Grand Theft Auto 6 has been one of the biggest subjects on a lot of gamers' minds for a few years now. Ever since the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 hit the internet in late 2023, theories have run rampant. A second trailer offered the best look yet back in May of this year, but the game is still shrouded in mystery.
Rockstar still hasn't revealed anything about GTA 6's expected online counterpart. There have been tons of rumors and theories about an online GTA 6, but it's still unclear if it will be part of the game's launch, or a separate release date, like the original GTA Online. There's no telling what tricks Rockstar has up its sleeve with GTA 6's online version, but when it comes to features that need improved the most, the character creator is at the top of the list.
GTA 6 is currently slated for May 26, 2026.
GTA Online's Character Creator Has Been Outdated for Far Too Long
The Heritage System
When it comes to character creation in GTA Online, the Heritage system is a notorious feature that can stifle creativity. On paper, the Heritage system seems like an interesting, innovative approach to this mechanic, but it can prove to be more bothersome than anything. For those who aren't familiar with GTA Online's Heritage selector, players choose the parents of their character, which then offers a mix of the mother and father's facial features. Sliders can then be used to decide which parent the character favors more.
Of course, these facial features can be customized through the Features selector, but it can be a real pain trying to work around the pre-determined appearance set by the character's in-game ancestry. Ultimately, it's incredibly difficult to truly create someone's likeness, which can get in the way of the experience if a GTA Online player wants to roleplay as a specific person (like themselves) or a fictional character.
Rockstar Games Social Club members can choose Red Dead Redemption's John Marston as a Heritage option.
GTA 6 Online Needs to Update its Character Creation Approach
It's no secret that GTA 6 Online is bound to ignite a firestorm of excitement. However, if Rockstar wants to turn up the hype, addressing the issues with GTA Online's character creator could be a great way to do just that. When the game finally arrives, it will be nearly impossible not to compare GTA 6 and GTA 5. Many will be examining the fresh entry to see how it improves upon its predecessor and where it pales in comparison. If Rockstar chooses to stick with the same Heritage system, then it could risk holding the online mode back from feeling truly modern.
However, if Rockstar insists on its Heritage system, there could still be a compromise. It could be an optional choice for players who enjoy the feature, but it shouldn't be the main base to build a character's appearance from. Plenty of fans will want to recreate their own likeness, and for good reason. Seeing oneself in the bustling crime-riddled party hub of Vice City is a thrilling promise. Players should be given the opportunity to experience the ultimate life-of-crime fantasy, and a more accurate character creator can help make that happen.
Rumors have claimed GTA 6 could have Roblox-inspired user-generated content.
GTA 6 Online Will Hopefully Be Confirmed Before the Year is Up
- The 2025 Game Awards will be held on December 11.
If any gaming event was bound to be the ideal stage for Rockstar to fully reveal GTA 6's online mode, The Game Awards would be a shoo-in. Many are eager to learn more about how Rockstar has evolved the series, and one of the clearest ways to see such changes is through how the next GTA Online approaches player freedom.
OpenCritic Reviews
- Released
- November 19, 2026
- ESRB
- Rating Pending - Likely Mature 17+
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
