Fans of the Grand Theft Auto series have long speculated on the length of the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI, drawing comparisons to previous entries. Based on Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto V, which typically take between 27 to 35 hours to complete the main storyline, expectations have centered around a similar range. However, some believe it could edge closer to Rockstar Games' more recent title, Red Dead Redemption 2, which clocks in at around 50 hours for its primary campaign.
A fresh rumor circulating on social media suggests that GTA 6 may surpass these estimates significantly, offering a much more expansive narrative experience. According to a post from X user @ViceCityGTAVI, who claims to relay information from an anonymous leaker, the game's main story is purportedly 75 hours long. This figure positions GTA 6 as potentially the longest entry in Rockstar's portfolio to date, dwarfing even Red Dead Redemption 2 if accurate. Such an extended duration would mark a notable evolution for the franchise, which has historically balanced dense storytelling with vast open-world exploration.
The rumor provides a detailed breakdown of the game's structure, dividing it into a prologue and five chapters with varying durations. It states that the prologue lasts approximately 2 hours, setting the stage for the adventure in what is expected to be a modern take on Vice City, inspired by Miami. Chapter 1 follows with 6 hours of content, introducing key characters and mechanics. The subsequent chapters grow progressively longer: Chapter 2 at 13 hours, Chapter 3 at 16 hours, and Chapter 4 reaching a peak of 22 hours. The final segment, Chapter 5, is said to wrap up the story in another 16 hours, culminating in the total 75-hour estimate for the main storyline alone. This structure suggests a paced progression, starting with foundational elements and building toward more intricate plot developments and high-stakes missions.
To put this in perspective, Rockstar Games has a reputation for crafting immersive worlds where the main campaign is just one layer of the experience. For instance, GTA V not only featured a 31-hour main story but also encouraged players to spend dozens more hours on side quests, heists, and online multiplayer modes. Similarly, Red Dead Redemption 2 expanded on this formula with its epic Western tale, incorporating elements like hunting, camp management, and random encounters that could easily double the playtime for completionists. If the 75-hour rumor holds true for GTA 6's core narrative, it could imply even greater depth in character arcs, particularly with the dual protagonists Jason and Lucia, whose criminal exploits in a sprawling, Florida-inspired setting promise themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition.
Beyond the chapter breakdown, the rumor aligns with broader speculation about Rockstar's ambitions for GTA 6. The developer has teased a living, breathing world with advanced AI, dynamic weather systems, and unprecedented attention to detail in urban environments. A longer main story might allow for more intricate branching paths, moral choices, or interconnected side stories that influence the primary plot. This could elevate the game beyond its predecessors, appealing to players who crave narrative depth in open-world titles. Comparatively, other blockbuster games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offer around 50 hours for the main quest, while Cyberpunk 2077 hovers near 25-30 hours, making a 75-hour campaign a bold outlier that could redefine expectations for single-player experiences in the genre.
It's important to emphasize that this information stems from an unverified leaker and should be treated as speculation rather than confirmed details. While such sources have occasionally proven accurate in the gaming industry—recalling early leaks about Grand Theft Auto V's three-protagonist system—they are equally prone to inaccuracies or misinformation. The post from @ViceCityGTAVI has garnered significant attention, amassing thousands of interactions, but without official corroboration, its reliability remains uncertain. Rockstar Games is known for its secretive development process, often letting rumors swirl until official trailers or announcements provide clarity.
At the time of writing, Rockstar Games has not officially responded to the rumor, and we do not expect this to change given the developer's history of maintaining silence on unconfirmed leaks and speculation.
As for the game's launch, Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, following a delay from its originally anticipated Fall 2025 window. It will initially be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles, with a PC version expected to follow at a later date, though no specific timeline has been announced for the latter. This staggered rollout continues Rockstar's tradition of prioritizing console launches before expanding to other platforms.
