GTA 6 wanted system explained: six stars, witnesses and how to lose the police

GTA VI brings back a six-star wanted level, and it changes what those stars mean. Instead of a simple heat meter, police now build a picture of who they're looking for. This guide explains how it works, based on what Rockstar North showed and told journalists at its 2026 hands-off preview.

Six stars are back#

The maximum wanted level returns to six stars, up from GTA V's five. According to previews, one star is easy to shake and six is an all-out manhunt.

Crimes need a witness#

Committing a crime doesn't automatically give you stars. Previews say someone has to see it, or an alarm has to go off. Pick quiet moments and watch for cameras and alarms.

What the police know#

Under your stars, icons show what the police currently know about you:

Hollow stars mean police are after you but don't have a description yet.

How to lose your description#

Each piece of information can be shaken separately:

• Face: get a haircut. According to previews, a hat or glasses isn't enough.
• Outfit: change your whole outfit. Jason and Lucia can keep spare outfits in their car trunks.
• CCTV: wear a mask during the crime and take it off afterwards, and your face stays off camera.
• Vehicle: switch cars.
• Couple: split up. Jason and Lucia can go separate ways to divide police attention.

Busted still exists#

You can still be Busted, and one partner can be arrested while the other gets away.

The Criminal Profile#

GTA VI adds a reputation system that previews call the Criminal Profile, Rockstar's take on Red Dead Redemption 2's Honor. It tracks gratuitous violence and chaos, as well as good-citizen acts such as putting trash in a bin. Violence a mission requires doesn't count against you. It can change how people react to you and how the story plays out.

Robberies and heat#

Money gates some story progress, and robberies are a big part of earning it. Previews describe:

• Robbing stores, businesses and banks, solo or as a couple.
• A speed-versus-loot choice: blow the safe and risk damaging what's inside, or find the combination and risk the police arriving.
• Police surrounding exits, and many locations with back routes.

Fences and hot cars#

• Fences buy stolen jewellery and cars. Car fences also give tips, such as police impound codes.
• Car theft is reworked around security tiers. The WAINK phone app scans a car's value, registration cost, lock, alarm and tracker.
• Some cars have GPS trackers that alert the police if you drive too slowly.
• Damaged cars sell for less, so drive carefully on the way to the fence.

Focus mode#

Previews also mention a focus mode that highlights points of interest and helps you avoid the police.

What isn't confirmed#

Exact police response per star, how long it takes to lose each description, and whether there's a bribe or pay-off mechanic haven't been described. Treat any detailed "GTA 6 wanted level chart" online as guesswork until launch.

We'll turn this into a full, tested guide with routes and hideouts on November 19. Until then, see everything confirmed about GTA 6.