According to Rockstar insider and dataminer Tez2, GTA VI could introduce a significantly more advanced and realistic wanted system - closely resembling the mechanics seen in Red Dead Redemption 2, but expanded even further.

Witnesses Will Actually Matter

Just like in RDR 2, crimes won’t automatically trigger police response. Law enforcement will only be alerted if a witness manages to report the incident. Witnesses can be:
  • intimidated
  • convinced to stay silent
  • or eliminated before they alert authorities
NPCs will also react more naturally — walking down the street with a weapon, for example, may cause panic and draw attention even without committing a crime.

Smarter Police Behavior

Police response won’t be instant. After a crime, a reaction timer will appear, showing how long it takes for officers to arrive. If the player leaves the area in time, police may:
  • search nearby streets and alleys
  • question pedestrians
  • even question the player if they remain incognito

This adds tension and encourages smarter escapes rather than instant shootouts.

Arrests Instead of Instant Shootouts

At lower wanted levels, police reportedly won’t try to kill the player immediately. Instead, they may:

  • attempt vehicle ramming
  • issue stop warnings
  • order the player to surrender
Deadly force escalates only if the situation gets out of control.

Surveillance Cameras Change Everything

Cameras will play a much bigger role than in GTA V. Instead of simply triggering alarms, they can:
  • record crimes
  • identify the player by clothing and appearance
  • track the getaway vehicle
Even without witnesses, a store camera could call the cops during a robbery, making surveillance a real threat in everyday gameplay.

Most of this information originates from the 2022 GTA VI leaks, but if implemented fully, the wanted system in GTA VI could be the most immersive and strategic the series has ever seen.