One of the biggest gameplay changes in Grand Theft Auto VI is the complete overhaul of the weapon system. Gone are the days of carrying an entire arsenal in your back pocket. Here's how it works.
The New Carry Limit
GTA VI introduces a realistic weapon carry system inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2:
2 long guns (rifles, shotguns, SMGs) carried on your back2 pistols/sidearms in holsters1 melee weapon in handThrowables in pockets (limited quantity)Vehicle Trunk Storage
Weapons you're not carrying are stored in your vehicle's trunk. You can:
Swap weapons at your car before missionsStore your entire collectionAccess the trunk at any time when near your vehicleLose access to stored weapons if your vehicle is destroyed (weapons respawn at safehouses)Redesigned Weapon Wheel
The weapon wheel has been completely overhauled. In addition to weapons, it now includes:
| Slot | Items |
|---|
| Pistols | Your 2 equipped sidearms |
| Long Guns | Your 2 equipped rifles/shotguns |
| Throwables | Grenades, molotovs, flashbangs |
| Melee | Equipped melee weapon |
| Equipment | Binoculars, body armor, flashlight |
| Consumables | Food, drinks, trauma kit |
| Bags | Loot bags for heists |
Confirmed Weapons
Pistols
Pistol (Beretta 92FS inspired)Mustang .357 RevolverPolymer Pistol — lightweight, concealableCapo Pistol — high damage, low capacityGlock Auto Pistol — with automatic switch optionBersa Compact — small backup weaponAssault Rifles
Assault Rifle (AK-47 based)Carbine Rifle — all-around workhorseCarbine Rifle Mk II — upgraded military variantService Carbine — police/military issueDuke Carbine — new additionDuke Special Ops Carbine — tactical variantSMGs
SMG (MP5/40 inspired)Compact SMG — concealableMicro SMG — fast fire rateShotguns
Pump Shotgun (Mossberg 500/590)Double Barrel Shotgun — side-by-sideOver-Under Shotgun — new for the seriesSemi-Auto Shotgun (Beretta 1301 inspired) — fastest firing shotgunSniper Rifles
Bolt Action Sniper — one-shot, long rangeAssault Sniper — semi-auto, versatileHunter Sniper — highest damageHeavy Weapons
RPG — vehicle destroyerGrenade Launcher — arc trajectoryAuto Grenade Launcher — seen in Trailer 2 with LuciaCombat MG — sustained fireMelee
Baseball Bat, Crowbar, Golf Club, Hammer, Knife, Pool Cue, MacheteThrowables
Grenade, Molotov Cocktail, Fire Bottle, Flashbang, Smoke GrenadeSpecial
Speargun — usable underwater, tied to fishing mechanicsNo Dual-Wielding
Unlike some previous GTA games, GTA VI does not feature dual-wielding. You can only fire one weapon at a time, reinforcing the more grounded, realistic combat system.
Strategic Impact
The carry limit fundamentally changes how you approach missions:
Before a heist: Choose your loadout carefully at your trunkDuring free roam: You're limited to what you carry — making encounters more tacticalIn emergencies: Pick up fallen enemy weapons as temporary replacementsStealth missions: Bring suppressable weapons and melee optionsThis is a significant shift from GTA V's "carry everything" approach and creates more meaningful weapon choices throughout the game.