Grand Theft Auto 6 Playthrough Could Take 80 Hours, per Rockstar

That total included “optional goals with narrative ramifications" in Rockstar North co-studio head Rob Nelson's playthrough.

Posted By | On 28th, Aug. 2026

Grand Theft Auto 6_Ultimate Edition (35)

If the world size of Grand Theft Auto 6, which is very much akin to Red Dead Redemption 2, didn’t give you pause, then maybe the sheer playtime will. Speaking to The New York Times, Rockstar North co-studio head Rob Nelson said that a typical playthrough can last about 80 hours.

Granted, that’s his own playthrough. How players interact and immerse themselves in the world is completely up to them. “I hope that there will be people who want to get up, have a cup of coffee, shower, get dressed, go out for a little exercise. Interact with some people, explore, maybe get into some trouble. Rob some places, make some money.”

Interestingly, he noted that his playthrough included “optional goals with narrative ramifications.” Which pretty much means that there’s side content that may be reflected in the finale, even if it doesn’t directly contribute to the ending. Not that Rockstar wouldn’t implement multiple endings (see GTA 5), but it hasn’t yet confirmed if that’s the case here.

Launching on November 19th for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, Grand Theft Auto 6 is shaping up to be Rockstar’s biggest game ever, if not the largest this year. We received a look at story missions throughout the Extended Look, from Lucia and Jason making a pick-up that goes horribly wrong when VCPD conducts a bust to being ambushed at a fancy party.

The latter sees Jason clearing out goons while Lucia provides details over her phone. Stay tuned for more details, and in the meantime, check out what Nelson had to say about dealing with the pressure to deliver.


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