As anticipation builds for Rockstar’s upcoming blockbuster, an unexpected discussion has taken center stage among fans – just how long should Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) really be? With the game’s recent delay to May 2026 giving developers more time to polish their vision, players are passionately debating what constitutes the perfect balance between quantity and quality in what’s already being called the most ambitious open-world game ever made.
A Clash of Gaming Philosophies
The gaming community finds itself divided into distinct camps regarding their ideal playtime experience. On one side stand the completionists and immersion-seekers, who point to Red Dead Redemption 2’s 50+ hour main story as the gold standard. These players argue that in a world as detailed as Leonida promises to be, anything shorter would feel insufficient to properly explore its narrative depth and environmental storytelling.
Opposing them are the time-conscious gamers who worry about bloat, advocating for a tighter 30-35 hour core experience. This camp emphasizes pacing concerns, noting that even GTA V‘s comparatively brisk 30-hour campaign sometimes struggled with momentum. They suggest that a more focused story might better serve the game’s rumored dual-protagonist structure.
The Middle Ground Emerges
Between these extremes, a pragmatic third group has formed – those hoping Rockstar will strike a balance around the 40-hour mark. These players cite The Witcher 3 as an example of how to deliver substantial content without overstaying its welcome. Many suggest the solution lies not in the main story’s length alone, but in the quality and variety of side content that can extend playtime for those who want it.
What History Tells Us
Rockstar’s track record offers clues about what to expect. The studio has consistently increased narrative scope with each release – from GTA IV’s 28-hour story to RDR2’s 50-hour epic. Given GTA VI’s reported scale (including potential multiple states to explore), a middle path seems likely. The smart money might be on a 35-45 hour main story with optional content that could triple that for completionists.
Also, Read
- GTA 6 Development Timeline Surprises Fans – It’s Not as Long as You Think
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- GTA 6’s Biggest Secret? Fans Think They’ve Cracked the Code
Why This Discussion Matters
This debate touches on fundamental questions about modern game design. In an era where players juggle multiple titles and limited free time, length has become a selling point and potential pain point simultaneously. Rockstar faces the unenviable task of satisfying hardcore fans who want endless content while keeping the experience accessible to more casual players.
As we count down to May 2026, one thing remains certain: whether you prefer a lean crime saga or an expansive epic, GTA VI will undoubtedly offer enough content to dominate gaming discussions – and players’ time – for years to come.