Do you need to play GTA 5 before GTA 6?
Short answer: No. GTA 6 has a new story, new main characters (Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos) and a new setting, the state of Leonida. It is not a direct sequel to GTA 5, so you can start with GTA 6 and follow everything.
By Jake Morrison · Sources checked by GTA6Geek Editorial · Published · Last updated · 5 min read
Follow on Google Discover
On your phone, open gta6geek.com in Chrome, tap the ⋮ menu, then tap Follow. New GTA 6 news will show in your Discover feed.
Image: Rockstar Games
WhatsApp
Facebook
X
Reddit
TelegramOn this page
Is GTA 6 a sequel to GTA 5?
Not directly. Every main GTA game tells its own story. GTA 6 takes place in the same modern “HD universe” as GTA 4 and GTA 5, so brands, radio and small references can carry over, but the plot does not depend on GTA 5.
- New leads: Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. Official
- New place: Leonida, a state based on Florida, with Vice City as its main city. Official
- GTA 5 characters: Rockstar has not announced any returning GTA 5 characters. Unconfirmed
Is this real? Yes, based on Rockstar’s official info
Who said it: Rockstar’s GTA 6 page and trailers (new leads, new setting). Our view: No GTA 5 characters are confirmed for GTA 6. Checked: 2 Nov 2026.
GTA 5 story in 60 seconds
GTA 5 (2013) is set in Los Santos and follows three criminals: Michael De Santa, a retired bank robber living under witness protection; Franklin Clinton, a young street hustler; and Trevor Philips, Michael’s unstable old partner. Together they pull off a series of heists while being squeezed by corrupt federal agents. The story has three possible endings, and Franklin later returned in GTA Online.
Should you still play GTA 5 first?
Only if you want to. GTA 5 is a great way to learn how modern GTA plays, and it is cheap and easy to find. But with GTA 6 out on 19 November 2026, you will not miss any story if you jump straight in. See how they compare in GTA 5 vs GTA 6, or the full list of GTA games in order.
Sources
Last checked: 2 Nov 2026. Labels: Official = Rockstar or platform holder, Reported = previews or press, Unconfirmed = not stated by Rockstar.
What to read next
Frequently asked questions
Is GTA 6 a sequel to GTA 5?
No. GTA 6 has its own story, new main characters and a new setting. It shares the same modern GTA universe but does not continue GTA 5’s plot.
Will GTA 5 characters be in GTA 6?
Rockstar has not announced any. Small cameos are always possible in GTA games, but none are confirmed.
Should I play GTA 5 before GTA 6?
You do not need to. It can help you learn modern GTA, but GTA 6 is made for new players too.
Who are the main characters in GTA 6?
Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, a criminal couple in the state of Leonida.
Related articles
Image: Rockstar Games
Image: Rockstar GamesImage: Rockstar GamesImage: Rockstar Games
Image: Rockstar Games
Image: Rockstar Games