More than 170 animal species and hurricanes too: Game Informer's first look at Leonida in Grand Theft Auto VI

US gaming magazine Game Informer revealed new details about GTA VI in its September 29 cover story for issue 382[1]. The feature explores how Rockstar Games turned Florida into the game's setting, Leonida. Two exclusive articles covering animals and weather, published the same day, are free for anyone to read[1].

Rockstar's official website lists a November 19 release date for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S[2]. As of September 30, that leaves 50 days until launch. The information below was checked against Game Informer, IGN and Rockstar's official website on September 30, 2026.

Alligators, manatees and rhesus macaques

More than 170 animal species inhabit Leonida's land, skies and seas[3]. Alongside Florida natives such as flamingos, manatees, pelicans and alligators are non-native species including green iguanas, cane toads, feral cats and rhesus macaques. Some are appearing in a Rockstar game for the first time[3].

According to IGN's roundup of Game Informer's coverage, there are at least 60 bird species and at least 30 species of land mammals. The seas contain several shark species, along with jellyfish, whales, turtles and rays that players can encounter while scuba diving[4]. The animals' appearance draws on technology developed while making Red Dead Redemption, including iridescence, bioluminescence, translucency and a new fur system[3]. Players can also track animals classified as Rare, Discoverable or Legendary, though the specific animals have not been revealed[3].

Sunshine here, downpours there, and hurricanes too

Weather changes independently from region to region. You can stand in sunshine and watch heavy rain falling in the distance. Travel somewhere the rain has stopped, and puddles and wet surfaces remain. Rainbows can appear when the light is right[5]. Tropical storms and seasonal hurricanes are also present, but their frequency and their effects on gameplay progression or the story have not been disclosed[5].

Six regions on a map twice the size

According to IGN, Rockstar North co-studio head Aaron Garbut said the map is twice the size of GTA V's, with considerable attention also paid to its density[4]. Its six regions are Vice City, Leonida Keys, Grassrivers, Port Gellhorn, Ambrosia and Mount Kalaga National Park. Ambrosia is a rural area with factories and oil refineries, controlled by a biker gang[4].

Ride-sharing services provide fast travel. You can talk to other passengers on shared rides and browse Snapmatic, an app modeled on Instagram, during the journey[4]. Protagonists Jason and Lucia are on the run, so they cannot make posts themselves. Stealing expensive cars requires special tools, and the WAiNK app lets you check a vehicle's resale value and security equipment[4]. The pair's relationship changes according to player choices, such as going on dates or answering phone calls, and those decisions also affect the wider story[4].

The articles released this time contain no pricing information. The full Game Informer cover story includes a list of side activities and the complete developer interviews. It is available only to paid subscribers[1].

Sources

[1] Game Informer. Game Informer Magazine Issue 382: Grand Theft Auto VI. September 29, 2026, accessed September 30, 2026.

[2] Rockstar Games. Grand Theft Auto VI. Official website, accessed September 30, 2026.

[3] Game Informer. Exclusive: Grand Theft Auto VI Includes Over 170 Animal Species. September 29, 2026, accessed September 30, 2026.

[4] IGN. GTA 6: All the Major New Details Revealed Today, Including Animal Species, Side Activities, and Fast Travel. September 29, 2026, accessed September 30, 2026.

[5] Game Informer. Exclusive: Grand Theft Auto VI Features Tropical Storms And Hurricanes. September 29, 2026, accessed September 30, 2026.