Stolen Cars Can Broadcast Their Location During Getaways in GTA 6
The system known as heat tracks suspects’ characteristics and opens up new ways to throw off police in Leonida.
The police in Grand Theft Auto VI, the latest game in the GTA series also known as GTA 6, may be able to identify suspects by their clothing, weapons, appearance, and even the presence of a partner. In Leonida, this information will be part of a system that lets players change their characteristics to make identification more difficult during a getaway.
Rob Nelson, co-head of Rockstar North, presented the mechanic during a demonstration of the game at the studio’s headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland. Known as heat, the system tracks the information gathered by police, including security camera footage.
During a demonstration for a content creator, Nelson said that shaking the police “can be more difficult,” depending on the wanted level, but that it makes the player “think more.” Icons at the top of the screen indicate which characteristics are already included in the description of the wanted suspects.
If witnesses saw two people committing a crime, separating the characters can remove the presence of a partner from the description. Changing clothes reduces the resemblance to the wanted suspect, while abandoning a weapon eliminates another clue.
Nelson also explained in an interview during a game demonstration that changing your hair does not erase the police’s knowledge of your clothing. Players will be able to change clothes at a store or use items stored in the trunk of their personal vehicle; leaving the search area is another way to escape.
During a chase shown in the demonstration, Nelson fled on a stolen motorcycle with Lucia Caminos, one of the protagonists, riding pillion. He was able to switch between her and Jason Duval, the other protagonist, to control the passenger and shoot at police vehicles. A spike strip punctured the front tire, sent both of them off the motorcycle, and then a police dog took Jason down.
The choice of vehicle can also affect the getaway: newer and more expensive cars may have trackers that continue broadcasting their location. Owners may report the theft, and some drivers may even confront the character while armed.
Grand Theft Auto VI, from Rockstar Games, is set in the fictional state of Leonida, which is inspired by Florida. The game is scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Sony’s console, and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S consoles.
Coverage by
- GTA 6 Will Have Police Who Identify Clothing, Weapons, and Partners — Edge / GamesRadar+
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The heat system records information such as appearance, clothing, weapons, the presence of a partner, and camera footage. On-screen icons show the information known by police.
Changing clothes, abandoning a weapon, or separating the protagonists can reduce the clues used in the search. Leaving the search area is also a way to escape.
Yes. Newer and more expensive vehicles may have trackers that continue broadcasting their location.