Rockstar Games is making Grand Theft Auto VI much larger than its predecessor, but players will not see every corner of Leonida simply by completing the main story. The studio has confirmed that the campaign is designed to introduce players to much of the fictional Florida-inspired state while leaving plenty of its world for exploration outside the main missions.
Speaking with Game Informer, Rockstar senior vice president of narrative Rupert Humphries explained that the story does not have enough time to take players everywhere in Leonida. Instead, the campaign will give players a feel for the state’s different locations, cultures, and atmosphere, with other parts of the map waiting to be discovered through free exploration.
Rockstar North’s Aaron Garbut described Leonida as the largest world the studio has created “by some degree.” The map is expected to cover roughly twice the area of Grand Theft Auto V’s Los Santos and Blaine County. Leonida is divided into six regions: Vice City, Grassrivers, the Leonida Keys, Port Gellhorn, Ambrosia, and Mount Kalaga National Park.
The larger map will also feature a much broader range of wildlife. Rockstar has confirmed more than 170 animal species, including over 60 types of birds. Animals are categorized as rare, discoverable, and legendary, although the studio has yet to reveal which creatures belong to the legendary category. Confirmed wildlife includes alligators, manatees, flamingos, sharks, whales, and macaques.
Weather is another major part of Leonida’s world simulation. Wind can move hair, rooftop debris, water, and grass, while tropical storms and hurricanes are also confirmed. Rockstar has not yet detailed how frequently these events occur or whether they can directly affect missions.
The game will also give players more freedom in how Jason and Lucia’s relationship develops. Their connection can follow either a romantic or platonic path depending on player choices.
For getting around Leonida, players can use RydeMe, an in-game ride-hailing service. During fast-travel trips, players can change the radio, browse social media, or interact with the driver rather than simply watching a loading screen.
