Grand Theft Auto has always excelled at delivering a wealth of side activities: far beyond the main campaign, players seek distractions that bring the world to life and provide secondary income streams or pure entertainment. With GTA 6 and its return to Vice City through the fictional state of Leonida, the question of mini-games and side activities becomes central for everyone anticipating the November 2026 release on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Rockstar Games has always kept these details under wraps until launch, but official trailers, verified leaks, and the series' track record give us solid clues. Here's what we know, what we believe, and what remains pure speculation.

  • Confirmed mini-games: poker, pool, and illegal fights (according to trailers and reliable leaks)
  • Confirmed exploration activities: scuba diving, fishing, treasure hunting mentioned in promotional materials
  • Gambling games: Leonida casinos, slot machines, and underground betting likely but not officially confirmed
  • Vehicle-based activities: illegal racing, car customization, vehicle theft on demand rumored as a dynamic system
  • Urban entertainment: fight clubs, arcade tournaments, environmental trophy collection expected but unconfirmed

Rockstar Confirmations: What's Official

Rockstar Games has revealed a number of mini-games and side activities through its official trailers, press releases, and descriptions of both editions (Standard and Ultimate) of GTA 6. While limited, this information serves as an unshakeable foundation for any analysis.

Poker and Card Games

Poker is definitely returning to GTA 6. Rockstar has confirmed the presence of poker tables in Vice City establishments, an iconic activity since GTA 4 (2008) where online poker became legendary. In Leonida, poker isn't just cosmetic: it's a genuine underground economy system where players can win cash and meet important story characters. This mechanic fits the philosophy of previous entries: side activities enrich the main narrative.

Pool and Bar Games

Confirmed by trailers and Vice City promotional imagery, pool features among the relaxation mini-games. Unlike poker, pool is less lucrative but offers narrative breaks and opportunities to socialize with NPCs. The mechanic mirrors GTA 4 and GTA 5 with simplified controls allowing casual players to enjoy it without frustration.

Illegal Fights (Fight Clubs)

Underground bare-knuckle and armed combat was spotted in GTA 6's second official trailer (2025). A character faced other fighters in what appeared to be a typical GTA-style underground arena. This activity generates reputation and cash while enriching dialogue and gang relationships in Leonida. It's been a staple since GTA 3, but Rockstar appears to have amplified its narrative importance in Vice City.

Scuba Diving and Fishing

Confirmed: Rockstar explicitly mentioned in promotional documents that scuba diving and fishing constitute major exploratory activities in Leonida, particularly around the Keys islands and Leonida's coastline.

Diving was present in GTA 5 (2013) in very limited form, but in Vice City it should be far more substantial. Leonida, inspired by Florida, offers the perfect natural setting for underwater exploration. Players can search for wrecks, recover sunken treasure, or simply enjoy underwater photography. Fishing returns as a zen activity, allowing you to catch rare species and generate passive income.

Likely Activities Based on GTA 5 and Vice City (2002) Legacy

Though not officially confirmed, certain side activities are so embedded in Grand Theft Auto's DNA that they return almost systematically from one game to the next. Based on tradition and the most reliable development leaks, here's what we expect with high probability.

Illegal Racing and Street Racing

Rumor / unconfirmed: according to multiple leaks from GTA 6 development build dataminers, an underground racing system would be integrated where Jason Duval or Lucia Caminos can challenge other drivers for cash prizes, with persistent vehicle damage.

Illegal racing is a series tradition since GTA 1 (1997). In Vice City, it would take a decentralized form, accessible through random encounters in certain neighborhoods or phone calls from contacts. A racing reputation system would affect prize money and opponent difficulty.

Advanced Car Tuning and Customization

GTA 5 offered basic tuning; GTA 6 should significantly enhance it. Vice City tuning shops would allow not just cosmetic improvements but also performance upgrades, weapons, and special abilities. Lucia or Jason could order stolen cars from other criminals for customization and resale.

Arcade Games and Virtual Reality

Rumor / unconfirmed: leaks suggest Leonida arcades would offer classic mini-games, possibly remastered from previous Rockstar titles, plus immersive VR experiences themed around criminal missions.

This is a logical evolution of GTA's past. Arcades, always present in Vice City, would become more interactive and better integrated into the game economy.

Casino System and Gambling in Leonida

Vice City (2002) was famous for its iconic casino, the Malibu Club. Leonida should offer a similar or amplified experience with multiple prestigious gambling establishments.

Poker, Blackjack, and Roulette

All three classic casino games should be present. Unlike previous versions where casino games were minimal, GTA 6 could offer more realistic simulation with bluffing mechanics, bankroll management, and interactions with dealers and other players.

Themed Slot Machines

Rockstar has always included slot machines for players seeking purely random, low-engagement entertainment. In Leonida, they could be aesthetically themed around local culture with tropical symbols and Vice City references.

Mini-game / Activity Confirmation Status Estimated Income Narrative Impact Required Experience Poker Confirmed Medium to High Important NPC encounters Quick learning Pool Confirmed Low Sociability, relaxation Minimal Underground Fighting Confirmed Medium Gang reputation Fighting skills Scuba Diving Confirmed Variable (treasure) Exploration, discovery Minimal (tutorial included) Fishing Confirmed Low to Medium Zen, passive income Minimal Illegal Racing Rumor (likely) Medium to High Driver reputation Driving mastery Car Tuning Rumor (likely) High (resale) Personal identity Shop access Blackjack / Roulette Rumor (likely) Highly variable Pure entertainment Minimal

Exploration and Item Collection Activities

GTA 5 excelled at scattering small exploration challenges: four-leaf clover collection, assassination mission letters, and more. GTA 6 should continue this tradition with Vice City-specific variants.

