Following the GTA 6 Extended Look on Netflix, we’ve learned more about Rockstar’s new Criminal Profile system, and it appears to take the foundations of Red Dead Redemption 2‘s honor system to the next level.
The first look debuted on 27 August, with audiences stunned at just how amazing the final product is shaping up to look like. Outside of this, attention has turned to what Rockstar has shown off to specific influencers and media, including information on the size of the GTA 6 map.
From Honor to Criminal Profile: A Smarter System
Red Dead Redemption 2‘s honor system tracked Arthur Morgan’s moral standing — greeting locals and helping strangers improved it, while needlessly killing civilians and causing trouble lowered it.
GTA 6‘s Criminal Profile is different. It doesn’t care how good or bad of a person you are. It cares about how good or bad of a criminal you are.
“If you hit and run, commit a crime and run, get into trouble and move on before the cops get there, and you don’t start shooting people, don’t start escalating — which you absolutely can do if you want to — but if you don’t, you’re generally going to be fine.”
— Rob Nelson, Rockstar North Co-Studio Head
How Your Criminal Profile Works
Your behaviour can influence how you’re perceived in the world. Something as simple as petting a dog can work in your favour, while unnecessary violence, vandalism and other reckless behaviour can count against you.
Crucially, the Criminal Profile takes context into account. Unlike RDR2, where you could murder an entire family and then immediately pet animals to restore your honor, GTA 6‘s system is smarter:
- Defending yourself in an altercation won’t be penalised
- Firing back at pursuers won’t hurt your profile
- Unnecessarily escalating situations will
- Consistently going beyond what’s necessary will sway your Criminal Profile
The system rewards players who treat crime as a profession rather than causing as much destruction as possible.
The Six-Star Wanted System
The revamped Wanted system returns with six stars. Police behaviour is considerably more sophisticated:
- Officers can now identify your vehicle and actively search for it
- Suspect descriptions include what you’re wearing and whether you were spotted with another character
- Someone must witness the crime or report it (e.g., an alarm)
To shake the police effectively, you’ll need to:
- Swap vehicles
- Change your outfit
- Split up with your partner if the description calls for a couple
- Blend into large crowds
Long-Term Consequences
Your Criminal Profile could have lasting effects:
- Professional criminals who plan jobs, keep their faces covered, avoid civilian deaths and get in and out cleanly may attract more lucrative work
- Reckless criminals who charge in with guns blazing and kill civilians won’t build a good reputation
These consequences won’t necessarily be limited to major story missions. The way you behave throughout Leonida could shape how the world responds to Jason and Lucia.
The Relationship Meter
A friendship meter of sorts has also returned, tracking the relationship between Jason and Lucia. If you’re nice to each other and do events regularly as a couple, they’ll have more affection for each other — and that will be reflected in the game.
Also, Read
- GTA 6 Lucia Prologue Leak Dubbed Cyberleek’s ‘Biggest Leak So Far’
- GTA 6 Brings Back Popular San Andreas Gameplay Feature and 16 Other New Details We Now Know
- GTA 6 Previews on the Way Tomorrow as Creators Go Hands-Off at Rockstar HQ
What This Means for Players
Your Criminal Profile is separate from your Wanted level. The system isn’t about punishing players or forcing a “right” way to play. Rather, it’s designed to make the world feel more reactive and your choices more meaningful.
“There isn’t a right or wrong way to play this game, but consistent actions may have an impact in terms of how the world reacts to you and how the narrative plays out.”
— Rob Nelson, Rockstar North Co-Studio Head
Grand Theft Auto VI will be released on November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.