Rumor: GTA 6 Will Feature a Wanted System Similar to Red Dead Redemption 2

According to well-known and reliable insider Tez2, Grand Theft Auto 6 will implement a wanted system directly inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2. Players will likely be able to pay off crimes and intimidate witnesses.

The dataminer revealed this on a fan forum during a discussion of the 2022 source code for Rage Engine. One user discovered unused functions such as speeding fines in the GTA 5 files, leading many fans to speculate that similar features could carry over to the sixth installment. Tez2 dismissed these assumptions, stating: "R* changed the crime system's format in RDR2, which is what VI will be based on, so those crimes listed may not carry over as-is."

If true, GTA 6 players can expect new mechanics for the series. In Red Dead Redemption 2, for instance, players could threaten, bribe, or even eliminate witnesses to prevent them from reporting crimes to the authorities. The wanted system also varied by region, allowing players to simply pay off bounties from another state.

Earlier rumors also suggested that Grand Theft Auto 6 will bring back a six-star wanted system.

The action game is currently scheduled to release on May 26, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. However, it may be delayed again, as recently suggested by journalist and insider Tom Henderson.