The countdown to Vice City is entering its final stretch, with less than three weeks until Rockstar’s next Grand Theft Auto arrives.
Twenty days. After years of anticipation, the wait for Grand Theft Auto VI is almost over.
Rockstar’s next open-world adventure is scheduled to release on 19 November 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, taking players to Vice City and the surrounding state of Leonida.
For those counting down, the remaining wait is short enough to start thinking about that first session. Will you head straight into the story, or take the earliest opportunity to explore?
A new partnership in Vice City
GTA VI follows Jason and Lucia, whose attempt at an easy score draws them into a criminal conspiracy stretching across Leonida. Rockstar’s official synopsis places their reliance on one another at the centre of the adventure.
That premise offers an intriguing foundation for a Grand Theft Auto story. Their relationship could give the action a personal stake, particularly when plans unravel and trusting each other becomes essential.
How that partnership develops is something players will soon be able to discover for themselves.
The first drive is getting closer
There is a particular pleasure in the opening hours of an unfamiliar GTA world.
The roads have yet to become routine. You don’t know which neighbourhood will become your favourite, where an unexpected encounter might happen or how far a casual detour will take you.
For some players, following the story will be the priority. Others will want to find a vehicle, choose something on the radio and see where the road leads.
Those early discoveries are part of what makes the countdown exciting. Before familiar routes and efficient shortcuts take over, there is a whole setting to get to know.
More than a visual showcase
As launch approaches, attention will turn towards how GTA VI feels to play across longer sessions.
The driving needs to remain enjoyable beyond the first impressive journey. Missions need to provide memorable action. Exploring should reward curiosity, while quieter moments should give players reasons to care about the characters.
Those are substantial expectations. The finished game will need to earn its reputation once players have the controller in their hands.
For now, anticipation comes with the prospect of finally finding out.
Twenty days until the journey begins
There is still time to finish another game, revisit a favourite GTA or keep your distance from further footage so the remaining surprises stay intact.
Then comes the moment the countdown has been building towards: starting the game and discovering what Rockstar has made.
GTA VI is scheduled to launch on 19 November 2026.
What will you do first: follow the story or explore Vice City?