GTA 6 Map and Leaks: Everything We Know About Vice City and Leonida

The gaming world is buzzing with anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6, and nowhere is the excitement more palpable than in discussions about the game's map. Set to release in May 2026, GTA 6 promises to deliver the most expansive and detailed open world in Rockstar Games' history. This comprehensive guide covers everything we know about the GTA 6 map, from official confirmations to the most credible leaks.

Where is GTA 6 Set? Vice City Returns to the Spotlight

GTA 6 takes place in a modern-day version of Vice City, Rockstar's fictional recreation of Miami, within the larger state of Leonida, which is based on Florida. Unlike the 1980s Vice City from the 2002 game, this new iteration presents a contemporary take on the neon-soaked metropolis, complete with updated landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and cutting-edge technology.

The game exists within Rockstar's HD Universe, making it entirely separate from the 3D Universe version that appeared in the original Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

How Big is the GTA 6 Map? Size Comparisons and Scale

One of the most frequently asked questions about GTA 6 concerns the map size. Based on community analysis and leaked information, the GTA 6 map is approximately 70% larger than the GTA 5 map of Los Santos. This makes it the biggest map in Grand Theft Auto franchise history.

To put this in perspective, the Los Santos map from GTA 5 was already massive, but more than half of it consisted of mountainous terrain. The GTA 6 map, however, offers a more diverse range of environments, from dense urban areas to tropical islands, swamplands, and rural towns.

The map includes unexpected geographical features like Mount Kalaga, raising interesting questions since Florida is known for its low elevation. This creative liberty by Rockstar suggests they're prioritizing gameplay variety and exciting exploration opportunities over strict geographical accuracy.

Official GTA 6 Map Locations Confirmed by Rockstar

Rockstar Games has officially confirmed several key locations that will appear in GTA 6. Here's what we know:

Vice City - The Crown Jewel

Vice City remains the sun and fun capital of America, featuring neighborhoods like Ocean Beach with its art deco hotels and white sands, Little Cuba with its bustling panaderías, the Tisha-Wocka flea market, and the VC Port, which serves as the cruise ship capital of the world.

The city captures the glamour, hustle, and greed of modern America in a single location. Players can expect neon-lit streets, luxury penthouses, and a stark contrast between the wealthy coastal areas and grittier inland neighborhoods.

Leonida Keys - The Tropical Paradise

Based on Florida's famous Keys, this archipelago offers some of the most beautiful and dangerous waters in all of America. The Leonida Keys feature crystal-clear waters, luxury boats, and waterfront properties, but don't let the paradise setting fool you—sharks and other dangers lurk beneath the surface.

Grassrivers - The Everglades-Inspired Wetlands

The Grassrivers are home to deadlier predators and weirder discoveries than just gators. This swampland region, inspired by Florida's Everglades, promises to be filled with wildlife and mysterious encounters. Multiple screenshots from Rockstar show alligators prominently featured throughout these wetlands.

Port Gellhorn - The Decaying Coastal Town

Port Gellhorn features cheap motels, abandoned malls, and attractions that have seen better days, with residents making a new community away from the neon lights of upmarket suburbs. The area includes the Allied Crystal Sugar refinery, blue-collar workers, and biker gangs, representing the grittier side of Leonida.

Ambrosia - The Industrial Hub

Ambrosia serves as a hub for American history, featuring industrial zones and working-class communities. This county represents the industrial heart of Leonida, complete with factories and gang territories.

Mount Kalaga National Park - The Wilderness Frontier

Mount Kalaga offers opportunities for fishing, hunting, and off-road riding, while also being home to hillbilly mystics and paranoid individuals who distrust the government. This national landmark adds a rugged, wilderness element to the game that contrasts sharply with Vice City's urban sprawl.

The Five Counties of Leonida

The state of Leonida consists of at least five counties, each offering distinct environments and experiences:

Vice-Dale County - Home to Vice City itself
Leonard County - Mix of suburban and natural landscapes
Ambrosia County - Industrial zones and gang territories
Kelly County - Rural settings and agricultural lands
Mariana County - Parts of the Leonida Keys with coastal vistas

Major GTA 6 Map Leaks: What the Community Has Uncovered

The GTA 6 community has been incredibly active in piecing together the map from various sources. Here's what leaked information has revealed:

The 2022 Gameplay Footage Leak

In 2022, significant gameplay footage was leaked online, giving fans their first real glimpse at the game world. The community used this footage, along with road signs, landmarks, in-game coordinates, and visible areas to compile detailed map renditions. This collaborative effort mirrors similar mapping projects from GTA 5's pre-release period, which proved remarkably accurate.

Fan-Made Map Projects

Several dedicated fans and community groups have created detailed map reconstructions:

The GTA Mapping Community Discord has produced multiple versions of fan maps, with updates regularly incorporating new information from trailers and screenshots
Projects like YANIS V8 represent some of the biggest map updates, showing locations like Hamlet Prison and Lake Leonida in their correct positions
These community efforts have identified road layouts, city structures, and geographic features with impressive accuracy

Recent Map Discoveries

In August 2025, community members discovered a genuine piece of the GTA 6 map hidden in promotional artwork released by Rockstar Games, featuring character Brian Heder standing over a desk with a map. While the specific location shown remains unclear, fans speculate it depicts swampland areas.

