Grand Theft Auto VI, set for a November 19, 2026 release, is already sparking player interest not just in its gameplay, but in its Trophy and Achievement systems. For those aiming for that coveted Platinum trophy or 100% completion, a significant time investment is expected.
Main Storyline: A Lengthy Journey
Early insights suggest that GTA 6 will feature a substantial main storyline. While precise playtime can vary greatly depending on individual playstyle and skill, recent information gathered by Insider Gaming from playtesters indicates that completing the core narrative will require approximately 50 hours.
The game is reportedly divided into five distinct chapters, with nearly 100 main missions. The duration of each mission can differ, and player proficiency will undoubtedly affect the final count, but 50 hours appears to be the consensus estimate for now.
“I hope players wake up, have their coffee, take a shower, get dressed and then go out and get some exercise,” Rob Nelson, Rockstar Games’ Head of Development and Co-Studio Head, previously shared in an interview with The New York Times, reflecting on the desired player experience.
Nelson himself spent 80 hours completing the game in February, which included not only the main plot but also several side quests that influenced the story’s progression. He further elaborated on the experience, adding, “Interact with some people, explore, maybe cause some trouble, rob some places and make some money.”
The Road to Platinum: Over 200 Hours?
Achieving the Platinum trophy or completing all achievements in GTA 6 is expected to be a considerably more time-consuming endeavor than simply finishing the main story. The unpredictable nature of some achievements, which may involve random in-game events (RNG), makes precise forecasting difficult.
However, current information suggests that players might need to dedicate around 200 hours to experience everything the game has to offer. This figure more than doubles the time required for GTA 5’s full achievement challenge.
For players familiar with Red Dead Redemption 2, the achievement hunting in GTA 6 could offer a similar time commitment. Red Dead Redemption 2’s completion time for all achievements is recorded at approximately 196 hours. As with GTA 6, this figure is subject to the influence of certain random elements.
Adding another layer to the extensive gameplay, GTA 6’s map is said to feature over 170 different species of wildlife. Players will likely need to scan these creatures individually, much like the hunting and scanning mechanics present in Red Dead Redemption 2.
