The biggest, most detailed open world in Grand Theft Auto history
Grand Theft Auto VI is set to deliver the most ambitious open world Rockstar Games has ever created. The game takes place in the fictional State of Leonida, inspired by modern-day Florida, featuring the sprawling metropolis of Vice City, coastal regions, swamps, suburbs, and rural territories. This comprehensive guide covers everything we know about GTA 6’s locations, districts, natural zones, and what makes this map revolutionary for the series.
The Main Setting: Vice City Returns
Vice City makes its triumphant return, reimagined for the next generation. This modern interpretation of Miami brings legendary beaches, art deco architecture, and neon-lit streets to life with unprecedented detail. The city is divided into several distinctive districts, each with its own identity:
Ocean Beach — The iconic beachfront strip featuring classic art deco hotels, reminiscent of South Beach’s famous architectural style. Expect pristine sand, beachfront promenades, and the quintessential Miami atmosphere.
Downtown Vice City — The bustling business district dominated by modern skyscrapers. This is where corporate power meets urban energy, with glass towers reflecting the Florida sun and streets teeming with activity.
Little Havana — An authentic Cuban neighborhood capturing the vibrant culture, colorful murals, cigar shops, and Latin spirit that defines Miami’s most famous cultural enclave.
Vice Port — The industrial harbor zone filled with shipping containers, docks, and cargo operations. A grittier side of Vice City where legitimate business and criminal enterprise often intersect.
Star Island — An exclusive millionaire’s retreat featuring mansion estates, private beaches, and yacht docks. Only the ultra-wealthy call this prestigious island home.
Wynwood District — The artistic heart of Vice City, covered in street art and graffiti. This creative neighborhood showcases galleries, hipster cafes, and urban culture.
Design District — A luxury shopping quarter lined with high-end boutiques, designer stores, and upscale dining establishments.
Wild Nature: The Everglades
The Everglades represent the untamed wilderness of southern Leonida. These dangerous and mysterious swamps feature mangrove forests, hidden secrets, and genuine wildlife threats. Key features include:
- Stilt settlements — Communities built on wooden platforms above the swamp water
- Abandoned smuggler bases — Forgotten outposts from bygone criminal operations
- Wildlife — Alligators, snakes, and rare bird species creating genuine danger
- Extreme tourism routes — Airboat tours and adventure paths for the brave
- Secret laboratories — Hidden facilities tucked deep in the jungle
- Old Native American reservations — Historical sites with their own stories
The Everglades promise to be more than just scenery — they’re a living, breathing ecosystem that adds survival elements to gameplay.
Tropical Paradise: The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys chain consists of picturesque tropical islands connected by the legendary Overseas Highway. Crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere define this region:
- Resort towns — Vacation destinations with pristine beaches
- Coral reefs — Diving spots teeming with marine life
- Luxury marinas and yacht clubs — Where the wealthy dock their vessels
- Fishing villages — Authentic communities focused on the sea
- Secluded coves — Hidden beaches perfect for privacy
- Water villas on stilts — Exclusive accommodations over the ocean
- Seafood restaurants — Waterfront dining experiences
The Keys offer a stark contrast to Vice City’s urban intensity, providing players with tropical escapism.
Suburban Life: Kelly County
Kelly County represents typical American suburbia with a dark underbelly. These quiet neighborhoods with private homes, shopping centers, and family infrastructure hide the sinister secrets of provincial life:
- Major shopping malls and outlets — Consumer paradise for retail therapy
- Residential neighborhoods — Tree-lined streets with single-family homes
- Golf courses and country clubs — Where the middle class pursues leisure
- Schools and community centers — The social fabric of suburban life
- Parks and sports fields — Public spaces for recreation
- Fast food chains — All the familiar franchises
Kelly County serves as a commentary on American suburban culture, likely featuring mission opportunities that explore its contradictions.
Entertainment Capital: Port Gelios
Port Gelios is GTA 6’s version of Orlando — a city of theme parks and tourist attractions. This family destination by day transforms into a nightlife hub after sunset:
- Massive theme parks — Clearly inspired by Orlando’s famous attractions
- Water parks — Extreme slides and aquatic adventures
- Zoos and aquariums — Marine life and animal exhibits
- Resort hotel complexes — All-inclusive vacation destinations
- Nightclubs and casinos — Adult entertainment after hours
- Outlet malls — Shopping districts for bargain hunters
Port Gelios represents the commercialized fun of modern Florida tourism.
