GTA 6 will have hurricanes, over 170 animals and a map twice the size of GTA V

GTA 6 will have hurricanes, dynamic weather and over 170 animal species

Game Informer's cover story in issue #382 (published September 29, 2026) confirmed one of GTA VI's most ambitious systems: dynamic weather that includes real hurricanes capable of reshaping the landscape and NPC behavior across Leonida, the fictional Florida-inspired state.

Hurricane system: more than a visual effect

According to Rockstar, hurricanes in GTA VI aren't just a background weather effect — they directly affect gameplay, with strong wind, torrential rain, flooding and real-time scenery destruction, mirroring the real risk hurricanes pose to Florida. The studio researched real regional weather patterns to build the system.

Over 170 animal species

Game Informer revealed that Leonida will feature more than 170 different animal species, including over 60 types of birds and over 30 land mammals, plus reptiles, fish and marine life. It's the most complex wildlife system Rockstar has ever built, far surpassing what was seen in Red Dead Redemption 2.

A map twice the size of GTA V's

Another detail confirmed by the report: the Leonida map is, according to Rockstar's own estimate relayed to Game Informer, roughly twice the size of GTA V's (Los Santos and Blaine County), reinforcing the ambition of building the studio's largest open world to date.

Why it matters

The combination of dynamic weather, extensive wildlife and a massive map is Rockstar's way of reinforcing the sense of Leonida as a living, reactive state rather than just a static backdrop for missions — a leap beyond GTA V and even Red Dead Redemption 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will GTA 6 have real hurricanes?

Yes. Game Informer confirmed in issue #382, published September 29, 2026, that GTA VI will feature a dynamic weather system with hurricanes that affect gameplay, including wind, rain and flooding.

How many animal species are in GTA 6?

Over 170 confirmed species, including more than 60 types of birds and more than 30 land mammals, according to Game Informer's September 2026 report.

Is the GTA 6 map bigger than GTA V's?

Yes, according to Rockstar's own estimate relayed to Game Informer, the Leonida map is roughly twice the size of GTA V's Los Santos and Blaine County map.

Do hurricanes affect gameplay or are they just visual?

They affect gameplay: Rockstar describes scenery destruction, flooding and changes in NPC behavior during severe weather events, not just cosmetic effects.

What's the source of this information?

Game Informer magazine's cover story, issue #382, published September 29, 2026, based on interviews with and visits to Rockstar Games.