GTA 6: Jason and Lucia's relationship changes the story, some missions need money and escaping the police gets harder

More from Game Informer's cover story: the romance is optional but shapes the story, there will be decisions with consequences, some missions only open with enough income, and there's no Disney World.

On 29 September Game Informer published its cover story, and we've covered the main points: the map, the regions and the activities, the hurricanes and the wildlife. The next day, with the full issue read, more details came out. These are the ones that change how the game plays.

Jason and Lucia: couple, friends… but always partners

The relationship between the two leads can be shaped. According to details from the story reported by Vandal, it improves through missions done together and small everyday gestures: holding hands, opening a door for the other, calling each other, answering calls and messages, or accepting invitations to do things together.

The romance is optional and gives no gameplay advantages: you can play the story with them as friends. But it does affect "certain elements" of the plot. What you can't do is break up the partnership. Rob Nelson, co-studio head at Rockstar North, already explained it in August in an interview with IGN reported by GamesRadar:

"They will remain partners in crime. You will always have the benefit of working together and having each other's back – whether they're romantically close or not doesn't change that."

He added that whether you've nurtured the relationship "will definitely have a bearing" on how their story plays out.

Big and small decisions

Rockstar confirms to the magazine that there will be "big and small" decisions that change the course of some events, to the point of inviting replays to see what happens if you react differently at key moments (Vandal). It hasn't said how many there are or whether there are multiple endings.

No money, no story

This is the biggest change from previous GTAs. According to the story, Rockstar says raising money matters more than ever, as certain missions only become available based on your current income (GTA BOOM). Until now money bought cars, weapons or property; in GTA 6 it also buys access to the story.

How much you need hasn't been said. Back in August, a content creator who saw the game at Rockstar had described something similar; now it comes from the story itself. To earn it there are robberies, which you can do alone or as a pair, quietly or loudly, and how aggressive you are decides whether the police get involved and how hard.

Escaping the police gets harder

The map has more traffic than ever, with jams and congested roads that stop you escaping by flooring it (Vandal). To shake off the police you'll need to change your look (haircuts and clothes from shops and salons), ditch the getaway car or split up, since the police divide their attention when chasing two people. But if one of them is arrested, you get the Busted screen even if the other escapes (GTA BOOM).

It fits what August's gameplay showed: six wanted stars and police who notice what you look like.

No Disney World or Orlando

Game Informer asked about central Florida (Orlando, Disney World) and about Cape Canaveral and NASA. Paul MacPherson, Rockstar's senior vice president of environment art, answered (Kotaku):

"We have to constantly evaluate the diversity of landscapes, towns, structures, landmarks, vistas, plant species, rock formations, and everything else before we work with design and narrative to distill a list down that best works with and serves the game's needs. So, while we may not have those exact locations, everything we have is geared to getting that full Florida experience!"

In other words, there won't be a straight parody of Disney World or Orlando. That doesn't rule out nods: according to Dexerto, official material has already shown a large alligator theme park reminiscent of Gatorland, a Florida classic.

The story won't show you the whole map

Aaron Garbut, co-studio head at Rockstar North, admits the campaign won't take you to every corner of the map, the biggest the studio has made (Dexerto):

"We don't have time to take you everywhere, but we want you to be able to explore and get a feel for most the places, cultures, and vibes."

FAQ

Can Jason and Lucia split up in GTA 6?

No. The romance is optional and the relationship can stay a friendship, but they will always keep working together.

Do you need money to progress GTA 6's story?

Yes. According to Rockstar, some missions only unlock with enough income. How much hasn't been said.

Will Disney World be in GTA 6?

No, nor Orlando as such. Rockstar says it won't have "those exact locations", though it aims to deliver the full Florida experience.