GTA 6 Weapons — What We Know So Far

Grand Theft Auto VI's combat has been visible in both trailers — extended shooting sequences in Trailer 2 particularly show a lot of hardware. Rockstar hasn't formally published a weapons roster, so here's the full picture of what we know, what the footage implies, and what the open questions are.

What Trailer Footage Confirms

Pistol / sidearm — likely returning. Every GTA since GTA III has had a default handgun. Both trailers show characters drawing and using sidearms. The visual design in Trailer 2 shows what appears to be a standard polymer-frame pistol (reminiscent of a Glock 19 pattern) in close-quarters combat sequences.

Submachine gun (SMG) class — strongly implied. The Heat-Sink Weapons Pack referenced in the Special Edition contents lists "two SMG variants" as part of the bonus. That means Rockstar is building an SMG class — at least two variants at launch. The extended firefight sequence in Trailer 2 (at the 2:04 mark) shows automatic-fire weapons being used by both Lucia and Jason.

Shotgun — confirmed via Special Edition. The Special Edition's Heat-Sink Weapons Pack doesn't specifically list a shotgun, but Rockstar has shipped a shotgun class in every GTA since GTA III. Expect at least one pump-action or semi-auto shotgun at launch.

Rifle class — probable. Trailer 2's combat sequences include what appear to be carbine-length rifles with optics. Given Rockstar's tradition of at least one assault rifle / carbine variant (the Advanced MG from GTA V, the Carbine Rifle from GTA IV), expect at least one rifle in the class.

Melee and unarmed — likely expanded. GTA VI's focus on two protagonists may mean expanded hand-to-hand options. Trailer 1 shows a convenience store confrontation where Lucia's interaction suggests she's engaging physically with an unarmed NPC — not drawing a weapon. Rockstar has been building out the melee system with each title.

What's Leaked or Rumored

Specific weapon models from the game files have surfaced in Reddit and datamine communities. The most-cited names include:

• Pistol: a standard 9mm sidearm (expected at launch)
• SMG: an integrally-suppressed submachine gun (rumored as a pre-order or Special Edition unlock)
• Shotgun: a pump-action, possibly the "Combat Shotgun" name returning from GTA Online
• Rifle: an AR-pattern carbine with rail-mounted optic

These leaks are unverified and Rockstar has not confirmed any specific weapon model. Treat them as credible but not confirmed.

Customization system. GTA V introduced weapon customization (barrels, scopes, grips, paints). Bloomberg's previewer described GTA VI's combat as "more nuanced" than GTA V — and the footage shows characters using weapons in varied scenarios. Expect the customization system to return and likely expand.

Grenades and explosives. Every GTA has had grenades and sticky bombs. Trailer 2 shows what appears to be an explosive device being thrown (at 1:47 mark in a chase sequence). Rockets, grenades, and Molotovs are near-certain at launch.

What's Still Unknown

Vehicle weapons. GTA has traditionally included mounted weapons on vehicles (insurgent turrets, helicopter guns, boat cannons). Whether vehicle-mounted weapons are available to the player in free-roam or only in specific missions is not confirmed.

Weapon wheel vs. radial menu. Rockstar has used both systems in different titles. The weapon selection interface in GTA VI has not been shown clearly in pre-launch footage.

Throwable variety. Beyond grenades andMolotov, Rockstar has introduced new throwable categories in past titles (nails, fireworks, grenades). The full throwable roster for GTA VI is not yet public.

Weaponized drones. Rockstar's Matrice 4 enterprise drone was shown at a mining conference in April 2026 — but that's an enterprise product. Whether player-accessible weaponized drones exist in GTA VI is unconfirmed.

Special Edition Weapons Pack Contents (Confirmed)

The Special Edition includes the Heat-Sink Weapons Pack:

• One improved sidearm (likely the pistol variant)
• Two SMG variants

If the Special Edition's bonus list is representative of the full weapon class spread, we can expect at least 3 weapons in the SMG class at launch.

Full weapon stats and database entries will be live within 12 hours of launch. Watch the countdown and subscribe to the RSS feed for day-one drops.