Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) will boast graphics that far surpass “Red Dead Redemption 2,” achieving a “true next-gen” level of visual fidelity, according to a tweet from @PainkillerH20 on the X platform yesterday, January 8th.
These new details, surfaced in a series of screenshots, showcase realistic weather effects, advanced vehicle and collision physics, dynamic environments, and detailed character interactions, designed to deliver an unprecedented level of immersion.
@PainkillerH20 revealed that “GTA 6” doesn’t aim for extreme hyper-realism but instead adopts a unique approach that enhances player immersion. The effects are particularly striking during storms or hurricanes.
In a showcase of its dynamic environment, utility poles and road signs will sway with the wind; NPCs will struggle to maintain their balance and seek cover in response to strong winds, as described in the leak.
The game will implement a realistic “center of mass” for NPCs, meaning that when shot, they react in a way that feels authentic to a real-life situation.
The leak revealed a gore system on par with RDR2, with shooting NPCs feeling more realistic; for example, a close-range handgun shot to the stomach will cause NPCs to stumble backwards, clutching the wound, check for blood, then gasp for air, stutter, and fall. Another shot in the shoulder will cause the NPC to fall, making noises like they are in real pain.
Vehicle handling and collisions will also receive a significant upgrade. Each car will provide a distinct driving experience based on its model and modifications. Extra weight from passengers, armor, or even bodies in the trunk will alter vehicle handling.
Collisions will result in headlights falling off and trunks denting. If a body is discovered in the trunk, witnesses will call the police. High-speed severe collisions can cause deformation to the hood and rearview mirrors, or even cause vehicles to break apart. Collision debris will remain realistically at the scene.
In terms of weapons, players will carry pistols, rifles (one on their back and one in the front), knives, and backpacks for grenades and explosives.
Vehicles can carry extra clothing, weapons, and accessories like silencers, grenade launchers, laser pointers, and scopes. The limited capacity in the vehicle is akin to real life, where having multiple cars for equipment is a practical consideration.
Beyond these aspects, “GTA 6” will feature enterable buildings. Around 40% of buildings are enterable, including large structures like hotels, skyscrapers, banks, and malls, and smaller ones like shops and gas stations.
Buildings will have destructible windows and doors and can sustain around 60% destruction, where walls can crumble and roofs destroyed, but the core structure remains.
Both main characters, Jason and Lucia, will move, aim, and handle weapons differently, based on their personality, weight, and feel. Character movement has been enhanced, and they can jump over walls and fences and climb roofs like in the “Hitman” or “Ghost Recon” games.
Clothing will feature its physics, reacting to player movement. Players will be able to hide handguns under their shirts, which will move as they reach for or draw the weapon, allowing for a glimpse at the skin underneath. Clothes will also tear, get dirty, sweaty, wet, bloody and react to bullets and knife cuts.
The leak also points to a “cleaning/maintenance” system. Construction workers and their equipment will appear randomly alongside roads, adding to the realism.
Cleaning crews will appear and fix parts of the environment depending on context (missions) and can be seen fixing poles and putting metal plates over potholes. If you stay for too long in the area, however, cops, ambulances, or even SWAT can appear, leading to chaos.
Litter will also have physical properties, and players will be able to smash bottles on people’s heads. Players will be able to carry bodies and dispose of them.
