MMoexp: A First Look at GTA 6’s Combat Evolution

[Anselm rosseti]

Few game franchises command as much anticipation as Grand Theft Auto, and
with GTA 6, Rockstar Games appears poised to redefine not just open-world
storytelling, but also the moment-to-moment gameplay systems players interact
with most. Among the many leaked and rumored features surrounding the game, one
seemingly small detail has sparked significant discussion within the community:
the redesigned weapon wheel.

At first glance, the weapon wheel might appear to be a minor interface
element. However, in Grand Theft Auto, it serves as the backbone of combat flow,
player expression, and tactical decision-making. Based on emerging information,
GTA 6 introduces a weapon wheel divided into three distinct sections—weapons,
equipment, and gear—alongside dual-wielding mechanics and a quick-access item
inventory displayed directly on the HUD. Together, these changes suggest a more
immersive, GTA 6 Items, and strategically rich combat experience than anything
the series has offered before.

From Utility to Identity: Why the Weapon Wheel Matters

Historically, the GTA weapon wheel has been about speed and accessibility. In
GTA V, players could instantly freeze time, scroll through an expansive arsenal,
and switch between weapons without consequence. While efficient, this system
encouraged reactive, often chaotic combat rather than thoughtful engagement.

With GTA 6, Rockstar appears to be rethinking this philosophy. The new weapon
wheel structure indicates a shift away from simple weapon swapping toward
intentional loadout management. By separating weapons, equipment, and gear into
distinct categories, Rockstar is encouraging players to think not just about
what they shoot, but how they prepare, survive, and adapt.

This evolution aligns with Rockstar’s broader trend toward realism and
immersion, seen previously in Red Dead Redemption 2, where inventory management
and animations slowed gameplay just enough to make every decision feel
grounded.

Three Sections, Three Roles: Breaking Down the New Weapon Wheel

1. Weapons: Firepower with Flexibility

The weapons section remains the heart of the wheel, but early indications
suggest it may be more focused and curated than before. Instead of carrying
every firearm ever acquired, players may be limited to a smaller, more
intentional selection.

This design encourages:

Tactical preparation before missions

Loadout choices tailored to specific scenarios

Greater differentiation between playstyles

Most notably, GTA 6 introduces dual wielding, allowing players to equip
different weapons in each hand. This opens the door to combinations such as:

Pistol and submachine gun

Firearm paired with a melee weapon

Non-lethal weapon in one hand, lethal in the other

Dual wielding doesn’t just increase firepower—it adds complexity. Recoil
management, reload timing, and accuracy may vary depending on weapon pairing,
forcing players to master new combat rhythms.

2. Equipment: Tools That Change the Battlefield

Equipment appears to encompass items that influence encounters without being
traditional weapons. This may include:

Grenades and throwables

Tactical gadgets

Utility items used for crowd control or environmental interaction

By placing equipment in its own category, Rockstar is separating offense from
utility, encouraging players to think beyond raw damage. A well-timed gadget may
now be just as impactful as a high-powered rifle.

This structure suggests combat encounters designed with multiple solutions in
mind—stealth, disruption, or outright aggression—rather than simple
shootouts.

3. Gear: Survival, Defense, and Preparedness

The gear section is perhaps the most intriguing addition. Gear implies
persistent, character-affecting items rather than disposable tools. This could
include:

Armor or protective wear

Medical supplies

Enhancements that affect stamina, accuracy, or perception

By integrating gear directly into the weapon wheel, GTA 6 blurs the line
between combat and survival mechanics. Players may need to actively manage
health items or defensive gear mid-fight rather than relying on passive
systems.

This change reinforces immersion and introduces meaningful risk—forgetting to
equip the right gear could have real consequences.

Dual Wielding: Style Meets Strategy

Dual wielding has long been associated with over-the-top action, but
Rockstar’s implementation in GTA 6 appears grounded rather than purely
cinematic. Allowing players to wield different weapons simultaneously introduces
a host of strategic considerations:

Increased damage output at the cost of accuracy

Asymmetric combat roles for each hand

New animation systems reflecting weight and recoil

Importantly, dual wielding may not be universally optimal. Certain weapons
could be less effective when paired, pushing players to experiment and adapt
rather than defaulting to maximum firepower.

This system enhances player expression, letting individuals define their
combat identity—whether as a reckless gunslinger or a calculated tactician.

Quick Item Inventory: Reducing Friction, Increasing Immersion

Another key feature is the quick item inventory, displayed in the bottom left
corner of the screen. Unlike the traditional weapon wheel, this HUD element
allows for rapid access to essential items without pausing gameplay.

This design choice accomplishes several goals:

Keeps players immersed during high-intensity moments

Reduces reliance on time-freezing menus

Encourages real-time decision-making

Health items, consumables, or frequently used tools may now be accessed
instantly, making combat more fluid and reactive. The result is a system that
feels modern, responsive, and cinematic.

Leaked Re-creations vs. Final Reality

While leaked recreations of the weapon wheel have circulated widely, it’s
important to remember that Rockstar’s development process is iterative. The
final version of the weapon wheel may:

Feature additional subcategories

Adjust visual layout for accessibility

Refine animations and responsiveness

Rockstar has a history of polishing UI elements extensively before launch.
What we see now is likely a foundation rather than a finished product. Still,
the underlying design philosophy appears clear: less clutter, more
intention.

Lessons from Red Dead Redemption 2

Much of GTA 6’s weapon wheel evolution echoes ideas introduced in Red Dead
Redemption 2. That game emphasized realism, preparation, and consequence, and
players responded positively to its immersive systems.

By borrowing and modernizing these concepts, GTA 6 positions itself as a
bridge between classic arcade-style chaos and next-generation realism. The
weapon wheel becomes not just a menu, but a storytelling device—reflecting the
character’s preparedness, lifestyle, and state of mind.

Impact on Mission Design and Open-World Gameplay

A more nuanced weapon wheel has far-reaching implications. Mission designers
can now:

Create encounters that reward preparation

Limit or encourage certain loadouts

Introduce scenarios where gear choice matters more than aim

In the open world, spontaneous events—robberies, police chases, random
encounters—will feel more dynamic when players must react with what they
actually have equipped, rather than an infinite arsenal.

This makes the world feel more dangerous, more alive, and more authentic.

A Weapon Wheel That Reflects GTA 6’s Vision

Ultimately, the redesigned weapon wheel in GTA 6 symbolizes Rockstar’s
broader ambitions for the game. It’s not about adding complexity for its own
sake, but about creating systems that support immersion, player agency, and
narrative cohesion cheap GTA 6 Items.

By dividing the wheel into weapons, equipment, and gear, introducing dual-wielding, and integrating a quick-access inventory, Rockstar is reshaping how
players engage with combat at every level. These changes suggest a future where
every choice—what you carry, how you fight, and when you act—matters more than
ever.

If these systems live up to their promise, the weapon wheel in GTA 6 won’t
just be an interface upgrade—it will be a defining feature of the next era of
open-world gaming.