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

Back in 2022, Rockstar Games confirmed that a new Grand Theft Auto (GTA) was in the works. Since then, fans have been on edge waiting for more updates. Hopes were high after the first trailer dropped in 2023 along with rumours of a 2025 release. But since then, Rockstar’s been radio silent, leaving gamers to speculate — until now.

Rockstar finally broke their silence with a recent announcement: GTA 6 is officially set to launch on May 26, 2026. Just four days later, they released a second trailer. It’s been three years since the initial confirmation, and with virtually no updates in between, fans have been left wondering what’s really going on behind the scenes.

The GTA 6 Timeline: From GTA 5 to Now

GTA 5 launched in 2013 — so what’s Rockstar been up to since then? That same year, GTA Online launched as part of the main game and eventually evolved into a full-fledged standalone experience.

In 2017, Rockstar released L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, followed by Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018 — a prequel to the original Red Dead. Along the way, they’ve also been expanding the business. In 2020, they acquired Ruffian Games (now Rockstar Dundee), and in 2023 they added Cfx.re to their roster — the team behind FiveM and RedM mods. Earlier this year, Rockstar added an Aussie connection by acquiring Sydney-based Video Games Deluxe, now operating as Rockstar Australia.

What Are the Biggest GTA 6 Rumors?

When details are scarce, rumours tend to spread — and over the past few years, fans have come up with plenty of theories, from wild guesses about the map to talk of a mobile companion app.

Map Theories

In 2022, Rockstar experienced a major leak, and early GTA 6 footage was shared online. Based on that footage, many believe the game will be set in a much larger, reimagined Vice City, complete with sprawling urban areas, suburban neighbourhoods, and countryside settings — a pretty massive scale-up.

Rising Costs

One of the more out-there rumours is that GTA 6 is costing upwards of $6 billion USD to develop. While that number hasn’t been verified, it went viral thanks to a TikTok from Recharge.

@recharge.com

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

♬ original sound – Recharge – Recharge

A New Companion App

There’s also talk of a companion app coming alongside the game. Rockstar North recently posted a job opening for an app developer with Android and iOS experience — which got the rumour mill churning.

Why Is Rockstar So Quiet About GTA 6?

If you’ve followed Rockstar over the years, you’ll know this isn’t unusual. They’re known for keeping things close to their chest when it comes to major projects. It’s all part of their strategy — they let the hype build naturally. And honestly? It seems to be working.

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

Rockstar hasn’t posted an official countdown anywhere, so anything you see online is probably a rough guess at best. And if you come across sites offering ‘early access’? Odds are, it’s a scam. These setups are often used to collect your personal info — including email addresses and even credit card details.

How to Stay Safe Online While Waiting for GTA 6

Stick to Rockstar’s official channels and reliable Canadian news or gaming outlets. Be wary of sketchy links, clickbait headlines, or anything that seems too good to be true — especially those promising early access or beta invites. If it feels off, it probably is.

What’s the Safest Way to Buy GTA 6?

When GTA 6 does finally drop, the best way to buy it is through trusted Canadian retailers. If you’d rather not use your credit card online, you can always go with prepaid game cards from reliable sources like Recharge. It’s safer, as you don’t need to provide your card details to multiple sites.

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

Absolutely. If you want to pre-order the game without entering your card info, just use a game cards instead. Pick a reputable provider like Recharge, choose your platform — PlayStation or Xbox (GTA 6 is most likely to be on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S for initial release) — and check out. Your download code will be sent directly to your inbox, and no card details are needed.

Will GTA 6 Be Worth the Hype?

That’s the big question. After more than a decade of waiting since GTA 5, expectations are sky-high. But Rockstar has delivered every time so far — and based on what we know, they’ve poured years of work into GTA 6. They’ve even gone on record saying this will be their most ambitious title yet.

How to Play GTA 5 Safely While You Wait

Still keen to jump back into the world of GTA while you wait? Fire up GTA 5, but make sure you’re staying safe online. If you’re downloading mods or add-ons, only use trusted sites and keep your antivirus software up to date. And if you’re buying any digital content, protect your financial info by using prepaid cards from trusted retailers like Recharge.