The second trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), released earlier this month, has electrified fans with a vibrant showcase of potential activities awaiting players in the open-world expanse of Leonida, Rockstar’s fictionalized Florida. From Lucia throwing kicks in a cage fighting ring to Jason fishing off a boat, dancing in neon-lit nightclubs, and playing pool in gritty bars, the trailer hints at a diverse sandbox filled with both high-octane and leisurely pursuits.
These glimpses, paired with screenshots of off-road racing and wildlife hinting at hunting, suggest a rich tapestry of experiences when GTA VI launches on May 26, 2026. Amid this excitement, fans have spotted clues pointing to the potential return of a beloved, often-memed feature from Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA IV), though such speculation remains unconfirmed by Rockstar Games.
In GTA IV, this distinctive mechanic, known as the Friendship system, allowed protagonist Niko Bellic to build relationships with key characters like Roman, Little Jacob, and Packie through social outings. Players could take friends to activities such as bowling at Memory Lanes, dining at Burger Shot or Cluckin’ Bell, playing darts, or catching a cabaret show at Perestroika. These interactions were integral to the game’s immersive world, deepening narrative ties and unlocking practical benefits, such as Roman sending a taxi, Little Jacob delivering weapons, or Packie providing a car bomb. Each friend had preferences—Roman enjoyed bowling, while Jacob favored darts—adding a layer of personality to the system.
However, the mechanic drew criticism for its demanding nature, as friends frequently called Niko to hang out, interrupting missions or free-roaming, which some players found intrusive. This led Rockstar to scale back the feature in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V), where social interactions were less prominent.
The GTA VI trailer, however, features protagonists Jason and Lucia engaging in leisure activities like jet-skiing, which appear to be non-mission moments. These scenes have sparked speculation that Rockstar may revive the Friendship mechanic, possibly focusing it on the dynamic between Jason and Lucia to enhance their narrative and gameplay connection.
It’s critical to stress that this is speculation based on trailer footage. The jet-skiing scene and similar moments could be cutscenes or mission-specific rather than open-world activities. Rockstar Games has not officially confirmed the return of the Friendship mechanic, and fans should temper expectations until further details emerge.
Other Activities Teased in GTA 6 Trailer 2
Beyond the potential return of this GTA IV feature, the second GTA VI trailer and accompanying screenshots reveal a variety of activities players may enjoy in Leonida’s sun-soaked setting. These include:
Cage Fighting: At the 1:55 mark, Lucia is shown delivering a kick in a cage fighting ring, hinting at the return of this intense mini-game from GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony.
Weight Lifting and Combat Training: Jason lifting weights and Lucia striking a punching bag suggest players might train their characters to boost physical attributes or combat prowess.
Pool: A screenshot of Jason playing pool at a bar signals the return of this classic mini-game from GTA IV and GTA: San Andreas.
Clubbing: Scenes of Jason and Lucia dancing in crowded nightclubs highlight Vice City’s pulsating nightlife, with potential for interactive dancing or club management, as seen in GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony.
Fishing: A screenshot of Jason fishing from a boat, drawing on Red Dead Redemption 2 mechanics, could allow players to catch, cook, or sell fish.
Racing: Screenshots point to off-road racing, upholding the Grand Theft Auto series’ tradition of vehicular competitions.
Hunting: Wildlife and NPCs with rifles in the trailer suggest hunting activities, potentially with depth similar to Red Dead Redemption 2.
While not fully confirmed, these activities align with Rockstar’s legacy of crafting immersive sandboxes blending chaos and leisure. The trailer’s focus on Vice City’s beaches, bars, and wilderness promises a diverse range of experiences for players.
The prospect of the Friendship mechanic’s return is tantalizing, but fans should approach these hints cautiously. Trailers often emphasize cinematic moments, and what appears as an open-world activity could be scripted. Rockstar’s reserved stance suggests official confirmation may not arrive until closer to release. For now, the GTA VI trailer has reignited discussions about blending narrative depth with interactive freedom, potentially drawing inspiration from GTA IV’s ambitious but divisive features.
Fans can explore the updated GTA VI website for more screenshots and character details, despite occasional crashes due to heavy traffic. With over 475 million views in 24 hours, the second trailer cements GTA VI’s status as a cultural juggernaut, poised to redefine gaming in 2026, whether or not this iconic mechanic returns.
