Grand Theft Auto, as the name implies, revolves around crime, which makes the wanted system a crucial part of the experience. Ideally (at least in GTA 6), the police should be smarter, more advanced, and supported by a variety of innovative features to keep players on their toes.
Unfortunately, most GTA games have fallen short in this department. In fact, Rockstar's own Red Dead Redemption 2 features a much more immersive and reactive wanted system, making GTA's mechanics feel outdated by comparison. It's fair to say that, despite the franchise's massive success, the wanted system has long needed a serious overhaul.
This formula might have worked up until Grand Theft Auto 5, but I don't think it will anymore. While most fans haven’t made much noise about the outdated wanted system (though some have, and I'm definitely one of them), Rockstar's upcoming magnum opus needs to change things completely.
The wanted system is far too outdated now, and if Rockstar doesn't reinvent it from the ground up for GTA 6, the criticism will be brutal, at least from me.
The Cops Are Still Stuck In 2004
The wanted system in Grand Theft Auto feels so outdated that it seems like the cops are still stuck in 2004. The issue isn't just about realism, it's about fun. If you commit a crime in public, someone will instantly report you, and police officers will conveniently spawn right on top of your location. There's no suspense or gradual escalation, just an artificial system that feels more frustrating than engaging.
On the other hand, Rockstar has already proven it can design a far more dynamic system with Red Dead Redemption 2. In that game, when an NPC witnesses a crime, they don't immediately report you.
Instead, they run away, giving you the option to chase them down or intimidate them into silence. This adds a layer of strategy and tension that is completely missing from GTA. Even better, if you manage to leave the red search zone before lawmen arrive, you can avoid a bounty altogether.
By comparison, GTA 5's system feels hollow. While it makes sense that modern technology, such as mobile phones, allows for faster reporting, the way the cops magically appear at your exact location breaks immersion and makes encounters predictable. It strips away any creativity in how you deal with the law.
For a franchise as ambitious as GTA, this is an area that desperately needs a complete reinvention in the next instalment.
Crime Should Feel Dynamic, Not Scripted
In GTA, committing a crime often feels strange because the police AI lacks depth. A more realistic system would involve precincts spread across the map, with officers from the nearest station responding to reported crimes, rather than cops spawning directly on top of your location. This would make chases far more dynamic. Imagine escaping a scene, only for the police to show up later, questioning nearby NPCs for information before deciding how to pursue you. That level of immersion would make the system so much more engaging.
Right now, the system is overly simplified. No matter what crime you commit, whether it’s a minor offence or something major, once the wanted level rises, the police escalate immediately to lethal force. There’s no real sense of progression, just an instant jump to a shootout. This not only feels unrealistic but also undermines the fun of cat-and-mouse gameplay.
For a franchise that prides itself on pushing boundaries, the Wanted System deserves a complete overhaul. By making police reactions more contextual, location-based, and layered with investigative steps, Rockstar could transform a frustrating mechanic into one of GTA’s most exciting features.
Depending on the situation, location, and type of crime, police officers should be more strategic in their approach and use of weapons. For instance, if the offence isn’t serious, officers shouldn’t immediately open fire but instead try to intimidate or use batons to subdue the player. Right now, the system feels lazy and repetitive; no matter what you do, the response is almost always bullets flying at you. That kills the tension and makes encounters predictable
The law should also be fun to escape, not just a matter of outrunning stars on the screen. Driving endlessly until the wanted level fades isn't engaging anymore; it gets repetitive fast.
Instead of relying on the same car chases, Rockstar could make the system far more exciting with mechanics like disguises, stealth-based escapes, or even fake IDs to blend in with the crowd. Imagine switching your appearance or using a forged document to fool officers instead of simply hiding in a bush or ducking down an alleyway.
Corruption, Bribery, And Underworld Deals In GTA 6 Is A Must
GTA 6 desperately needs corrupt police officers. Imagine bribing an officer after committing a crime; sometimes they accept and let you go, other times they reject it and make things worse. This would add unpredictability and immersion. A court system could also come into play, where you might even bribe a judge to escape punishment.
Gang influence and political ties could make things even deeper. Strong connections with mafia bosses or powerful politicians could save you from trouble, as happens in the real world. A high-level reference or favour could mean walking free instead of facing charges.
Not all cops should act the same. In the current games, every officer behaves almost identically, which feels stale. GTA 6 should introduce diversity among law enforcement, racist cops, overly righteous ones, officers who abuse their power, lazy ones who barely care, and even those willing to help you bend the law.
This variety would make encounters feel unpredictable and fresh. On top of that, the behaviour of officers should also depend on their precinct and rank. A rookie might hesitate or make mistakes, while a veteran detective or a high-ranking officer could be much tougher to deal with.
Wanted Stars Need Massive Overhaul
Rockstar needs to either overhaul or completely scrap the wanted stars system in GTA 6 because, as it stands, it feels outdated and unrealistic. Right now, no matter where you go, the police instantly recognise you and start chasing without any effort to make it feel believable.
Instead, the game should introduce bounty hunters, contract killers, and larger-scale federal investigations for major crimes. This way, the response to your actions would scale naturally, adding far more tension and depth to the experience.
What are your thoughts on the wanted system of the Grand Theft Auto Series? Do you think it should have a massive overhaul in GTA 6? Share your thoughts with me in the comments section below.