GTA VI Will Have Localised Storms, Persistent Puddles and Hurricanes
Rockstar has detailed GTA VI’s new weather system, including storms that move across Leonida, puddles left behind after rain and tropical storms.
By _Ghillie ·
Game Informer’s new GTA VI cover story offers a closer look at how weather will work across Leonida. Rockstar says it has rebuilt the system to make conditions more localised and persistent.
A storm might be happening nearby, even when you are in the sun
Rockstar’s Owen Shepherd told Game Informer that dynamic clouds move across the map. One area can be sunny while rain falls somewhere nearby. The storm in the distance represents weather happening there, rather than serving only as scenery.
Rain can also leave evidence behind. Under the right lighting, it can create rainbows, while recently soaked areas retain wet ground and puddles after the shower passes. You may arrive somewhere and be able to tell it rained before you got there.
Wind and hurricanes are part of the system
Rockstar has updated wind behaviour too. Shepherd described breezes, updrafts and the effect buildings have on wind, with gusts affecting hair, debris, water and swamp grass.
Game Informer also confirms that Leonida will experience tropical storms and hurricanes. Rockstar described their heavy clouds, strong winds, intense rain and lightning, but did not say how frequently they occur or whether they affect missions.
The new details suggest weather will help distinguish one part of Leonida from another as players travel. We will have to wait to see how much a major storm changes what players can do.
Source: Game Informer, “Grand Theft Auto VI: Welcome to Leonida” (archived full text)