Grand Theft Auto VI Weapon Wheel Retained After Long Testing Phase
Grand Theft Auto VI nearly dropped its iconic weapon wheel during development, opting instead for a restricted inventory system inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2, according to Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier. Rockstar Games ultimately chose to keep the circular menu for the upcoming title, ensuring players retain quick access to gear despite broader realism changes.
During production, Rockstar development head Rob Nelson and his team explored various ways to handle inventory, Legião dos Heróis reported. Because the studio wanted a more grounded feel similar to Red Dead Redemption 2—where Arthur Morgan carries limited gear and stores remaining equipment on his horse—keeping the traditional weapon wheel left many on-screen spaces empty.
For months or even years, developers experimented with alternative interfaces. Design ideas included tray-style menus and web-like structures to organize available weapons and tools. Promotional materials and gameplay footage confirm that the studio eventually reverted to the classic circular interface after testing these options.
Vehicle Trunks and Storage Cabinets Replace Unlimited Pockets
Even though the visual menu remains, GTA VI adopts strict equipment caps that move away from the unlimited arsenals of past franchise entries. Players cannot carry dozens of heavy weapons simultaneously on their person. Instead, unused armaments stay secured in the trunk of vehicles.
Promotional details also point to a dedicated weapon locker system. This feature lets players customize their loadouts before heading out into specific missions or scenarios. Furthermore, non-player characters in the game world react dynamically to visible weaponry, penalizing players who walk openly through civilian areas carrying heavy firearms.
Frequently Asked Questions About GTA VI Weapons
Will players still have an unlimited inventory in GTA VI?
No. While the traditional weapon wheel interface remains, the game limits what the protagonist can carry at one time, much like Red Dead Redemption 2.
Where do players store extra weapons?
Unused weapons are stored in vehicle trunks or a specialized weapon locker used for loadout customization.
How do non-player characters react to weapons?
NPCs react to the type of weapon the protagonist carries, making it impractical to openly brandish heavy armaments in public spaces.
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