GTA 6 May Be Borrowing a Major Mechanic from Red Dead Redemption 2

Grand Theft Auto 6 could be taking a major mechanic from Red Dead Redemption 2, which might bother some GTA fans.

Today, Rockstar Games revealed the Ultimate Edition for GTA 6, which includes a bunch of goodies, some of which have been creating controversy. One of these perks is free access to a garage, which will boast a weapons locker where you can “customize your loadout for any occasion.” This makes it sound like players may have to be more intentional with the weapons they take with them.

In Red Dead Redemption 2, you can only have two large weapons (rifles, shotguns, etc.) and two handguns. If there isn’t a physical way for your character to hold the weapon, it stays on your horse. It’s more realistic and forces the player to be more conscious of their loadout, something that has been divisive with players over the years. This is also radically different from the way GTA handles it, as GTA 5 allows you to carry dozens of weapons in your pocket. However, fans have been wondering which inventory system GTA 6 will utilize, and it seems like it may be Red Dead Redemption 2’s, based on the inclusion of a weapons locker.

Leaked gameplay for GTA 6 also indicated that Rockstar might go in this direction, as the footage showed weapons on the protagonists’ backs via a sling in addition to a duffel bag, which may allow for extra storage. Of course, that footage was from a very early work-in-progress build of the game, so it may no longer represent what’s in the final product.

GTA Online did add lockers eventually, but it came three years after the game’s initial launch. By that point, Rockstar had added a ton of additional weapons, so it made sense for players to have a place to store them; otherwise, their weapon wheel would become too crowded. Unless GTA 6 has as many munitions as GTA Online currently does, it’s hard to imagine it having the same utility.

The free garage will feature a stash box, which can be used to “deposit stolen goods to be fenced.” This also indicates that looting and dynamic robberies may play a larger role in GTA 6. Red Dead Redemption 2 allowed players to freely rob anyone in the world and also ransack homes for loot, which could then be sold for money. It sounds like GTA 6 may feature a similar system, and the aforementioned duffel bag could help carry some of that loot.

Ultimately, we can only speculate about GTA 6’s gameplay until Rockstar gives us a proper look. Hopefully, that first look isn’t too far away now that marketing is in full swing. Pre-orders have begun rolling out across the globe following news that the game’s standard edition will cost $79.99. For physical media enjoyers, the game will not be released on a disc. Instead, physical copies will come with a digital code. Some retailers are protesting the decision and choosing not to sell the game.

GTA 6 will release on November 19 for Xbox Series X|S and PS5.

Cade Onder is a freelancer for IGN’s news team. He covers all things entertainment, including gaming, film, and more. You can find him on Twitter @Cade_Onder.