Treasure Hunts and Wreck Searches

Diving and fishing naturally accompany treasure missions. Fragmented maps, obtained through side quests or found in the world, guide players toward buried or submerged caches containing cash, weapons, or rare items useful to the main campaign.

Photography and Advanced Photo Mode

Rumor / unconfirmed: development data suggests an extended photography system allowing you to capture specific moments in Leonida, with photography challenges from NPCs, earning cash and reputation rewards.

This is a logical expansion of GTA 5's photo mode. In Vice City, spectacular landscapes (tropical sunsets, colorful 80s-90s architecture) would be ideal subjects.

Spray and Urban Tag Collection

Vice City 2002 offered tags to paint. GTA 6 could modernize this with a dynamic, persistent graffiti system where players mark their territory or personalize their hideout facades.

Transport and On-Demand Services

Underground Taxi and Chauffeur Services

Though less prestigious than main missions, taxi or private driver services for NPCs generated steady income in GTA 4 and GTA 5. Leonida should offer something similar, perhaps integrated into a fictional mobile app (criminal Uber-style).

Smuggling and Goods Trafficking

Rumor / unconfirmed: multiple leaks suggest that transporting illegal goods between Leonida locations would constitute a major income source, with risks of police and rival gang interception.

This is logical thematic progression: Jason and Lucia aren't just criminals, but organized crime entrepreneurs.

Cultural and Social Entertainment

Concerts and Shows

Rumor / unconfirmed: according to the community and some leaks, one-time events (concerts, shows, animal fights) would take place in Leonida, with opportunities to participate or simply attend for narrative immersion.

Vice City has always loved music and spectacle. GTA 6 should capitalize on its diverse radio stations with live events.

Dance Clubs and Nightclub Interactions

Nightclubs exist in every GTA. In Vice City, they should offer more than just a cutscene: first-person dancing, social interactions, meeting important contacts, perhaps dance mini-games with tropical or synthwave themes.

Gyms and Physical Training

GTA 5 offered basic gym mechanics. GTA 6 could enhance this with endurance challenges, training fights against sparring partners, and deeper integration of physical stats into combat gameplay.

Secondary Economy and Passive Income System

All these mini-games and activities serve a major objective in GTA: monetizing the player's free time. Rockstar perfected this in GTA 5 with real estate and criminal enterprises. GTA 6 should amplify it.

Revenue-Generating Properties

Beyond classic tuning shops or bars, players should be able to acquire casinos, clubs, arcades, or marinas, each generating passive income boosted by side activities offered to the public (mini-games, events, etc.).

Reputation and Economic Unlocks

Active participation in mini-games generates specialized reputation: best at poker = access to more lucrative tables; racing champion = access to prestigious races; etc. This is gratifying progression beyond simple money grinding.

Timeline of Official Side Activity Revelations

  1. December 2023: First GTA 6 trailer reveals poker and fighting scenes in background
  2. Throughout 2024: Rockstar implicitly confirms diving and fishing in Leonida descriptions
  3. 2025 (Trailer 2): Second official trailer shows detailed underground fights and car racing
  4. Pre-launch (October-November 2026): Final trailers should reveal the complete catalog of side activities
  5. Launch (November 19, 2026): Community discovery of hidden activities and unpromoted mechanics

Comparison with GTA 5 and Vice City (2002)

GTA 5 (2013) offered approximately 15 to 20 distinct mini-games, ranging from yoga to skydiving. Vice City (2002) offered about 10-12. GTA 6, with its increased narrative and technical sophistication, should offer between 18 and 25 according to the most reliable leaks. The major novelty would be deeper integration of mini-games into Jason and Lucia's criminal economy, rather than as mere cosmetic distractions.

Sources & Official

  • Rockstar Newswire (official GTA 6 announcements)
  • Official GTA 6 trailers (December 2023, 2025)
  • Standard and Ultimate edition descriptions on official stores
  • Rockstar Games communications on Leonida State and Vice City
  • Take-Two Interactive press releases (publisher)

FAQ

Will GTA 6 mini-games be mandatory to progress?

No. Rockstar has always designed its mini-games as optional. While they enrich the experience and offer income, players can complete Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos' main campaign without participating. However, you'll unlock certain contacts or rewards by doing so.

How long does it take to master poker or fighting?

Built-in tutorials should allow basic mastery in 15-30 minutes. To become excellent and consistently earn substantial money, expect several hours of investment, like any GTA mini-game.

Will there be activities exclusive to the Ultimate Edition?

Rockstar hasn't confirmed exclusive activities for either edition. Standard vs. Ultimate differences concern online content and cosmetic bonuses, not campaign mini-games.

Will scuba diving be accessible from the start of the game?

Rumor / unconfirmed: according to development leaks, diving and fishing would likely be accessible after the first chapters, once Jason and Lucia have established a base in Vice City and have access to necessary equipment.