Leaked gameplay footage from Grand Theft Auto 6 reveals Rockstar Games has restored the six-tier wanted level system that players had been requesting since its removal over a decade ago. In GTA 5, the developer had reduced this core mechanic from six stars to five, sparking fan frustration. The recovered clips show the system functioning with progressive star indicators that activate during criminal activity, alongside what appears to be enhanced police response protocols compared to the previous iteration.

The restoration directly responds to longstanding criticism of GTA 5's law enforcement design, which many players experienced as excessively punitive and reactive. Internal data had previously shown Rockstar experimented with a six-star system during GTA 5's development before cutting it. The new version reportedly incorporates additional tracking mechanics allowing officers to identify suspects through distinguishing features such as vehicle type and physical appearance, potentially balancing the realism demanded by GTA 6's more grounded tone against the franchise's traditional gameplay progression.