Grand Theft Auto VI appears to be bringing back one of GTA: San Andreas‘ most distinctive systems, giving Jason and Lucia stats for everything from weight and muscle to sleep, nutrition and strength. The mechanics were spotted during a hands-off gameplay preview and later discussed by Rockstar North co-studio head Rob Nelson.
The return is less about forcing players into a routine than giving them another way to shape the two protagonists over a long playthrough. That could be a welcome addition for players who enjoyed watching CJ physically develop in San Andreas, especially if GTA 6 keeps the system optional rather than turning it into a requirement.
GTA 6 Is Bringing Back The Stats Without The Old Restrictions
The system tracks height, weight, sleep, nutrition, calories, shape, muscle, fat and strength, giving Rockstar considerably more variables to work with than the simpler stat bars in San Andreas.
Speaking to IGN, Nelson explained that food can have a noticeable effect on Jason and Lucia’s condition.
“Eating has quite a dramatic effect on your health,” he revealed. “You’ll gain quite a substantial buff, so it can be useful.”
Overeating will also affect Jason and Lucia’s bodies, meaning their appearance can change depending on how players treat them. Exercise works in the opposite direction, with gyms allowing players to improve muscularity and strength.
“We do have gyms where you can go and work out, so you can go up in levels of muscularity or strength,” Nelson said.
The two-character setup even changes how Rockstar approaches the system. Jason and Lucia can work out together, allowing both sets of statistics to be managed during the same activity.
“You can go to the gym as Jason and Lucia together. You can go to the gym alone obviously, but if you go together, they’ll both start working out and you can get a 2-for-one to manage their stats.”
It makes the system sound less intrusive than the one in San Andreas, where CJ’s physical condition could directly affect his abilities. Red Dead Redemption 2 later revisited the idea in a more detailed way, with Arthur’s weight affecting his attributes, including his stamina and damage absorption.
Read More: GTA 6’s Leaked Karma System Explained
A heavier Arthur could withstand more damage while a leaner build offered better stamina, and GTA 6 could potentially take that idea even further with its more detailed tracking of fat, muscle, strength and nutrition.
Running can trigger a “cardio workout” notification, while food items use icons associated with health and stamina. Calories, fat and muscle are all tracked, suggesting that everyday choices will have visible consequences without requiring players to constantly stop and manage menus.
However, there’s no need to worry about the system becoming a chore, as the game will not punish players who choose to ignore these mechanics. Players who want a more straightforward experience focused on missions and exploration can do that easily, while those who spend more time developing their characters can gain an extra edge.
Overall, I think it’s a great addition, but we’ll have to wait and see how well it works in practice.