Rockstar Debuts Second GTA VI Trailer and New Details

Rockstar's GTA VI Trailer 2 reveals new characters, stunning visuals, and a massive open world set in Leonida.

Today’s surprise trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI gave us an exciting new look at the latest entry in the mega blockbuster franchise. GTA VI looks absolutely incredible with new characters, detailed locations, and even small story beats offered in this new look. Let’s dive into everything the new teaser offers in this modern take on an open-world Bonnie and Clyde-style crime spree.

Jason and Lucia Reintroduced

The second trailer gives us a much closer look at the game’s protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. The duo appears to be deeply involved in Vice City’s criminal underworld, with Lucia seemingly fresh out of prison and Jason struggling to make ends meet. Their Bonnie-and-Clyde dynamic hints at a story filled with high-stakes heists and personal drama.

A Gritty, Beautiful Open World

Unlike the exaggerated tone of GTA V, GTA 6 seems to be taking a more realistic approach to storytelling. The trailer showcases Jason living in a rundown beach property, trading his handiwork to his landlord instead of paying rent. Meanwhile, Lucia is seen leaving a prison on parole, only to start getting involved in the underworld again. We got a look at her in some knock-down, drag-out underground fights. This is a strong hint that we might be able to learn new and deeper combat techniques than any other entry in the series.

Welcome to Leonida: Beyond Vice City

 While the original Vice City was a single city based on Miami in the 1980s, GTA VI’s teaser unveils a far larger playground. Rockstar calls the setting the state of Leonida, USA, essentially a stylized Florida. The trailer and accompanying images tour six distinct regions.

Of course, Vice City itself returns now rendered with lavish, incredible detail. We see neon casinos, palm-lined boulevards, crowded beaches, and busy nightclubs under stormy clouds or neon dusk. Outside the city, Leonida features rural expanses and suburbs.

Ambrosia - A Gritty Suburb

One region, Ambrosia, looks as far from the glamour of Vice City as you can get: industrial smokestacks against a blood-orange sky, acres of warehouses and gritty fields. Billboards tout bizarre slogans like “diversity ’n’ treats,” and we glimpse a biker gang called the “Final Chapter” hinting at Lovecraftian rednecks.

Grassrivers - A Remix of the Florida Everglades

Nearby lie the Grassrivers swamps, where law enforcement pursues criminal trucks through flooded marshes. The trailer showed alligator hunters with rifles and high-clearance trucks splashing through knee-deep water – a clear sign that off-roading and wildlife (hello, gators!) will play a big role.

Leonida Keys - A touristy getaway

The Leonida Keys (a chain of tropical isles) look far more touristy – docks, beach bars, scuba gear and luxury yachts – promising recreational activities on land and sea.

Mount Kalaga National Park and Port Gellhorn

A forested wilderness called Mount Kalaga also appears (rain-slick mountains and strange radio towers), as does Port Gellhorn, an industrial waterfront.

The Sunshine State Beckons

In short, the map feels like “Vice City and beyond”: the game now spans the entire fictional Sunshine State. Compared to the original Vice City of 2002 – a Top-Down Island – this world is far bigger and lived-in. There are bustling areas with crowded streets, traffic and weather effects that give modern GTA VI a cinematic scale. This expanded setting lets Rockstar revisit old locales (that Ocean Drive hotel looks a lot like Miami’s famous Clevelander) while adding swamps, suburbs and theme-park flash. It’s a far more detailed Vice City: even at night, the skyline glitters with activity.

New Gameplay Mechanics

Rockstar appears to be bringing back some beloved features from GTA: San Andreas, including weight gain and loss mechanics. Jason is seen working out in an outdoor gym, hinting that players may be able to alter their character’s physique through exercise. Additionally, the trailer teases hideout customization, as Jason and Lucia’s home evolves throughout the video.

Arsenal and Action: Chaos Returns

The trailer showcases an impressive arsenal, including an MP5 submachine gun, an automatic grenade launcher, and a variety of semi-automatic rifles and handguns. The return of Ammu-Nation stores suggests that weapon customization will play a significant role in the game. We also got a look at basically a “greatest hits” of GTA chaos. These set-pieces suggest GTA VI will offer familiar open-world diversions: high-speed chases on land, sea and air; shootouts that spill into city streets; and even missions involving wildlife.

The environments are richly detailed: palm trees sway, neon lights reflect in puddles, and characters have expressive faces and tattoos. The engine handles dynamic weather (tropical storms roll in the distance) and vehicle reflections with photorealism. Comparing to older GTA games, this is a huge leap. All told, the tone feels both epic and tongue-in-cheek. Rockstar has hinted this game might be a bit more self-aware than past titles, but the trailer certainly sells it as a classic GTA romp.

GTA VI Boasts Insane Graphics on Base PS5

One of the most jaw-dropping aspects of the trailer is its visual fidelity. Rockstar confirmed that the footage was captured on a base PlayStation 5, which is an incredible feat, as this is one of the most detailed and beautiful open-world games I’ve ever seen. The lighting, character animations, and environmental realism are absolutely top-tier.  The trailer offers breathtaking views of Vice City, with neon-lit streets, bustling clubs, and high-speed chases. We also got a glimpse of new vehicles, including hyper-realistic “knock-off” versions of Porsche, Lamborghini, and Mercedes.

Final Thoughts: GTA VI Is An Leading Open-World Experience in the Making

With Grand Theft Auto 6 slated for release in May 2026, this trailer has only heightened my excitement. Rockstar’s commitment to realism, deep storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics suggests that GTA 6 could be the most ambitious entry in the franchise yet. What are your thoughts on the trailer? Are you excited for GTA 6? Let me know in the comments below!

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About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

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