Grand Theft Auto 6 Will Have RPG Mechanics Like Eating, Exercising, and More

Some of the first gameplay details for Grand Theft Auto 6 have been confirmed, and it seems like Rockstar is embracing a more RPG-type style this time around.

As part of a cover story for Dazed magazine, Rockstar Games revealed heaps of new information about Grand Theft Auto 6. Arguably the most notable details revolve around some of its gameplay features. In GTA 6, players will be able to eat, work out, and sleep, all of which have an impact on the game’s two protagonists, Jason and Lucia. Players will have to take care of the Bonnie and Clyde-esque couple, as eating will affect their weight, working out will visibly change their build and strength, and a lack of sleep will negatively impact their features. It’s unclear if a lack of sleep will impact the actual gameplay, or if they’ll just look sleep-deprived, but it’s a clear sign of Rockstar’s attention to detail.

For many, this may remind them of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. That game featured a lot of RPG mechanics that allowed CJ to fluctuate in weight and fitness. Later games largely dropped these elements, but GTA 5 featured a stat system that allowed players to enhance their stamina and strength by doing physical activities such as running, playing sports, and riding bikes.

Additionally, there is also a social media feed for players to scroll, something fans have speculated about since the game’s reveal in 2023. Character switching is also returning from GTA 5, allowing players to play as a couple or split up and operate independently. Dazed teased that the relationship between these two is a major focus of the game and that choices made by the player have “repercussions that cut much deeper” than the honor system in the Red Dead Redemption series.

“We look back at our previous games with a critical eye and see where we want to evolve based on what we didn’t do as well as we would have liked to, either because we didn’t have the time, resources or technological capabilities, or in some cases things we just didn’t do as well or consider as fully as we could have,” said Rob Nelson, co-studio head at Rockstar North. “A lot of what we do is very iterative — we adjust a lot of things by feel based on what is working and what isn’t.”

Based on that information, it’s possible that there will be some kind of relationship meter that can impact how Jason and Lucia feel about each other. Ultimately, it sounds like Rockstar is making a much more nuanced and interactive game. That should hardly come as a surprise following Red Dead Redemption 2, but it seems like Rockstar is really pushing the envelope with GTA 6. Tomorrow, fans will get a proper look at the game thanks to an extended look releasing on Netflix at 3 PM ET, with a YouTube version to follow six hours later.

GTA 6 has suffered from a plethora of leaks over the last week, including a story-focused one earlier today. Rockstar Games released a statement this morning confirming that the situation was “heartbreaking,” but it is working hard to deliver a product that exceeds expectations.

Grand Theft Auto 6 will release on November 19th 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.