Rockstar Games has revealed extensive details about Grand Theft Auto 6's wildlife system through an exclusive Game Informer cover story, showcasing an unprecedented level of environmental immersion for the franchise. The developer has created over 170 distinct animal species across Leonida (a fictional Florida-inspired setting), each with authentic movement behaviours and extraordinary visual detail, suggesting a significant departure from traditional Grand Theft Auto gameplay that could rival Red Dead Redemption 2's hunting mechanics.

The wildlife system features an impressive array of creatures including sharks, manatees, alligators, bears, and armadillos, with marine animals displaying iridescent and bioluminescent properties. According to Rockstar's vice president of dynamic art Michael Kane, the animals boast meticulously simulated fur and pelts that respond to environmental factors such as dirt matting and wetness. Rather than focusing solely on hunting as Red Dead 2 did, GTA 6 appears to emphasise wildlife tracking and photography, with animals categorised into three tiers—Rare, Discoverable, and Legendary—suggesting players can interact with the ecosystem peacefully, potentially through activities like scuba diving and birdwatching (the game will feature over 60 bird species).