GTA 6: New Side Activities

The update

A new extended look at Grand Theft Auto 6 shows a wide range of activities outside of the main missions. The footage highlights options for players who want to take a break from the chaos, including rally racing tracks, base jumping from tall buildings, and studying animals for what appears to be a collection mechanic similar to Red Dead Redemption 2. Players can also engage in activities like eavesdropping on NPCs, visiting strip clubs, and racing on dirt bikes or in Daytona-like arenas.

Why it matters

For years, the appeal of the series has been the freedom to explore a world filled with distractions. These new additions suggest Rockstar is doubling down on that formula while introducing more realistic consequences and mechanics. The ability to perform many activities as a couple, including mundane tasks like clothes shopping or lounging in a safehouse, adds a new layer of relationship mechanics to the game.

What to watch

It remains to be seen if these activities are fully open-ended or scripted sequences. Players will also want to see how these side options integrate with the game’s new relationship mechanics and Criminal Profiles system, which appears to be a spiritual successor to Red Dead Redemption 2’s Honor system. The studio’s recent union-busting controversy may also impact development priorities.

Sources

• ign.com — listing specific side activities observed in the trailer
• eurogamer.net — context on the variety of activities and the studio's recent history