The arrival of Grand Theft Auto 6 is poised to be a monumental event in gaming, and for many, its eventual release on PC signals the dawn of a new era for the modding community. While the base game, anticipated for consoles in Fall 2025, is expected to set new benchmarks in graphical fidelity, some seasoned modders believe the true evolution will lie not just in visual enhancements but in expansive, transformative content. One such visionary is Razed, a key figure behind the acclaimed NaturalVision mod for Grand Theft Auto V, who foresees unprecedented opportunities for creators once GTA 6 lands on personal computers.
Razed, who has dedicated approximately 8,000 hours to developing and refining the NaturalVision project for GTA V – a testament to the passion within the modding scene – shared his insights on what the future might hold. He believes that while enhancing the already stunning graphics of a next-generation Rockstar title might be less of a primary focus compared to previous iterations, the potential for fundamentally altering or adding to the game world will be immense. The sheer scale and detail expected in GTA 6’s rendition of Leonida could serve as an extraordinary canvas for modders.
A particularly exciting prospect Razed highlighted involves the game’s iconic setting of Vice City. He imagines a comprehensive overhaul that could transport players back to an authentic 80s Miami atmosphere, mirroring the beloved feel of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. „I would love to see someone completely overhaul the Vice City part of the map to reflect the 80s Miami vibe,” Razed stated, emphasizing the significant environmental restructuring this would entail. Such a project, he believes, would be „incredibly cool” and would undoubtedly resonate with a large segment of the player base, especially for role-playing servers aiming for that specific retro theme. This kind of transformative mod could offer entirely new ways to experience the game.
The conversation around GTA 6 modding inevitably touches upon the tools and support provided by Rockstar Games. Razed expressed a strong hope that the developers will embrace the modding community more formally, potentially by releasing official modding tools. He pointed to the company’s evolving stance with FiveM, a popular multiplayer modification framework for GTA V, as a positive indicator. Furthermore, he cited Bethesda’s Creation platform as a possible model, though this also raises questions about the potential for curated or even monetized mod marketplaces – a topic of ongoing debate among gamers.
The journey of NaturalVision itself showcases the dedication to pushing visual boundaries. The latest iteration, NaturalVision Evolved, which became available for the PC next-gen version of GTA 5, incorporates advanced techniques like ray-tracing, significantly improved lighting and shadow effects, and ultra-sharp textures to bring Los Santos to life with near photorealism. This dedication to quality demonstrates the high bar modders set for themselves. While GTA 6’s baseline graphics will likely be exceptional, the ingenuity of the modding community will undoubtedly find new avenues for expression.
As the PC version of Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected to follow the console release, the anticipation among PC gamers and modders continues to build. The prospect of combining Rockstar’s next-level development with the unbridled creative freedom of the modding community promises a future where the streets of Leonida could be reshaped and reimagined in countless ways, extending the game’s lifespan and appeal far beyond its initial launch. The potential for user-generated content to flourish, from new storylines and characters to entirely new gameplay mechanics and world transformations, is truly exhilarating.
Cover images source: Razed Mods
