GTA 6 Vice City marks the first return to Rockstar’s version of Miami since 2006. But when Grand Theft Auto VI launches on November 19, 2026, you will not find Tommy Vercetti’s neon-soaked 1986. You get a modern city in a much bigger world.
Here is how the new Vice City compares to the one players fell in love with in 2002, based on what Rockstar Games has shown so far.
What is the biggest difference between the two Vice Cities?
The era. The original GTA Vice City, released in 2002, is set in 1986. GTA 6’s Vice City is set in the present day, so smartphones, social media and modern cars replace pagers and synth-pop excess.
The satire moves with it. Where the original poked fun at 1980s greed and excess, GTA 6’s trailers already lampoon viral videos and online culture.
Is Vice City the whole map in GTA 6?
No. In the original, Vice City was the entire game world, two islands connected by bridges. In GTA 6 it is one of six regions in the state of Leonida, Rockstar’s take on Florida.
| GTA Vice City (2002) | GTA 6 (2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | 1986 | Present day |
| Map | Vice City only | Leonida: Vice City plus five more regions |
| Main character | Tommy Vercetti | Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos |
| Platforms at launch | PlayStation 2 | PS5 and Xbox Series X|S |
| Radio | 1980s hits, Flash FM | Modern stations, Flash FM returns |
The other regions range from the Leonida Keys and the Grassrivers wetlands to Port Gellhorn and Mount Kalaga National Park. Rockstar says Leonida is about twice the size of the GTA 5 map. Explore it on our interactive GTA 6 map.
Who do you play as?
The original had one hero: Tommy Vercetti, fresh out of prison and building a criminal empire. GTA 6 gives you two, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, a couple whose story starts with Lucia in prison according to the launch trailer.
Meet them in our GTA 6 characters guide.
Does Flash FM return in GTA 6?
Yes. Flash FM, the pop station from the original Vice City, is one of the first six GTA 6 radio stations Rockstar revealed on October 8, 2026. It is now co-hosted by Robyn and Alex Consani and plays modern pop.
See every station and host in our GTA 6 radio stations guide.
Are there nods to the original Vice City?
Yes, and Rockstar leans into them. The pre-order bonus is literally called the Vintage Vice City Pack, with outfits inspired by the series’ original 1980s Vice City and a classic ’55 Vapid Stanier.
Everyone who buys before November 20 gets it, see our GTA 6 pre-order bonus guide. Beyond that, Rockstar has not confirmed any returning characters or story links to Tommy Vercetti.
What this means for you
If you loved the original, expect familiar sunshine, beaches and nightlife, but in a modern city that is only part of a much bigger map. If you are new to Vice City, you do not need to know the old games: GTA 6 tells a new story with new characters.
GTA 6 Vice City FAQ
Is GTA 6 set in Vice City?
Partly. Vice City is the main city, but the map is the whole state of Leonida with six regions.
Is GTA 6 set in the 1980s like Vice City?
No. GTA 6 is set in the present day. The original Vice City was set in 1986.
Is Tommy Vercetti in GTA 6?
Rockstar has not announced any appearance. The heroes are Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos.
Is Vice City based on Miami?
Yes. Vice City is Rockstar’s take on Miami, and Leonida is its version of Florida.
The full GTA 6 Vice City opens on November 19. Until then, our GTA 6 everything we know roundup has every confirmed detail.
