When it comes to crime-focused video games, few franchises have left as significant a mark as Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto series.
Since its first release in the late 90s, GTA has been the go-to name for players seeking an immersive, open-world experience filled with high-stakes crime and action.
Now, with the highly anticipated GTA 6 slated for release late next year, the franchise is poised to once again dominate the gaming industry.
Over the years, several elements have become iconic within the series, from the gritty stories of gangs like the Ballas to the extensive range of vehicles available for players to commandeer.
However, with the longest gap between releases in the series history, it’s time to consider whether other aspects, particularly gunplay and combat, might be due for a rework.
The GTA 6 reveal trailer highlighted the franchise’s core theme of crime, a lens through which players have seen countless missions in cities like Vice City and San Andreas.
These missions often involve robbing key characters or infiltrating heavily guarded military bases, usually with an arsenal of weapons at the player’s disposal—everything from RPGs to classic handguns.
Unlike other franchises that prioritize realism, GTA has always embraced a more exaggerated approach, evident in the over-the-top shootouts where protagonists manage to survive onslaughts from entire police forces.
But with GTA 6’s Bonnie and Clyde-inspired storyline in the spotlight, Rockstar might need to rethink its approach to combat to keep the game fresh and engaging.
Why GTA 6 May Need More Realistic Combat
It’s been over a decade since GTA 5 took the gaming world by storm, and during this time, the standards for shooter mechanics have evolved considerably.
While GTA isn’t primarily known as a shooter, firearms are a crucial part of nearly every mission.
Given that, it’s reasonable to expect that GTA 6 will be held to the same standards as modern games like Helldivers 2 and Cyberpunk 2077, both of which have pushed the boundaries of realistic combat.
If GTA 6 sticks to its traditional combat mechanics, it could risk feeling outdated in comparison to these newer titles.
That said, any changes Rockstar makes would have to be carefully balanced with the elements that fans have come to love about the series.
Hand-to-hand combat, for instance, has always been fairly simple in GTA games, with few NPCs capable of putting up much of a fight against the protagonist.
While it’s unclear whether GTA 6 will include similarly guarded locations as past games, it would make sense for police or military forces to pose more of a challenge if the combat system were overhauled.
How a Combat Overhaul Could Benefit GTA 6
The gunplay in GTA 6 might also benefit from a more modern approach, especially given the stiff competition from other recent titles.
Destiny 2 and Helldivers 2 have set new benchmarks for shooting mechanics, with a focus on realistic aiming and physics.
By contrast, the most memorable moments in past GTA games often didn’t require much precision or strategy in shooting, instead leaning on the chaotic fun that has always been the series’ hallmark.
The big question for Rockstar as they develop GTA 6 is whether to stick with the tried-and-true formula of “fun over realism” or embrace a more modern, realistic approach to gunplay and combat.
Given the rumored Bonnie and Clyde premise—characters known for their proficiency with firearms—a more realistic combat system could add depth to the narrative and enhance the overall gameplay experience.
This shift could provide the fresh twist that GTA 6 needs to stand out, making it worth the effort for Rockstar to invest in updating this key aspect of the game.