The Gyranos Concept Map

The community has developed a concept map nicknamed "Gyranos," which combines evidence from official trailers, screenshots, and leaked footage. While not official, it represents the most comprehensive attempt to recreate the game's geography based on available information.

Real-Life Miami Landmarks Recreated in GTA 6

One of Rockstar's signature strengths is authentically recreating real-world locations. Here are confirmed Miami landmarks appearing in GTA 6:

Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive showcases neon-soaked nights and features recognizable locations like the Ocean View Hotel, which longtime fans will remember as the first save point in the 2002 game. The area captures Miami Beach's art deco architecture and vibrant nightlife.

Vice City International Airport

Highway signs point toward Vice City International Airport, renamed from "Escobar International Airport" to maintain immersion. The airport will likely play a significant role in the game, with aviation mechanics expected to be significantly improved from previous titles.

The Seven Mile Bridge

The Seven Mile Bridge connecting to the Florida Keys has been faithfully recreated, with aerial views appearing in the trailer. This iconic structure serves as a gateway to the Leonida Keys region.

Trésor Tower Penthouse

A luxury apartment with a private pool seen in the first trailer replicates the penthouse at the top of Tresor Tower in Miami Beach. This attention to detail extends to specific buildings throughout the map.

Art Deco Hotels

Multiple Ocean Drive hotels have been recreated with slight name changes to avoid copyright issues. The Hotel Breakwater becomes Hotel Boardwalk, and the Hotel Victor becomes Hotel Dixon, both maintaining their neon art deco aesthetic.

What Makes the GTA 6 Map Special?

Unprecedented Detail and Density

Rumors suggest GTA 6 will feature over 700 enterable shops and locations, including nightclubs, strip clubs, hotels, restaurants, pawn shops, supermarkets, fast food joints, gun stores, and the Vice City Metro Station. This represents a massive leap forward in interactivity compared to previous games.

Post-Launch Expansion Plans

Reports indicate that Rockstar intends to expand the GTA 6 map post-launch, adding new missions and cities regularly. This live-service approach could transform GTA 6 into an ever-evolving world that grows over years.

Multiple States Confirmed

Beyond Leonida (Florida), the game references Gloriana, a fictional version of Georgia, suggesting the map may extend beyond a single state. This could include diverse environments like Georgia's forests and the Providence Canyon State Park.

Enhanced AI and World Interactivity

Leaked information reveals smarter police AI that investigates crime scenes, sets up barriers, processes evidence, and checks traffic during chases. This enhanced AI extends to the entire game world, making it feel more alive and reactive.

Diverse Environments

The map promises unprecedented variety, from:

Dense urban cities with skyscrapers and nightlife
Tropical beaches and crystal-clear waters
Dangerous swamplands teeming with wildlife
Industrial areas and working-class neighborhoods
Mountain regions for outdoor activities
Rural farmland and small towns

Copyright Strikes and Map Takedowns

Take-Two Interactive has issued copyright strikes against modders recreating the GTA 6 map, including a popular creator known as Dark Space. These aggressive takedowns suggest the company wants to preserve the surprise and impact of the official map reveal.

One modder acknowledged that their map recreation "could have ruined the surprise," showing understanding for Rockstar's protective stance.

GTA 6 Release Date and Platform Information

GTA 6 is scheduled to launch in May 2026 exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game will not be available on previous-generation consoles or PC at launch, though a PC version typically follows Rockstar's console releases.

The delay from the original Fall 2025 window to May 2026 has given Rockstar additional development time to polish the massive open world and ensure it meets the studio's legendary quality standards.

What We're Still Waiting to Learn

Despite the wealth of information available, several questions remain unanswered:

The exact size and boundaries of the playable area
Whether additional cities beyond Vice City will be accessible at launch
The full extent of the transportation network (roads, railways, waterways)
How Lake Leonida fits into the overall map structure
What "weirder discoveries" await in the Grassrivers
The total number of enterable buildings and interiors
Whether the Gloriana state is accessible or just referenced

Community Speculation and Theories

The passionate GTA community continues analyzing every piece of media Rockstar releases. Popular theories include:

Mountainous regions serving as key campaign locations with unique challenges
Restricted military zones similar to Fort Zancudo in GTA 5
Underground tunnel networks connecting different parts of the map
An extensive railway system given the modern setting
Multiple playable islands in the Leonida Keys
A functional public transportation system including the Metro

Conclusion: The Most Ambitious GTA Map Yet

The GTA 6 map represents Rockstar Games' most ambitious project to date. Combining the density of an authentic Miami recreation with the scale of an entire Florida-inspired state, Leonida promises diverse gameplay experiences that will keep players engaged for years.

From the neon-soaked streets of Vice City to the alligator-infested Grassrivers, from luxury beachfront properties in the Leonida Keys to the gritty industrial zones of Ambrosia, the map offers something for every type of player. Whether you prefer urban chaos, outdoor exploration, water-based activities, or rural adventures, the state of Leonida will deliver.

While we await the official map reveal and additional trailers, the community-driven mapping projects provide fascinating insights into what may be gaming's most detailed open world. The combination of official confirmations, leaked footage, and fan detective work has painted a picture of a truly spectacular setting for Rockstar's next masterpiece.

As we count down to May 2026, one thing is certain: the GTA 6 map will set a new standard for open-world gaming, and Vice City's return will be nothing short of legendary.

Stay tuned for updates as Rockstar releases more official information about GTA 6's map and features. The wait may be long, but if the leaks are any indication, it will be worth every second.