Vice City returns in GTA 6 — but it’s a very different Vice City. The original 2002 Vice City was a stylized 1986 Miami, capturing the cocaine cowboy era. GTA 6’s Vice City is set in modern day with completely new protagonists. Here’s the full comparison.
Time period
| Aspect | Vice City (2002) | GTA 6 (2025/2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Setting year | 1986 | Modern day (2020s) |
| Protagonist(s) | Tommy Vercetti | Jason and Lucia |
| Map scope | Vice City only | Vice City + Leonida State |
| Music | 80s synthpop, rock | Modern hip-hop, reggaeton, classic rock |
What carries over
- The Vice City name — a clear callback to one of the most beloved GTA games
- Miami aesthetic — neon, palm trees, beach culture, Cuban influence
- Coastal layout — the basic geographic shape of Miami remains
- Florida political satire — different specifics, same target
- Cocaine industry plotline — likely a major story thread again
What’s new
- Modern Miami transformation — South Beach, modern architecture, gentrification
- Social media culture — Trailer 1 emphasized viral videos and influencers
- Modern cartel dynamics — much more sophisticated than 1986 drug trade
- Female lead — Lucia is the first mainline female protagonist
- Leonida State — full state map, not just one city
Tommy Vercetti — gone?
The original Vice City protagonist Tommy Vercetti was active in 1986. In a modern-day Vice City, Tommy would be in his 60s-70s. There has been no confirmation of his appearance. A cameo is possible but speculation — Rockstar has not commented.
Iconic locations
Some original Vice City locations may return reimagined:
- Ocean Beach (modernized South Beach)
- Vercetti Estate (might appear with modern owners)
- The Malibu Club (potentially as a modernized nightclub)
- Vice City International Airport
Why Rockstar returned to Vice City
Vice City has remained one of the most requested return settings since 2002. The Miami aesthetic translates exceptionally to modern open-world graphics — neon, water reflections, weather systems all showcase the RAGE engine’s strengths. See our GTA 6 map size analysis for the geographic breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
When does GTA 6 release?
Late 2025 / early 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. PC release 12-24 months later. See our GTA 6 PC release date analysis.
Will GTA 6 come to PC?
Yes, but not at launch. See GTA 6 PC system requirements.
How much will GTA 6 cost?
$69.99-$79.99 USD expected. See our price analysis.