GTA 6 map accidentally leaks days before historic release
We honestly worried this day might never come, but teaching us that patience is a virtue, Grand Theft Auto VI is nearly upon us. Having been shunted from an originally proposed release date of fall 2025, we were then struck by another delay that pushed it back from May 2026, but at least we'll be able to play in time for Christmas.
With a long-awaited return to Vice City, we'll be able to visit this neon-splashed locale with a fresh set of eyes.
Vice City was where we called home in 2002's fan-favorite GTA: Vice City, but as that game was set in1986 and GTA VI is set in modern times, a lot has likely changed in the past 40 years.
We're expecting plenty of nods to Tommy Vercetti, but as voice actor Ray Liotta sadly passed away in 2022, don't expect the man himself to cross paths with Jason and Lucia. Still, GTA fans are pumped about the potential to revisit Tommy's old stomping grounds like the Ocean View Hotel and the Malibu Club. Just days ahead of GTA VI's November 19 release, the game's colossal map has leaked.
What does the GTA VI map leak reveal?
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Selfridges has been celebrating GTA VI in style, releasing its own collection of unique merchandise that's already turning into a scalpers' dream. Even if we're not sold on spending $3,355 on a jacket, the fact that the collection sold out in a matter of hours is a testament to how popular the game is.
As shared on X, a GTA VI Collector's Set on display at Selfridges in the United Kingdom includes what appears to be the official map folded up inside the display. While the original Instagram account has since been deleted, other images showing the full GTA VI map are spreading like wildfire.
It's alleged that a Collector's Box was on sale at a specific branch of Selfridges in Manchester and has since been sold, but with an unfurled version being shared on X, locations including Goose Key, Lummox County, and Moreau are visible.
Notably, Rockstar is living up to its promise that we'll be exploring far more than just the central hub of Vice City.
Coming in at $399.99 (without an actual copy of the game), Rockstar’s description of the Collector's Box lists a “Double-Sided Souvenir Poster with Map of Leonida."
Over on Reddit, some speculated that Rockstar had been holding back revealing the full map to save story spoilers. Redditor u/PenseeG mused: "I believe the reason the physical version didn’t come with a map is less about greed and more about spoilers. I think they’re hiding something on the final map that they want us to discover organically on the 19th."
Some held out hope that the map would confirm the idea of multiple cities or a potential DLC expansion with a whole new region to explore, but from what we can see, there aren't many spoilers here.
At least the map teases the biggest GTA yet.
Where to pre-order GTA 6 now:
Why are GTA VI fans furious over physical copies?
You might remember the whole fracas involving GTA VI's physical copies, namely because you don't get an actual disc. It seems Rockstar Games already had the inside track on PlayStation's plans to axe physical gaming discs in January 2028, announcing that while you still get a box for GTA VI, there's just a download code inside.
This has led to a fierce debate about the death of physical media and future-proofing our gaming collection, but at least you still get a vibrant GTA VI poster to stick on your walls.
Casting your minds back, everything from Skyrim to Cyberpunk 2077 included map posters so you could retrace your steps. Even though the GTA series has become synonymous with double-sided posters that include a map, Rockstar is feeling the wrath of angry collectors who are missing out with GTA VI.
Over on X, one disgruntled gamer complained: "I genuinely hope everyone who bought the "physical" version feels like they were scammed because they deserve to feel like that after pre-ordering an empty box with a poster and a download code, when other Rockstar releases included the game physically on disc and a fold out map."
Another grumbled: "A free double-sided poster with the physical GTA 6 copy and people still say digital is better. I want the box, the poster, the whole ritual."
A third said: "If that's what's considered a physical copy then I am the Pope."
The GTA VI map will be available as a free digital download at launch and can be bought as a double-sided poster from the Rockstar Store for $1 (free with any other purchase), so even if we aren't getting it inside out boxes, it's not exactly going to break the bank to put one proudly on display.
UNILADTech has reached out to Selfridges for comment.
