Even though Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption are pretty different beasts, Rockstar should seriously think about borrowing a few ideas from RDR2 for GTA 6. Obviously, not everything would make sense — no one’s expecting to hunt deer or ride horses through the streets of Vice City. But some of the deeper features that made Red Dead 2’s world feel so alive? Those could fit into GTA 6 perfectly.
I’ve talked before about how RDR2 could inspire GTA 6, especially when it comes to making Vice City (and the bigger world of Leonida) feel more vibrant and real. But there’s one major feature from Red Dead that feels like an absolute no-brainer for Rockstar to include. Why settle for a slightly upgraded GTA 5 when they could push the series into a true next-gen experience — something that feels fresh, impressive, and actually worth all the years we’ve been waiting?
How Red Dead Redemption 2’s World Evolves Over Time
In Red Dead Redemption 2, the main story unfolds in 1899, but the epilogue jumps ahead to 1907 — and during that gap, the world doesn’t just sit still. As you explore during the epilogue, you’ll spot all kinds of changes: buildings that were once half-finished are now complete, the Appleseed Timber Company has packed up after cutting down all the nearby trees, and Beecher’s Hope, which started as a bare patch of land, transforms into a thriving ranch filled with livestock.
It’s small details like these that make RDR2‘s world feel genuinely alive. Of course towns would evolve over an eight-year span, especially during a period like America’s westward expansion. And honestly, while an urban environment like GTA 6’s Vice City might not shift quite as dramatically as a frontier town, cities like Miami — Vice City’s real-world inspiration — are constantly changing too. Why shouldn’t Rockstar tap into that same evolving-world magic for GTA 6?
Can GTA 6’s Map Evolve Even Better Than RDR2’s?
Sure, Adopting RDR2’s Most Realistic Featurecould easily just lift the idea of two distinct time periods straight from Red Dead Redemption 2. It wouldn’t be hard to imagine the game starting with half-finished construction projects around Vice City that eventually get completed later on. And honestly, considering the GTA 6 trailer hints at Lucia recalling events from the past, it wouldn’t be shocking at all if the story jumps between two different timelines — before and after her time in prison.
But why stop there? I’d love to see GTA 6 push this even further by making its world shift and evolve regularly, not just in one big time skip. Imagine Vice City changing every few in-game months — new buildings popping up, seasonal events kicking off, entire neighborhoods feeling different. Think about how perfect that would be for a Miami-inspired setting. Picture spring break rolling into town, flooding the city with tourists, beach parties, and pop-up stages. That kind of dynamic world would make GTA 6 feel way more alive and way less frozen-in-time compared to GTA 5.
Interestingly, there have been some alleged leaks suggesting Rockstar might actually be heading in this direction. Rumor has it NPCs will change their outfits and behavior based on events like concerts happening around the city. If that’s true, it could mean time-specific events will bring Vice City to life in a way we’ve never seen before. Still, take those leaks with a big grain of salt — there’s not much proof the source isn’t just making it all up.
What GTA 6 Really Needs Is a Living, Breathing Leonida
One big reason I’m hoping GTA 6 borrows from Red Dead Redemption 2’s evolving world is simple — the game needs to make its city feel alive. When GTA 5 first dropped, Los Santos was jaw-dropping. But the more you play, the more you start to notice how empty it really feels. The city never truly changes, and most NPCs are just background props, only there to freak out or call the cops the second you accidentally hop the curb.
Now, don’t get me wrong — I loved GTA 5, and at launch, it absolutely felt like a next-gen leap. But if GTA 6 is going to carry a rumoured $100 price tag, then yeah, I’m expecting Rockstar to take things to another level. Red Dead 2 set a new bar for living worlds, and there’s no reason GTA 6 can’t go even further. I’m staying optimistic — if anyone can pull it off and blow us away again, it’s Rockstar.
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