Grand Theft Auto VI is aiming for an unprecedented level of visual fidelity-but will that come at the cost of smooth, high-frame-rate gameplay? With Rockstar’s next blockbuster set to launch on May 26, 2026, tech experts at Digital Foundry have taken a hard look at the latest trailer and the game’s promised features to answer one burning question: will GTA 6 run at 60 frames per second on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X?
**Key Takeaways**
– Digital Foundry experts predict GTA 6 will target 30fps on current-gen consoles, not 60fps.
– Integral Ray Tracing Global Illumination pushes hardware to its limits.
– AMD FSR upscaling and Screen Space Reflections show Rockstar’s technical compromises.
– Higher frame rates could be possible on upgraded hardware like the rumored PS5 Pro.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Rockstar Games |
| Release Date | May 26, 2026 |
| Genres | Action, Open World, Adventure |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S |
Rockstar Games has always set the bar high for open-world visuals, and GTA 6 looks to continue that tradition. The recent trailer, confirmed by Rockstar to be “entirely in-game,” showcases a sprawling, vibrant cityscape with unprecedented attention to detail. But as fans marvel at the footage, a technical debate has ignited: can today’s consoles deliver both these visuals and a silky-smooth 60fps experience?
**Visual Ambitions vs. Frame Rate Realities**
According to Digital Foundry, a renowned authority on game performance analysis, the answer may disappoint frame-rate enthusiasts. Their breakdown suggests that Rockstar’s decision to make Ray Tracing Global Illumination (RTGI) a core feature of the game will almost certainly lock GTA 6 to 30 frames per second on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. “Whenever you have RTGI-a feature that dynamically simulates realistic lighting-running in a massive open world, it’s extremely difficult to hit 60fps,” they explain. A 40fps mode might be possible on select hardware, but a dedicated 60fps “Performance Mode” is not expected at launch.
**Compromises: Upscaling, Reflections, and the Path Forward**
The trailer analysis also highlights Rockstar’s use of AMD’s FSR upscaling technology—likely version 1.0—and a reliance on Screen Space Reflections (SSR) rather than full ray-traced reflections. These choices suggest technical compromises were necessary even for the trailer’s visuals, hinting at the performance ceiling on current hardware.
But there’s hope for those seeking higher frame rates. Digital Foundry points to the upcoming PlayStation 5 Pro and its “PSSR 2” upscaling tech—developed in partnership with AMD and rumored to be based on FSR 4—as a potential game-changer. If Rockstar leverages these advancements, a 60fps mode could become viable on more powerful hardware down the line.
So, while GTA 6 is set to dazzle visually, players may need to temper expectations about ultra-high frame rates—at least until next-gen consoles or hardware refreshes hit the market. As always, Rockstar’s ambition comes with trade-offs, but the end result could redefine open-world gaming once again.
**TL;DR:** Digital Foundry predicts GTA 6 will run at 30fps on current consoles due to demanding ray-tracing tech, with possible improvements on future hardware like the PS5 Pro. Rockstar’s focus on visual fidelity means technical compromises and major innovations—fans will know for sure when the game launches in May 2026.
Source: Rockstar Games via GamesPress