Smarter Police, More Realistic Consequences
The GTA wanted level system has been a franchise staple since 1997. In GTA VI, Rockstar is making it more dynamic, more realistic, and far more challenging. The days of simply driving into a different neighborhood to lose a two-star wanted level are over.
Stars 1–6: What Each Level Means
Based on trailer footage and insider reports, here is how each wanted level is expected to function:
- ⭐ 1 Star: Local police alerted. One or two patrol cars respond. Can be lost quickly by leaving the area.
- ⭐⭐ 2 Stars: Active pursuit. Multiple units, helicopter support possible. Police use roadblocks.
- ⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars: SWAT deployment. Tactical units with heavy weapons. Helicopter is guaranteed.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars: FBI/federal agents join. Unmarked vehicles, snipers, vehicle pursuit escalates.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars: Full military response. Roadblocks across entire districts, armored vehicles.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 6 Stars: City lockdown. Army units, attack helicopters. Near impossible to escape.
Witness System
The most significant new mechanic: a full witness system. Committing crimes in front of witnesses who call 911 raises your wanted level. But if you neutralize all witnesses before they report — without lethal force in some cases — you can avoid police entirely. CCTV cameras in certain areas also function as witnesses.
Crimes Have Lasting Consequences
Unlike GTA V where losing a wanted level reset everything, GTA VI tracks criminal history. Certain crimes create bounties, affect how NPCs react to your character, and can close off legitimate business opportunities later in the story.
Corrupt Police
Trailer 2 strongly hints at corrupt police officers who can be bribed, worked with, or are actively working against you. This adds a layer of complexity: not every officer with a badge is an enemy, and not every enemy is a criminal.