Rural Heartland: Agricultural Districts
The farming regions of central Leonida showcase provincial America with plantations, ranches, and a slower pace of life:
- Orange plantations and citrus farms — Florida’s iconic agricultural exports
- Cattle ranches — Livestock operations in the countryside
- Roadside motels and diners — Classic Americana pit stops
- Small provincial towns — Communities time seems to have forgotten
- Local farmers markets — Fresh produce and small-town commerce
- Abandoned buildings and barns — Decaying structures with stories to tell
These rural areas provide contrast to urban Vice City and likely feature their own unique missions and activities.
Additional Locations in the State of Leonida
Coastal Towns
- Beach resorts with hotels
- Fishing ports with trawlers
- Retirement yacht communities
- Surf spots for wave riders
- Historic lighthouses
Underwater World
- Coral reefs with diverse fauna
- Sunken ships and wrecks
- Underwater caves
- Secret laboratories
- Hidden treasures on the ocean floor
Secret Locations
- Underground bunkers
- Secret islands
- Everglades caves
- Military bases
- Hidden casinos
Map Size and Scale
According to unconfirmed reports, the State of Leonida map will be approximately twice the size of GTA V’s map, making it the largest in Grand Theft Auto history. Players will navigate between locations using cars, helicopters, planes, boats, and trains — offering unprecedented freedom of movement.
Dynamic World Changes
World Evolution
GTA 6 promises a living, breathing world that changes over time:
- New building construction — The cityscape evolves as you play
- Changing urban landscape — Vice City grows and transforms
- Player influence — Your actions have lasting consequences
- Mission aftermath — Completed missions leave permanent marks
Weather and Climate
Florida’s dramatic weather takes center stage:
- Hurricanes and flooding — Dynamic storm systems that affect gameplay
- Realistic day/night cycle — Realistic passage of time
- Dynamic lighting — Natural light changes throughout the day
- Gameplay impact — Weather affects driving, visibility, and missions
Events and Festivals
The world feels alive with scheduled activities:
- Seasonal changes — The calendar matters
- City festivals — Cultural celebrations and parades
- Sporting events — Games and competitions
- Cultural events — Concerts, exhibitions, and gatherings
Interior Accessibility
For the first time in the series, most buildings will be accessible. Players can enter apartments, offices, shopping centers, restaurants, clubs, police stations, and much more. This represents a massive leap forward in creating a truly immersive open world where nearly every door can open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does GTA 6 take place?
The main action occurs in Vice City (the game’s version of Miami) and the surrounding State of Leonida (analogous to Florida). Players can explore not just the metropolis, but the entire state territory.
How big is the GTA 6 map?
According to unofficial data, the State of Leonida map is approximately twice the size of GTA V’s map, making it the largest in Grand Theft Auto series history.
Will building interiors be accessible?
Yes, Rockstar Games promises that most buildings will be accessible. Players can enter stores, restaurants, residential homes, offices, and other locations, creating unprecedented immersion.
Can you explore the Everglades?
Yes, the Everglades represent a major explorable region with swamps, wildlife, and hidden secrets. Expect airboat travel and survival gameplay elements in this dangerous wilderness.
Are the Florida Keys included?
Yes, a chain of tropical islands connected by the Overseas Highway will be explorable, offering beach resorts, diving spots, and a Caribbean atmosphere distinct from Vice City.
What Makes This Map Revolutionary
GTA 6’s State of Leonida represents Rockstar’s most ambitious world-building effort yet. The combination of dense urban environments, expansive natural wilderness, suburban sprawl, and tropical islands creates unprecedented variety. Add in dynamic weather, evolving cityscapes, accessible interiors, and a map twice the size of GTA V, and you have a game world that could set new standards for the entire industry.
The State of Leonida isn’t just bigger — it’s deeper, more reactive, and more alive than any Grand Theft Auto map before it. Welcome to the future of open-world gaming.