GTA 6: Five Major World Details From the Game Informer Cover Story

Game Informer’s 14-page Grand Theft Auto VI cover story focuses on Leonida, Rockstar’s Florida-inspired setting. The outlet’s public reporting gives us five concrete details about the world: Leonida is broader than Vice City, the team researched Florida’s character, weather changes locally, hurricanes are confirmed, and more than 170 animal species inhabit the state.

The full feature includes developer interviews and additional material. The points below stick to details publicly shared by Game Informer and its follow-up reports, rather than guessing at unrevealed missions or gameplay systems.

1. Leonida is a state-sized setting, with Vice City as one part of it

Rockstar’s Florida parody is called Leonida, and Vice City is its best-known urban location. The cover story frames the game’s setting around the state as a whole, including its varied landscapes and regional identity. That distinction matters: the new reporting is about a broader world inspired by Florida, not simply a return to the city from earlier games.

2. Rockstar set out to capture Florida’s local character

Game Informer describes interviews with Rockstar designers about how the studio brought Leonida to life. Its coverage highlights the effort to make the setting feel culturally and aesthetically grounded in Florida, as well as visually recognizable. The public information does not lay out every research method, but it makes clear that local references informed more than the city skyline.

3. Weather can change from one area to another

Rockstar confirmed dynamic cloudscapes and localized storms. A player can be in sunshine while rain falls elsewhere in Leonida; after reaching the storm area, puddles and wet surfaces can remain. Game Informer also reports that rainbows can appear under suitable lighting after a shower. These are confirmed environmental details, although Rockstar has not publicly explained how weather will affect specific missions or systems.

4. Tropical storms and hurricanes are confirmed

Leonida will include tropical storms and seasonal hurricanes, matching the setting’s Florida inspiration. The public report does not say how frequently these larger storms occur or exactly how they change gameplay and the story. Their presence is confirmed; specific effects and timing remain undisclosed.

5. Leonida has more than 170 animal species

Game Informer reports that more than 170 species will appear across land, air and sea. The announced examples range from flamingos, manatees, pelicans and alligators to invasive species such as green iguanas, cane toads, feral cats and rhesus macaques. Some animals have not appeared in a Rockstar game before.

The wildlife systems also build on Rockstar’s earlier work: the report describes animal traits such as iridescence and bioluminescence, alongside improved feather, hair and fur systems. Certain animals can be categorized as Rare, Discoverable or Legendary, though their identities have not been revealed.

Watch the official GTA 6 trailer

Rockstar’s official trailer offers another look at Jason, Lucia, Vice City and Leonida.

What is still unknown: Rockstar has not publicly detailed hurricane frequency, the full list of animals, or how either system affects missions. Those details should not be treated as confirmed until the developer shares them.

Sources: Game Informer’s GTA VI cover reveal, weather report and wildlife report.