GTA 6: Edge reveals the Heat system, public transport and 600,000 animations

On October 29, 2026, Edge published a visit to Rockstar North alongside a 90-minute unscripted demonstration of a current GTA 6 build. The report provides several concrete details: police remember evidence through a “Heat” system, buses and trains are usable, every vehicle has fuel, and Rockstar has produced about 600,000 animations for Leonida’s population.

Cover: Jason and Lucia preparing their weapons, artwork published with Edge’s feature — Rockstar Games.

A direct demonstration at Rockstar North

Journalist Simon Parkin watched co-head of development Rob Nelson play without a script. Edge also reports explanations from Aaron Garbut and Phil Hooker, both heads of development. That provenance separates the feature from a rumour or second-hand report: the described systems come from a session on the current build and direct interviews with Rockstar.

Rockstar says the map is roughly twice the size of GTA 5’s, but places greater emphasis on its density. Aaron Garbut describes an order of magnitude more interiors than in previous entries, with inhabited homes and objects that reflect their residents’ lives.

600,000 animations for more reactive NPCs

Rockstar established a Los Angeles team dedicated to the open-world population. According to the report, around 600,000 animations were created, and each pedestrian receives traits that influence their reactions: temperament, aggression, location, witnessed events and the player’s behaviour.

Simply carrying a shotgun in your hands can unsettle a crowd, while keeping it on your back prompts a different response. An altercation does not automatically trigger a chase: the player can still drop the weapon before the situation crosses the threshold for a wanted level. This added reactivity complements our guide to the open world, NPCs and activities.

The Heat system changes how escapes work

The new Heat system represents the information available to police: physical description, presence of an accomplice, clothing, CCTV footage or the weapon used. These details appear as icons. Splitting from your partner, changing clothes or dropping the weapon can therefore remove evidence that helps identify Jason or Lucia.

Vehicles introduce another variable. A newer model may contain a tracker, and its owner may also report the theft. During the demonstration, police deploy a spike strip before a K9 unit catches Jason after a motorcycle crash. For the broader wanted system, see our guide to police, the wanted level and Criminal Profile.

Buses, trains, fuel and cars to deliver

Edge confirms working bus and train networks. Phil Hooker says he personally tests routes and schedules by travelling across Leonida as a passenger. This supports roleplay without preventing players from prioritising missions.

Cars also require more planning. Every vehicle has a fuel gauge and an engine-health readout; driving range remains long and refuelling is intended to be a short diversion. The Scooter Bros app can deliver a car, whose boot stores the player’s arsenal. Another app, WAINK, lists models wanted by fences, along with their security systems and trackers. Payment depends in part on the condition of the car at delivery.

What may still change

The report describes a current build shown a few weeks before release, not exhaustive documentation of every rule. Values, interfaces and balance may still be adjusted. Rockstar’s official website continues to list GTA 6 for November 19, 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.