses on the game’s central storyline, set to The Pointer Sisters’ “Hot Together,” and introduces the main characters, Jason and Lucia. The couple is navigating a life of crime, and when a seemingly simple heist goes awry, they find themselves ensnared in a conspiracy that stretches across the state of Leonida. Trapped in the sun-drenched chaos of America’s most dangerous corners, their survival hinges on their unwavering trust in one another.
The trailer showcases a wide array of locations, from grimy motel rooms and neon-lit strip clubs to sprawling marinas, treacherous swamps, bustling freeways, and beyond. Players can explore six key areas within the game: Vice City, Leonida Keys, Grassrivers, Port Gellhorn, Ambrosia, and Mount Kalaga National Park.
Rockstar Games has emphasized the ambition behind “GTA 6,” with the developers aiming to create a blockbuster entertainment experience. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has backed the delay, highlighting the need for Rockstar to meet the high expectations surrounding the game.
As for the characters, Jason is a troubled ex-Army grunt turned Keys drug-runner, while Lucia is fresh out of Leonida Penitentiary, armed with a no-nonsense survival instinct and a new outlook on life. The duo’s dynamic has drawn comparisons to the infamous Bonnie and Clyde, albeit with a modern twist influenced by the vibrant and chaotic atmosphere of Spring Breakers.
In addition to Jason and Lucia, the game will feature a diverse cast of characters, including Jason’s conspiracy theorist friend, Cal Hampton, and Boobie Ike, a Vice City legend who has transitioned from street thug to businessman with an empire spanning real estate, a strip club, and a recording studio. Boobie partners with music mogul Dre'Quan, a street hustler aiming to make it big in the music industry.
Among the supporting characters are Raul Bautista, a professional bank robber, and Brian Heder, likely one of the first NPCs to enlist Jason and Lucia for various missions. The game promises to deliver a rich narrative experience, filled with colorful characters and engaging storylines.
As for the setting, “GTA 6” takes place in the fictional state of Leonida, a reimagined version of Florida. The heart of the game is Vice City, a parody of Miami that has been updated for a contemporary audience. Players can expect to spend time on the beach, in clubs, and exploring the Little Cuba neighborhood and VC Port.
The Leonida Keys will provide opportunities for aquatic escapades, while Grassrivers offers a swampy backdrop reminiscent of the Everglades. Port Gellhorn serves as a rundown town akin to Key West, where finding painkillers is easier than finding a good time. Ambrosia is touted as the “heart of Leonida,” and Mount Kalaga features lush wooded areas for fishing, hunting, and off-roading.
While the anticipation builds for “GTA 6,” the delay has left many fans disappointed. However, the new trailer and the details it unveils offer a glimpse into the thrilling chaos that awaits players when the game finally launches. As Rockstar continues to refine its ambitious project, gamers are left to wonder just how high the stakes will be in this latest installment of the iconic franchise.
“Grand Theft Auto VI” is set to release on May 26, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC release yet to be confirmed. The excitement surrounding the game remains palpable, and based on the latest trailer, it seems it might be worth the wait.
