GTA 6 replaces the old "break line of sight and wait" police with a system built on witnesses, descriptions and Heat. Confirmed Rockstar North's Rob Nelson walked through it in his full IGN interview, and the August previews filled in the rest.
1. A crime only counts if someone notices
Police only respond if a witness sees the crime or an alarm goes off. Confirmed Cameras count too, according to previews. Preview report Do something in an empty alley and nobody calls it in. Do it in front of a crowd and the description goes straight to the police.
2. Police build a description of you
Icons under your wanted stars show what police know: your face, your outfit or your car. Preview report The less they know, the easier you are to lose. Police remember what you're wearing, Nelson confirmed. Confirmed
3. Heat is how much attention you have
Heat is separate from your wanted stars. It measures how much attention you've drawn, and it lingers after a chase ends. Confirmed A crime scene stays hot for a while, with officers still searching the area. Preview report
4. Wanted levels go up to six stars
The maximum wanted level is six stars, up from five in GTA V, with six meaning an all-out manhunt. Preview report If they catch you, it's the classic "Busted" screen and a respawn. Confirmed
How to lose the police and your Heat
| Method | Does it work? | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Buy a new outfit | Yes, clears Heat tied to your clothes | Confirmed |
| Switch cars | Yes, if police have your car's description | Confirmed |
| Split Jason and Lucia up | Yes, divides police attention; one can get caught while the other escapes | Confirmed |
| Wear a mask, then dump it | Yes, hides your face | Preview report |
| Visit a barber | Helps change your description | Preview report |
| Change just your hat | No, not enough on its own | Preview report |
| Escape on foot | Often, through alleys and over walls | Preview report |
Two tools help. Focus mode highlights nearby police, like Red Dead Redemption 2's Eagle Eye. Confirmed And your car trunk can hold a spare change of clothes for a quick switch. Preview report
Your car can give you away too. Some stolen cars have trackers that tell police where you are unless you drive fast enough. How car theft works.
Our read
The big change is that planning now pays off. Wearing a mask, parking a clean car nearby and keeping spare clothes in the trunk will matter more than raw driving skill. It also ties into robberies: a quick, loud job brings more Heat than a slow, quiet one. It'll make Vice City's crowded streets feel very different from the empty Keys.
Rockstar hasn't said exactly how long Heat lasts, how fast it fades, or whether it carries between Jason and Lucia when you switch. We'll update this page when it does.
Questions people are asking
What is Heat in GTA 6?
Heat measures how much police attention you've drawn. It's separate from your wanted stars and lingers after a chase. Police remember your outfit, so buying new clothes clears it, according to Rockstar North's Rob Nelson.
How many wanted stars are in GTA 6?
Six. Press previews report the maximum wanted level returns to six stars, up from GTA V's five, with six stars triggering a full manhunt.
How do you lose the police in GTA 6?
Break their description. Change your whole outfit, switch cars, wear a mask and dump it, or split Jason and Lucia up. Changing only your hat won't fool them.
Do police know about crimes no one sees in GTA 6?
No. Rockstar says crimes are only reported if a witness sees them or an alarm goes off. Previews add that cameras count as witnesses.