GTA 6 Is Completely Changing How You Steal Cars

Carjacking has been a foundational element of the Grand Theft Auto franchise since its inception, remaining largely unchanged over the decades. In previous installments, players could easily steal any vehicle by simply pressing a button to pull out a driver or smash a parked car's window. However, Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to completely overhaul this system, shifting the mechanic toward a more realistic simulation style.

When attempting to steal a parked vehicle, players will no longer rely on a simple button press. Instead, gameplay footage reveals that characters like Jason will have multiple tactical options. One method involves using a slim jim to bypass older locks, which triggers a dedicated lockpicking minigame. This classic tool will not work on every vehicle, as compatibility depends heavily on the specific year and model of the car.

Modern and high-end vehicles present a much greater challenge, as they cannot be bypassed with simple tools and often come equipped with advanced tracking devices. If a player steals a tracked vehicle, law enforcement will immediately receive their location. To execute a clean getaway, players must obtain specialized equipment to disable these trackers. These tools, alongside the slim jim, are not available at the start of the game and must be unlocked through story progression or side activities.

The tracking system also introduces a dynamic speed mechanic to police chases. If a player drives a stolen, tracked vehicle fast enough, the police will temporarily lose the ability to pinpoint their exact location. However, slowing down or trying to drive cautiously will allow the authorities to immediately locate the vehicle, adding a layer of high-speed tension to escapes.

Stealing occupied vehicles has also become more complex. While some moving cars may be unlocked, allowing players to open the door, doing so triggers a quick-time event to wrestle the driver out of the seat. Passengers inside the vehicle will actively try to intervene and stop the theft. Even if successful, players must still contend with any active tracking devices installed in the vehicle.

To help players navigate these new security measures, an in-game app called Waink allows players to scan nearby vehicles. This app reveals what kind of security systems are installed on a car and estimates how much it will cost to officially register the vehicle as their own. This tool is crucial for identifying which cars are safe to target and which require advanced gear.

The game also introduces realistic consequences for abandoning registered vehicles. If a player ditches their personal car while wanted, law enforcement will establish a perimeter around it. Returning to the vehicle means walking into a police trap, and leaving it abandoned for too long will result in it being towed to an impound lot. Players must then either sneak into the lot to steal it back or pay a fee to retrieve it legally.

These deeper mechanics mean players can no longer rely on grabbing the nearest vehicle during a chaotic situation. High-stakes activities like robberies will require careful pre-planning. Players will need to secure a reliable getaway vehicle in advance, ensure they have the tools to bypass its security, and disable any trackers before committing to a heist.