5 big differences we'd like to see in GTA 6 from GTA 5

Fans have had to endure an excruciatingly long wait for GTA 6. Even now, the title is pretty far away and won't be released before Fall 2025 at the earliest. Needless to say, the upcoming Rockstar Games title will have to be a major improvement over its 2013 predecessor, GTA 5, to satisfy the gaming community.

While there is a lot that the sequel can learn from the series' past entries, it should aim to be a little different in some areas.

Unfortunately, not much has been revealed about its gameplay as of this writing, so let's look at five big differences we'd like to see in GTA 6 from GTA 5.

Note: None of the differences mentioned below have been confirmed. This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.

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Multiple major cities and 4 other big differences that we'd like to see in GTA 6 from GTA 5

1) Story mode DLCs

Fans are eager to see more of Lucia and her partner (Image via Rockstar Games)

Rockstar Games abandoned GTA 5's story mode following the success of GTA Online. The latter has received DLCs periodically and will get another, Bottom Dollar Bounties, on June 25, 2024.

Although it is enjoyable, many fans wanted to see more of Michael, Trevor, and Franklin as a trio. And if Lucia and her partner, reportedly named Jason, also emerge as fan favorites, Rockstar should continue their journey via GTA 6 story mode DLCs.

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2) Restricted map

Vice City's skyline (Image via Rockstar Games)

Contrary to most Grand Theft Auto titles, GTA 5's map was entirely explorable from the get-go. While there isn't anything inherently wrong with that, the restriction results in a feeling of mystique regarding what lies ahead. Additionally, unlocking new areas by progressing in the campaign felt pretty rewarding in previous games.

Therefore, GTA 6 should return to the series' roots and implement this system in its gameplay. Lucia wearing an ankle monitor in the sequel's artwork suggests this to be the case, but there is no official confirmation yet.

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3) Multiple major cities

Los Santos being tucked in one corner of GTA 5's map restricts most of the action to just that area. Although there is explorable land out in Blaine County and a small town in Paleto Bay, they don't stay interesting for long, especially in GTA Online.

Los Santos also gets a little boring after a bit of time due to the lack of accessible interiors. This is why GTA 6's map should feature another major city apart from Vice City. Port Gellhorn might be one, as suggested by the leaked footage, but that remains to be seen.

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4) Advanced melee combat

GTA 5's melee combat is extremely simplified and leaves a lot to be desired. It is a pretty significant step back from GTA 4 and has taken away a lot of the fun from hand-to-hand combat.

Understandably, weapons usually take the spotlight in Grand Theft Auto games, but not making melee combat just as interesting would be a mistake. Other Rockstar titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA 4 itself can serve as GTA 6's source of inspiration in this department.

The upcoming entry's gunplay and movement can also take inspiration from Max Payne 3 since that could render these mechanics more dynamic and enjoyable.

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5) No futuristic elements

Flying vehicles shouldn't be a part of the sequel (Image via Rockstar Games)

GTA 5's multiplayer veered off into the futuristic, sci-fi genre by integrating flying cars, bikes, and alien weapons in its gameplay. Though fun for a while, these things don't belong in a Grand Theft Auto setting.

The strength of this franchise has always lied in grounded, realistic storytelling, which is why GTA 6 should avoid such vehicles and weapons as much as possible.