Combat Systems & Ballistics

GTA 6 Weapons & Combat Guide: Arsenal & Gunplay Overhaul

Published: August 30, 2026 • By Nadeem • Estimated Read: 8 min

Tactical equipment and precision weaponry

Figure 1.0: Limited physical inventory and modular weapon customization in Grand Theft Auto VI.

Gunplay in Grand Theft Auto has shifted from arcade lock-on targeting in early 3D eras to gritty, physics-driven tactical combat in recent titles. In Grand Theft Auto VI, Rockstar Games is introducing a grounded, realistic weapon handling model that borrows heavily from the critically acclaimed weapon holstering mechanics of Red Dead Redemption 2 and Max Payne 3.

1. The End of the "Infinite Weapon Wheel"

For the first time in an HD Universe GTA title, protagonists can no longer carry fifty heavy rocket launchers, miniguns, and assault rifles concealed magically inside their back pockets. In GTA VI, weapons exist as physical items on your character model.

Carrying Capacity Limits: Lucia and Jason can equip up to two sidearms (concealed inside waist holsters) and one to two shoulder-slung primary long guns (such as a pump shotgun or carbine rifle). Heavy ordnance like RPGs or sniper rifles must be carried visibly in hand or transported inside tactical duffel bags.

2. Vehicle Trunk Stashing & Strategic Loadouts

Your personal vehicle acts as a mobile tactical armory. Just as Arthur Morgan stored rifles in his horse saddlebags, GTA VI players store heavy machine guns, armor vests, and specialized breach charges inside their car trunks. Planning an armed bank heist requires pulling up to the back alley, opening the vehicle trunk, and deliberately selecting your weapon loadout before advancing.

3. Modular Weapon Customization & Attachments

Ammu-Nation stores and underground gunsmiths throughout Vice City offer deep firearm modularity:

Suppressors & Flash Hiders: Critical for nocturnal stealth robberies to avoid alerting neighborhood civilians.
Extended Drum Mags & Flared Magwells: Dramatically reduce reload animation times during intense police firefights.
Tactical Flashlights & Lasers: Necessary for exploring power-outage building interiors and swamp mangroves.
Custom Grips, Engravings & Cerakote Finishes: Full cosmetic customization to match protagonist aesthetic styles.

Weapon Class	Confirmed In-Game Firearms	Tactical Application	Ballistic Penetration
Sidearms / Pistols	Combat Pistol 9mm, Heavy Revolver	Concealed carry, drive-by shooting	Light (Wood, thin drywall)
Submachine Guns	Micro SMG, Tactical PDW	Close-quarters indoor room clearing	Moderate (Car doors, glass)
Assault Rifles	Carbine Rifle, Service Carbine	Mid-to-long range firefights	High (Engine blocks, brick walls)
Shotguns	Pump Action, Double-Barrel Sawed-Off	Door breaching, crowd suppression	Devastating point-blank spread

4. Material Penetration & Bullet Ricochet Physics

RAGE 9 calculates real-time material density. Bullets fired through wooden doors, automotive windshields, or thin sheet metal experience velocity drag and trajectory deflection. Hiding behind car doors will no longer provide infinite protection against high-caliber assault rifle rounds, forcing players to dynamically reposition between solid concrete barriers.