Rockstar Confirms GTA 6 Simulates Tropical Storms and Hurricanes

Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to push the boundaries of open world weather effects with simulated tropical storms and hurricanes, according to Game Informer's GTA 6 cover story. Senior associate editor Marcus Stewart revealed that Rockstar needed to incorporate diverse weather into the game due to Florida's unpredictable climate. Rockstar's senior vice president of art for lighting and rendering, Owen Shepherd, explained that the team has re-engineered the weather system to make it more localized and persistent.

The game features new dynamic cloudscapes that roll across the massive map, which is three times larger than previous GTA titles. This means players can expect localized rain showers in one area while another area remains sunny. However, the real impact will be when the rain persists, creating realistic rainbows under the right lighting conditions and leaving wet ground and persistent puddles once the storm passes.

Shepherd also mentioned that GTA 6 will feature simulated tropical storms and hurricanes, complete with heavy clouds, strong winds, dense atmospheric effects, and heavy rain. These storms will cause water to gush off roofs and lampposts, with dramatic flashes of lightning illuminating the clouds. While there isn't a video demonstrating these weather systems, players' imaginations can run wild with possibilities such as flooding in the streets and buildings and trees being knocked down. GTA 6 is scheduled to launch on November 19.