GTA 6 Vice City: What We Know + Play the Original

GTA 6 is officially returning to Vice City. Rockstar Games confirmed the setting in the December 2023 trailer, showing a fictionalized modern-day Miami with two playable protagonists named Jason and Lucia. While we wait for the official launch, you can revisit the neon-soaked original GTA Vice City right now at gtavicecity.lol.

What Rockstar Has Confirmed About GTA 6

After years of leaks and speculation, Rockstar dropped the first official GTA 6 trailer on December 5, 2023. The trailer confirmed several major details that fans had been hoping for. The game returns to the Vice City setting, reimagined as a modern-day Leonida (Rockstar's fictional version of Florida). For the first time in the series, GTA 6 features a female protagonist named Lucia, alongside a male lead named Jason.

Rockstar initially announced a 2025 release window, later narrowing it to Fall 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. A PC release is expected to follow, though Rockstar has not confirmed a specific date for that version.

The GTA 6 Map: How Big Is Leonida?

Based on the trailer footage and subsequent leaks, the GTA 6 map appears to be significantly larger than GTA V's Los Santos. The state of Leonida seems to include a dense urban Vice City core, surrounding suburbs, swamplands inspired by the Everglades, and smaller rural towns. Multiple analysts have estimated the playable area could be two to three times larger than GTA V, though Rockstar has not released official measurements.

The trailer showed beach boardwalks, nightclubs, strip malls, trailer parks, and wildlife-filled wetlands, all rendered in Rockstar's next-generation RAGE engine.

How GTA 6 Connects to the Original Vice City

The original GTA Vice City launched in 2002 for PlayStation 2 and later arrived on PC and Xbox. Set in 1986, it followed Tommy Vercetti as he built a criminal empire across a neon-drenched city inspired by Miami and the television show Miami Vice. The game became one of the best-selling titles of its generation, praised for its open-world design, voice acting, and iconic 1980s soundtrack.

GTA 6 is not a direct sequel to the 2002 game. It takes place in a modern timeline with new characters. However, the shared Vice City setting creates a clear thematic link. Fans have spotted visual callbacks in the trailer, including familiar landmarks like the Ocean Beach strip and art-deco architecture.

Revisit the Original While You Wait

If the GTA 6 hype has you feeling nostalgic, you can experience the original Vice City atmosphere right now. Head over to gtavicecity.lol/play to jump into Tommy Vercetti's 1986 adventure. You can also brush up on all the classic PC cheat codes and keyboard controls to make the most of your playthrough.

What to Expect From GTA 6 Gameplay

Based on the trailer and credible reporting, GTA 6 will feature a Bonnie-and-Clyde-style dual-protagonist story. Players are expected to switch between Jason and Lucia, similar to the character-switching mechanic in GTA V. The game will reportedly feature evolving social media content within its world, with in-game apps and viral videos reflecting a satirical modern internet culture.

Rockstar is also expected to expand GTA Online with a new multiplayer component tied to GTA 6, though details remain scarce. The single-player campaign is the primary focus heading into launch.

Should You Play the Original Vice City Before GTA 6?

Absolutely. Playing the 2002 original gives you context for the setting and an appreciation for how far Rockstar's open-world design has evolved. The story of Tommy Vercetti stands on its own as one of the best narratives in the franchise. The 1980s soundtrack alone is worth the experience. And understanding the original Vice City's layout will make recognizing callbacks in GTA 6 much more rewarding.

You do not need to have played the original to enjoy GTA 6, but it adds a layer of appreciation that longtime fans will value.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does GTA 6 come out?

Rockstar Games has announced a Fall 2025 release window for GTA 6 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. A PC version is expected to follow at a later date, though Rockstar has not confirmed the exact timing. Release dates are always subject to change, so keep an eye on Rockstar's official Newswire for updates.

Is GTA 6 set in Vice City?

Yes. The first official trailer confirmed that GTA 6 takes place in Leonida, Rockstar's fictional version of Florida, with Vice City as the main urban hub. The setting draws heavy inspiration from modern-day Miami and surrounding areas, expanding well beyond the boundaries of the original 2002 game.

Can I play the original GTA Vice City right now?

Yes. You can experience the classic 2002 GTA Vice City at gtavicecity.lol/play. The site provides guides on cheat codes and controls to help you get started. It is a great way to revisit the original Vice City atmosphere while waiting for GTA 6.