Published Sep 29, 2026, 4:08 PM EDT

Patricia is the former editor-in-chief of Kotaku, where she spent a decade writing and editing. Prior to that, she served as the Culture Editor at Polygon, and as a reporter at The Verge. Hernandez specializes in Pokémon TCG, Nintendo, and offbeat internet culture stories.

New cover story dishes on GTA 6's animals, weather system, and surprising NPC generation

Jason_and_Lucia_02Grand Theft Auto 6Image: Rockstar Games

Game Informer's big Grand Theft Auto 6 cover story is actually accessible now, and it's full of exciting new details for the year's biggest game. While we recommend you read the original in full via the app (it's free), we've rounded up some of the most noteworthy revelations here.

GTA 6's animals are getting a major upgrade

A turtle in GTA 6, as the player scuba divesImage: Rockstar Games

There are over 170 new creatures in Leonida, ranging from monkeys to toads, some of which have never appeared in a Rockstar game. Some of these creatures are native to Florida, while others are invasive species like the nine-banded armadillo. You'll encounter these critters while out in nature, but some are comfortable in urban environments as well.

The framework for these animals is built on the structure Rockstar developed for Red Dead Redemption 2, but bigger and better. The fauna of GTA 6 can sport iridescence, bioluminescence, translucency, feather types, and fur that gets wet, becomes matted with dirt, and clumps together. And yes, you'll be able to track and hunt rare animals — Rockstar just isn't spoiling which ones.

GTA 6's weather will be intense

vice city beach gta 6Image: Rockstar Games

Florida's microclimates are notorious, especially since the state is the only place in the United States where there's a tropical climate zone. Rockstar promises that GTA 6 fans can look forward to more severe weather patterns with a grander sense of scale, like tropical storms and seasonal hurricanes. Depending on the weather conditions, phenomena like rainbows or puddles can dynamically appear on the map. There's an entire system devoted to wind, and it'll affect things like debris, water ripples, and blades of grass. When things like hurricanes occur, the game will go further than simply generating heavy clouds and strong winds. Players will be able to see the water interact with the architecture itself, from the buildings to the lampposts.

Two people dancing on a car hood in Grand Theft Auto 6.Image: Rockstar Games/Take-Two Interactive

We've already heard all about GTA 6's souped-up NPCs, which will reportedly offer extensive dialogue while also reflecting the culture of their respective regions. We know that NPCs have some nuance, and that you can interact with them in new (and peaceful) ways. And we've certainly seen the incredible variety of NPCs the game can generate. Game Informer reports that, beyond obvious details like clothes and hair, the game will generate NPCs with variations in butt and chest size. It goes deeper: NPCs will have different types of freckles, moles, degrees of tanning, and tattoos.

These are just some of the highlights from GI's story — but if you want to learn a bit more about GTA 6 before its release on Nov. 19, the feature is worth reading in full.