Grand Theft Auto 6's online component will reportedly let 96 players join the same session.
The new and improved version of Grand Theft Auto Online coming with the next mainline release is looking to up the chaos, using an upgraded version of the current peer-to-peer architecture that powers the game with significant improvements - such as bigger lobby sizes.
Sources told Fravilys that Rockstar Games is looking to support significantly more players simultaneously. The initial target is reportedly aiming for 96 players per session, though current builds are reportedly running with 64 players.
Anyone who's played GTA Online knows the ways it is currently limited, and Rockstar's plans for the next generation of Grand Theft Auto's multiplayer experience aims to remedy these problems. Aside from increased player support, Rockstar is reportedly developing groundbreaking technology that could eliminate loading screens entirely.
If true and implemented right, this new technology would allow seamless transitions between different game worlds, especially promising since Rockstar is reportedly planning to turn Grand Theft Auto 6 into the next content creator platform.
Imagine driving through Los Santos and deciding to join a race with friends in another session. Instead of backing out to a menu, waiting for matchmaking, and sitting through loading screens, you'd simply drive to the race location and start playing.
We've already seen what Rockstar can and has done with the PlayStation 5 with the second GTA 6 trailer, so would it be really surprising if they want to turn the next GTA Online into a much better title?
The current iteration of GTA Online, which launched back in October 2013, has become a money-printing machine for Rockstar. It's generated billions in revenue through its game-as-a-service model, making it one of the most profitable entertainment products ever created.
With that kind of success, the pressure is on to make the sequel even better. By the looks of it, Rockstar is on track. Of course, game development is unpredictable, and features that sound amazing on paper don't always make it to the final product.
For Grand Theft Auto V, we've learned about so much content that Rockstar cut out from the title, from aliens to a DLC featuring Trevor Philips, and so much more. Between, technical limitations, balance concerns, or simple creative decisions, multiple factors could change these plans before launch.
Besides, Rockstar hasn't officially confirmed any of these details, and the company is notorious for keeping its cards close to the chest until it's ready to reveal information on its own terms.
Still, if even half of these reported features make it into the final game, the next generation of GTA Online could revolutionize how we think about open-world multiplayer gaming. GTA 6 is currently on track to release on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X on May 26, 2026. A PC version is currently in development.
