10 features GTA 6 desperately needs to make the wait worth it

Even though we've only seen glimpses of what GTA 6 might offer, fans already have a stacked wishlist. As a longtime Rockstar fan, I've dreamed up a few features that could make the wait totally worth it.

Buckle up. Here are 10 things Grand Theft Auto 6 needs to deliver.

Two protagonists with contrasting journeys and traits

Despite the mystery around Grand Theft Auto 6, we do know the game will feature two dual protagonists (rumored to be named Lucia and Jason) in a Bonnie and Clyde-style dynamic. Considering the success behind GTA 5's three distinct characters, I'd love to see this formula kicked up a notch. Lucia and Jason should each have unique playstyles, like how Assassin's Creed: Shadows made Yasuke a tank and Naoe a stealth master. Different genres, sure, but that kind of duality in GTA 6 would feel like getting two games for the price of one, which might be the case if GTA 6 costs $100.

The same goes for their journeys, where choices, missions, and side content shift depending on your character. It would be exciting if NPCs reacted differently to each one, making it even more enticing to see how each character's story and gameplay experience vary.

Intricate car customization

Grand Theft Auto is called Grand Theft Auto for a reason—it's all about the cars. So, if GTA 6 is going to be the best of the series, then car customization should be off the charts. GTA 5 already has crazy personalization, from the interior to the bumper. But let's be real; there's so much more room to go deeper with parts and detailing.

Another mechanic that would make GTA 6 top-tier is a system inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2's horse stables but for cars. Instead of horses, you'd take your ride to a car retention spot, where you can grab any of your owned vehicles whenever you want. I know I'm not alone in the struggle of losing a cool new car, so having this feature would be a welcome addition.

Heists, heists, and more heists

Heists have always been a massive part of the Grand Theft Auto experience, especially when GTA 5 lets you take the reins and plan them out yourself. It'd be epic to see that system return in GTA 6, but with even higher stakes and deeper planning. I want every choice to matter, whether things go south mid-mission or your payout changes depending on the crew you picked. The more dynamic and unpredictable, the better.

The variety of heists in GTA Online could be the perfect starting point for what GTA 6 might offer, including fast, high-risk jobs or elaborate, multi-part missions. Just make each one feel like its own wild adventure that goes beyond the main story.

More significance to the time system

Ever since I first played Rockstar's Bully and saw its time system in action, I've wanted something like that to make a comeback. Not exactly the school bell schedule, but more like a living world where events happen at specific times. Maybe GTA 6 could have an invite-only party that kicks off at midnight on Fridays or a mysterious gun vendor who only shows up on a random Tuesday. On top of that, Rockstar Games could throw in something totally bizarre that only happens at a certain time and place, like the ghost sightings in GTA Online.

You could also bring back business hours for stores, as we've previously seen in San Andreas. It might be a bit frustrating to miss out on something because you showed up too late, yet it makes a lot more sense than every shop being open around the clock. Time systems add structure and realism to the world, making it feel alive instead of just flipping a switch from day to night.

The return of Tommy Vercetti

You can't bring back Vice City without mentioning Tommy Vercetti. He's the reason the place became iconic in the first place, starring as the main protagonist in GTA: Vice City. Since then, we've only gotten a few breadcrumbs about where he ended up, but it'd be a blast to see him again. Tagging along with him for a mission, even in a limited role, would be a nostalgic treat.

But if a full quest is asking too much, a cameo would still hit the spot. Or simply getting a peek inside the Vercetti Estate would be worth it. Seeing that legendary mansion brought to life with modern graphics would be unforgettable, and even better if we had the chance to own it ourselves.

Completely random, but memorable NPC moments

If there's one thing Rockstar Games absolutely nails, it's NPCs. I've overheard some of the most unhinged, laugh-out-loud dialogue just walking past random characters, and I still quote some of the wild stuff they've said. I have no doubt Grand Theft Auto 6 will keep this tradition alive, but I'd love to see it lean into what Red Dead Redemption 2 did so well. That game made NPCs feel truly alive, with side characters whose stories evolved over time, no quest markers needed. These moments happened organically, which made exploring feel like discovering something special.

I'm also all in for the mysterious NPCs: the ones who leave more questions than answers. Red Dead Redemption 2's Gavin storyline, for example, was never fully explained, and that made it even more intriguing. Years later, we're still wondering why that poor guy is yelling for Gavin, who has seemed to vanish into thin air. More weird, open-ended encounters like that in GTA 6 would be the cherry on top.

A new and improved Wanted system

While Grand Theft Auto's Wanted system is iconic, there's definitely room for some improvement. Take GTA 5, for example. How do the police find you when you're in the middle of nowhere? It feels like they've got a psychic link to your every move. And don't even get me started on their sharpshooting skills. They'll go full Rambo with just a two-star Wanted level.

For GTA 6, the early Wanted levels shouldn't turn you into an instant target. Rockstar Games could handle this by introducing a ticket system, like in the Mafia series, where you can pay a fine and send the cops packing. Another cool idea comes from Red Dead Redemption's Witness mechanics, where someone rats you out instead of the police magically appearing. Combining both systems could create a more realistic and manageable police experience, giving players more ways to handle their Wanted level without feeling like the entire force is gunning for them at all times.

Destructible environments

Of all the most-desired features in Grand Theft Auto 6, destructible environments seem to be on almost everyone's list, and I'd have to agree. Even though there are plenty of moments where you can cause chaos, most buildings just stand there without a scratch, aside from the endless street poles I've flattened. It feels a bit unrealistic not to have some destruction, though I reckon it's a tricky thing to pull off, especially with a map that's expected to be massive.

Still, it would be so much fun to wreak havoc and see the aftermath. Watching things slowly get rebuilt over time would make it feel like your actions matter, adding more weight to your destruction.

Two-player co-op

San Andreas fans might remember its underrated co-op mode, where you and a buddy could explore the world and take on the world side by side. With GTA 6 featuring two main protagonists, bringing back something similar wouldn't be out of left field. It could work just like it did in San Andreas, as you stick together to rampage or free-roam, tackling whatever the game throws your way.

It would be even more exciting if the entire GTA 6 storyline could be played with two players, letting you coordinate and strategize through each mission. Online play could still offer that experience if couch co-op isn't included. Solo play would, of course, still be there, but giving players the option to team up would mark a bold step forward for the franchise.

Overhaul of minigames and activities

The side content is one of the many things I love about the Grand Theft Auto series, always taking a step above the main story. In GTA 5, you could go to the movies and play tennis, while GTA 4 featured air hockey and a golf club. I'd love for GTA 6 to add more content like this to get even more lost in its world. The mind boggles at what these activities could entail, including skateboarding, surfing, fishing, and gambling.

Buildings should also be more explorable rather than just being used as decoration. Having a mall would probably offer a lot of side content or a gym where a character weight system could be put in place. There are so many possibilities, and honestly, I want them all. If Rockstar Games delivers on just a fraction of these ideas, the wait for GTA 6 will be worth it, even with the recent delay.

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