How to Play GTA 6 — Controls, Characters & Beginner Guide
Dual protagonist switching, controls, core mechanics, and beginner tips explained.
Last updated: October 3, 2026
Before You Start
GTA 6 is the series' first dual-protagonist open-world game — switch between Jason and Lucia anytime. After launch, this page will be updated with hands-on controls. For now, here is everything confirmed from official announcements.
How to Play — Step-by-Step Guide
Launch GTA 6 on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S and complete the first-boot brightness, HDR, and subtitle setup.
The game starts with a prologue that walks you through basic movement, shooting, and driving. Just follow the prompts.
With dual protagonists, you can switch between Jason and Lucia anytime during free roam. Switching is usually available when the two are close together or the story allows it.
Left stick moves, right stick controls the camera. Hold the sprint button to run, press crouch to sneak.
After entering any vehicle, RT/R2 accelerates, LT/L2 brakes/reverses, left stick steers. Controller vibration gives you road feedback.
LT/L2 to aim, RT/R2 to fire. Press LB/L1 to take cover — you can blind-fire or pop out to shoot.
Committing crimes raises your wanted level, up to 6 stars. Escape by leaving police sight, switching cars, entering the subway, or hiding out.
Your phone receives missions and lets you take photos and livestream. The map sets waypoints and shows mission markers and saved locations.
The gym, pool, restaurants, and ride-sharing are core side activities that affect character stats and relationship growth.
The game autosaves, and you can also save manually at safehouses. We recommend a manual save before major missions.
Controls
| Control | Input |
|---|---|
| Movement | Left stick / WASD |
| Camera | Right stick / Mouse |
| Sprint | Hold L3 / Shift |
| Jump | X / Space |
| Crouch / Sneak | L3 or R3 / Ctrl |
| Aim | LT / Right-click |
| Shoot | RT / Left-click |
| Switch weapon | D-pad / Number keys |
| Interact / Pick up | △ / E |
| Open phone | ↑ / Scroll wheel |
| Open map | Touchpad / M |
| Switch protagonist | Hold ↓ / Hold Tab |
Core Mechanics
Dual Protagonist System
Jason and Lucia each have independent stats, skills, and gear. Some missions can only be triggered by a specific protagonist.
Wanted Level
Up to 6 stars. Higher levels bring more aggressive police pursuit.
Dynamic Weather
Includes localized rain, tropical storms, hurricanes, standing water, and rainbows.
Body Shape
Bulking up at the gym or overeating at restaurants changes your build, affecting stamina and appearance.
Livestream System
Host full livestreams for yourself — audience reactions affect in-game earnings.
Ride-Sharing
Summon a vehicle and ride with NPCs to trigger random dialogue and social events.
Beginner Tips
- Finish the prologue tutorial first and get a feel for movement and driving before free-roaming.
- Upgrade vehicles and weapons early — don't spend all your money on clothes.
- Watch for mission prompts when switching protagonists; some missions lock to the current character.
- At 3+ wanted stars, switching cars, entering tunnels, or taking the subway is the fastest escape.
- Side activities and random events affect character relationships and later story options.
Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Ignoring protagonist switching | Miss exclusive missions and story branches | Switch protagonists regularly to check available missions |
| Rushing the main story | Miss side-activity income and items | Do side content and random events between story missions |
| Fighting the cops head-on | Wanted level climbs fast, escape gets harder | Switch cars + go underground + break line of sight |
| Spending everything on cosmetics | Weapon and vehicle upgrades fall behind | Prioritize vehicle and weapon upgrades |
| Never saving manually | Repeat progress after failed missions | Manual save before major missions |
FAQ
During free roam, hold down on the D-pad (or hold Tab) to open the character switcher and pick Jason or Lucia. Missions usually lock you to the current character.
Switch cars, enter subway tunnels, break police line of sight, or use hideouts to lower your wanted level.
Yes. The prologue walks you through movement, shooting, and driving.
Yes. It includes Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
The single-player campaign can be played offline. Online mode launches after release.
PS5 and Xbox use their controllers; the PC version hasn't been announced. Rockstar hasn't revealed PC controls yet.