GTA 6 Deep Dive: Legendary Animals Return, Hurricanes Confirmed, and Ten New Activities Revealed

The Game Informer cover story that dropped digitally today has delivered far more than its headline screenshots — the 14-page feature is packed with specific gameplay details that paint a vivid picture of what Grand Theft Auto VI will look and feel like at its November 19 launch. Across wildlife, weather, and side activities, Rockstar has shared a level of mechanical specificity not seen since the game's extended gameplay showcase in August.

Wildlife was a centerpiece of the reveal. Rockstar confirmed over 170 animal species spread across Leonida, comprising more than 60 bird types, over 30 land mammals, and a variety of sharks, reptiles, fish, and invasive non-native species such as monkeys and armadillos. Most notably, legendary animals — the rare, one-of-a-kind creatures that became a beloved feature of Red Dead Redemption 2 — are confirmed to return in GTA 6. Each animal features detailed fur rendering that reacts dynamically to player interaction, with dirt matting and color variations further distinguishing individuals within a species.

Rockstar also revealed that GTA 6's weather has been entirely re-engineered from prior games. VP of art for lighting and rendering Owen Shepard described the system as 'much more localized and persistent,' with dynamic cloudscapes, tropical storms, and full hurricane events capable of sweeping across Leonida. Shepard noted that 'hair and debris will swirl around on rooftops; gusts of wind will blow ripples over the water,' with the simulation accounting for offshore breezes, convectional updrafts, and building occlusion effects that shape wind behavior realistically around Vice City's skyline.

On the activities side, Game Informer confirmed ten specific pastimes players can pursue across the open world: base jumping, billiards, gyms, kayaking, mini golf, scuba diving, street and off-road racing, zoo visits, air boating, and jet skiing. Rockstar noted that some of these can be experienced as couple activities featuring protagonists Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos together, adding a social dimension to exploration. The studio emphasized this list is not exhaustive, suggesting Leonida has additional diversions yet to be revealed ahead of launch.