Rockstar Games is putting a lot of effort into making GTA 6 feel like a believable (albeit fictional) version of Florida, and that apparently extends beyond the locations, wildlife, and people players will encounter. New details have confirmed that the game will feature an advanced weather system capable of recreating some of the less pleasant conditions associated with the state.

GTA 6 takes place in Leonida, Rockstar’s fictional take on Florida, with Vice City serving as one of its major locations. While sunny beaches and clear skies are an obvious part of that setting, Florida is also known for heavy rain, thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes. It now appears Rockstar wants the game’s weather to reflect more than just the sunny side of the region.

The confirmation comes from Game Informer writer Marcus Stewart, who is working on the publication’s upcoming GTA 6 coverage, with a “14-page cover story” releasing today (September 29) with “exclusive interview quotes and details of all things Vice City and Leonida”. Stewart, a South Florida native, says the coverage will include previously unshared details about GTA 6’s “advanced weather systems” and how they simulate Florida’s less sunny weather phenomena.

What about the GTA 6 weather system?

Exactly how advanced the system will be remains unclear. Rockstar hasn’t confirmed whether GTA 6 will feature hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, or other extreme weather events, so those possibilities shouldn’t be treated as confirmed just yet.

However, Rockstar has already experimented heavily with dynamic weather in Red Dead Redemption 2. Players can encounter powerful thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong winds, fog, and other changing conditions while exploring its open world. Storms can dramatically change the atmosphere of an area, with dark clouds moving overhead before lightning and heavy rainfall arrive.

GTA 6 gives Rockstar an opportunity to take that concept much further. A more advanced system could make weather feel like an important part of Leonida rather than simply changing the appearance of the sky. Heavy rainfall, reduced visibility, stronger winds, and thunderstorms could all make different parts of the map feel noticeably different depending on the conditions.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.