Where Is GTA 6? Timeline, Rumours & Rockstar’s Silence Explained

Ever since Rockstar confirmed back in 2022 that a new Grand Theft Auto (GTA) was in the pipeline, gamers have been hanging out for more details. Hopes were high after the first trailer dropped in 2023, followed by talk of a 2025 release date. But since then? Nothing but crickets from Rockstar — leaving fans to spin their own theories. That is, until now.

Rockstar finally broke their silence with a recent update, locking in 26 May 2026 as the new release date — and releasing a second trailer just four days later. It’s been three years since that first teaser, and considering this is the only official word from them in all that time, fans have been left scratching their heads, wondering what’s really been going on behind the scenes.

The GTA 6 Timeline: From GTA 5 to Now

So, what’s Rockstar been up to since GTA 5 dropped in 2013? That same year, they launched GTA Online as part of the base game — which pretty much became a juggernaut on its own.

After that, Rockstar put out L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files in 2017, and the absolute blockbuster Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018 — a prequel to the original Red Dead. They’ve also been growing their empire: they took over Ruffian Games in 2020 (now Rockstar Dundee) and bought out Cfx.re in 2023 — the legends behind FiveM and RedM.

Closer to home, in early 2025, they acquired Video Games Deluxe, a Sydney-based dev studio, and rebranded it Rockstar Australia.

What Are the Biggest GTA 6 Rumors?

When a company clams up, the rumour mill kicks into overdrive. And in the years since that first GTA 6 confirmation, fans have cooked up plenty of theories — everything from mad map predictions to talk of a mobile companion app.

Map Theories

In 2022, Rockstar copped a massive data breach that leaked early GTA 6 footage online. Based on what viewers spotted, many reckon the game’s set in a reworked Vice City — but this time it’s even bigger, with city sprawls, beaches, and bushland all thrown into the mix.

Rising Costs

There’s a yarn doing the rounds that GTA 6 could be costing $6 billion USD to develop. Where the number came from, no one really knows — but it took off after this TikTok by Recharge.

@recharge.com

GTA 6 cost more than the Burj Khalifa… seriously?#recharge #gtavi #gta6 #burjkhalifadubai

♬ original sound – Recharge – Recharge

A New Companion App

Rockstar North recently advertised for an app developer with Android and iOS experience — sparking chat that GTA 6 might come with a proper mobile companion app. 

Why Is Rockstar So Quiet About GTA 6?

This isn’t out of character. Rockstar’s always been the type to keep schtum about their big projects. The quiet approach builds hype — and judging by how keen everyone is, it’s working a treat. The less they say, the more the internet goes wild.

Can You Trust GTA 6 Countdown Sites and ‘Early Access’ Offers?

Rockstar hasn’t put up any official countdown, so anything you see online is either guesswork or a scam. And those ‘early access’ offers? Massive red flags. Most of them are just phishing attempts to pinch your personal info — like email addresses and bank details.

Staying Safe Online While You Wait

Stick to Rockstar’s official social media and legit news outlets if you want real updates. Steer clear of dodgy links promising beta access or early downloads. If something looks suss, trust your gut — it probably is.

What’s the Safest Way to Buy GTA 6?

When it finally drops, grab it through proper Aussie retailers or digital stores you trust. And if you want to dodge putting your card details online, use prepaid game cards from reliable sellers like Recharge.

Can I Preorder GTA 6 Without Sharing My Credit Card Information?

Too easy. Just preorder using a gaming card instead. Head to a trusted provider like Recharge, choose your platform – Playstation or Xbox (most reckon it’ll be on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S at launch), and you’ll get your game code emailed straight away. No card details needed — no dramas.

Will GTA 6 Be Worth the Hype?

After more than ten years since GTA 5, expectations are sky-high. But Rockstar’s track record speaks for itself — every GTA game so far has been a step up from the last. The long dev cycle suggests they’re throwing everything at this one. From what the company has been promising, it’ll be an absolute ripper.

How to Play GTA 5 Safely While You Wait

Still keen for a bit of action while you wait? Boot up GTA 5 — but take care when downloading mods or add-ons. Make sure you’ve got antivirus software running, only use trusted mod sites, and keep your details safe by using gaming cards from reliable places like Recharge.