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GTA 6 introduces a new car theft system, more realistic than ever



What if stealing a car in GTA 6 became much more complex than opening a door and speeding off? This is suggested by recent information posted by an enthusiast on Twitter. User Gamers Guide claims that Rockstar has integrated a whole new logic around this iconic gesture from the series. He said older vehicles could be unlocked with a specific tool, while newer models would require bypassing the immobilizer.

This change, if confirmed in the final version scheduled for May 2026, would represent a major evolution compared to GTA V. Rockstar Games seems to want to push realism to its climax, by transforming a once trivial action into a real gameplay mechanic in its own right.

Increased realism which already divides fans

Images shared online suggest further contextual interaction. No more simple one-click theft: each type of car would require a specific method. “Older vehicles could be unlocked using a Slim Jim tool, while higher-end models would require an immobilizer bypass,” Gamers Guide explains. A phrase that is already causing debate within the community, between excitement at the promised immersion, and fear of cumbersome gameplay.

This system is reminiscent of lock picking in games like Elder Scrolls, where each attempt becomes a strategic action. This would not be a first for the franchise: in GTA Chinatown Warsreleased on PlayStation Portable, the player already had to use a screwdriver and manipulate the joystick to start a car without a key.

Rockstar on a ridge between realism and gaming pleasure

With this new feature, Rockstar Games is taking a calculated risk. Making car theft more technical enhances immersion, but could frustrate those who expect immediate handling. The question is whether this mechanic will be reserved for certain scripted missions, or generalized to all free exploration.

The studios have not yet officially confirmed anything. Everything is based on leaks, notably from the massive wave of 2022. However, the precision of certain images and descriptions suggests that this system has been under study for years. Whatever its final form, this feature embodies GTA 6’s ambition: to push the limits of open-world action gaming.