Browse
Log in / Register
Share
March 27, 2025 – Rockstar Games dropped a nearly 30-minute extended gameplay look for Grand Theft Auto VI on Netflix, and the community is still buzzing. While the visuals and story details are impressive, one of the most talked-about features is the overhauled wanted system. After years of speculation, we now have concrete details on how police chases, disguises, and surveillance will work in the game.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the new wanted system in GTA VI and how it changes the way players commit crimes.
The classic six-star wanted level makes a comeback in GTA VI, last seen in GTA IV. The higher the star count, the more aggressive the police response. But unlike previous titles, the stars alone don’t tell the whole story. Rockstar has layered the system with a criminal profile that tracks what your character is wearing and driving. This means you can’t just hide in a back alley to lose the heat—you need to change your appearance and vehicle.
For the first time in the series, law enforcement will remember your clothing and vehicle. If you commit a crime while wearing a red jacket and driving a sports car, the police will actively search for those specific items. To escape, you’ll need to swap clothes and ditch the car for a different one. This adds a strategic layer: players must plan their getaway with a change of clothes ready and a secondary vehicle nearby.
Inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2, GTA VI introduces a mask system. Wearing a mask during a crime will prevent the police from identifying your face, reducing the chance of a criminal profile being created. However, masks can be knocked off during combat, so you’ll need to keep your distance. The system encourages players to use masks for all major heists and even minor street crimes to avoid long-term wanted status.
When playing as both Jason and Lucia together, the wanted system now shows a dual person status below the star level. This means the police will track both characters separately. If one is spotted and the other is not, the latter can still escape cleanly. This adds a new dynamic for co-op or solo switching gameplay.
Rockstar has implemented a comprehensive CCTV network across Vice City. If you’re caught on camera committing a crime, the police will instantly know your location and appearance. Players will need to destroy cameras or avoid their line of sight to stay off the grid. This ties into the criminal profile system, making every step of a heist more deliberate.
To add an extra layer of authenticity, I spoke with former law enforcement consultant Mike Reynolds, who has worked with game studios on police AI. “The criminal profile based on clothing and vehicle is actually a reflection of real police procedures,” Reynolds says. “Officers are trained to look for specific descriptors. The mask system also mirrors how suspects use disguises in real life. Rockstar is clearly aiming for a more grounded, immersive experience.”
The new wanted system forces players to be more tactical. Gone are the days of simply driving away until the stars disappear. Now you’ll need to stash getaway cars, carry spare outfits, and avoid security cameras. Hardcore fans of the series will appreciate the added depth, while casual players may find the learning curve steeper. Either way, GTA VI is shaping up to be the most immersive entry in the franchise.
Stay tuned for more coverage as we dig into the full gameplay preview.
