Grand Theft Auto VI is once again at the center of speculation. Recent leaks hint at fully explorable hospitals, the debut of a new character named Raul Bautista, and a delayed but confirmed May 2026 release date. If true, these additions could mark Rockstar’s boldest attempt yet to merge realism, narrative, and player freedom.

Inside Vice City’s Hospitals

For decades, hospitals in GTA have served one purpose — to respawn players after death. But if these latest rumors hold true, GTA 6 will transform them into living, interactive spaces. Players could wake up in a ward surrounded by doctors, nurses, and fellow patients, rather than simply appearing on the sidewalk.

Imagine wandering through dimly lit corridors, the hum of medical machinery echoing in the distance, while outside, sirens wail from a crime you just committed. This new level of immersion could turn hospitals into more than mere backdrops. They could become mission hubs, side-story zones, or even arenas for betrayal and corruption.

As in Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar’s obsession with authenticity continues to grow. Injuries sustained during heists could lead to recovery missions, secret deals with shady doctors, or confrontations with rival gangs seeking revenge. In GTA 6, the hospital might not just heal you — it could change your story.

Raul Bautista: The Enigmatic Third Protagonist

While Lucia and Jason are confirmed as the game’s main playable characters, a mysterious third name keeps appearing in leaks: Raul Bautista. Described as a veteran bank robber with a ruthless streak, Bautista’s rumored presence could dramatically reshape the game’s narrative.

Some insiders claim he starts as an antagonist — a rival criminal who later becomes entwined in Lucia and Jason’s storyline. Others believe he could evolve into a third playable character, mirroring the narrative depth of Michael, Franklin, and Trevor in GTA 5. His moral ambiguity and violent ambition could bring a new level of tension to the story.

If true, Bautista’s inclusion would create a fascinating dynamic: Lucia torn between loyalty and survival, Jason balancing control and chaos, and Bautista driven by pure ambition. This trio could make GTA 6’s story one of the most emotionally layered in Rockstar’s history.

May 2026: The Long Wait Continues

Fans were initially expecting GTA 6 in late 2025, but Rockstar has reportedly moved the release to May 2026. That delay, while frustrating, fits the studio’s well-known perfectionist approach. History tells the same story — Red Dead Redemption 2 was delayed multiple times and still became one of the greatest games ever made.

Rockstar’s silence is deliberate. Every delay builds pressure, but also trust. Each extra month likely means new refinements — whether that’s expanded interiors, AI improvements, or cinematic story integration. As one developer reportedly put it, “Rockstar doesn’t release games. They release moments.”

With roughly 245 days until the rumored date, players are watching every move the studio makes. Patience is wearing thin, but anticipation has never been higher.

The Next Trailer and What It Might Show

Rockstar has released two record-breaking trailers so far. The first set the stage, showing Vice City’s skyline. The second gave us Lucia, Jason, and a taste of their dynamic. The upcoming Trailer 3 is expected to showcase gameplay, possibly confirming interior exploration — from hospitals to police stations and shopping malls.

Analysts predict a December 2025 release window for that trailer, just in time to dominate the holiday news cycle. A fourth and final trailer could then land weeks before launch, signaling the beginning of Rockstar’s global marketing blitz.

Pricing and Editions: The Inevitable Debate

Rumors about pricing continue to swirl. Standard editions are expected to start at $70 to $80, with Collector’s Editions potentially reaching $150 or more. Exclusive physical items, early access to GTA Online, and digital bonuses could be included to reward the most devoted fans.

For many, the price won’t matter. GTA 6 isn’t just another release — it’s an event. One that defines a generation every time it happens.

The Road to May 2026

From explorable hospitals to complex new characters, GTA 6 continues to expand the boundaries of open-world storytelling. Each rumor adds a new piece to the puzzle, and each delay fuels even greater curiosity. What’s clear is that Rockstar isn’t just crafting a game — it’s constructing a world that feels disturbingly alive.