GTA 6 Ratings Detail Frequent Drug Use, Detailed Violence, and Strong Sexual Content

GTA 6 has received age ratings in several regions, with the ESRB and Australian Classification detailing the mature content present in the game. While now removed, the PEGI rating that briefly went live earlier also provided quite a bit of detail about the violence, sexual content, and drug use in the upcoming release. Here’s a breakdown of what these ratings reveal about GTA 6.

What the Removed PEGI Rating Revealed About GTA 6

The now-removed PEGI 18 rating for GTA 6 offered the most detailed look yet at the mature content players can expect. The rating specifically mentioned violence, drug use, sexual content, strong language, and in-game purchases. The listing appeared between October 1 and 2, 2026, but has since been taken down.

Category	Details
Violence	GTA 6 features frequent depictions of violence, with the game’s free-roam nature allowing players to harm civilians, criminals, and authorities. The violence is described as bloody and highly realistic.
Severe Injuries	Certain weapons can inflict more severe damage, including detailed depictions of decapitation and dismemberment.
Drug Use	Drug use is described as frequent and prominent. Players can participate in drug use with other characters and use illegal drugs directly from their inventory.
Cocaine	Cocaine can be carried by the player and snorted directly from their hand at any time.
Sexual Content	The game contains strong sexual themes, including nudity, scenes of intercourse, and occasional scenes involving sexual fetishes.
Nightclubs	Players can pay for private dances at various nightclubs. During these dances, the game allows players to move their hands onto the dancers’ breasts and buttocks.
Animals	Domestic animals are present in the environment and can be harmed by the player. However, the rating says this does not produce the same level of injury detail that can be inflicted on human characters.
Strong Language	The game contains frequent strong profanity, with PEGI specifically giving “fuck” as an example and noting occasional use of “cunt.”
Discriminatory Language	Discriminatory language can be heard through the game’s TV shows and radio channels.
In-Game Purchases	Players can purchase in-game items, although PEGI notes that the game can still be played without purchasing them.

Grassrivers Hunters — Image via Rockstar Games

Jason and Lucia In Bed — Image via Rockstar Games

ESRB and Australian Classification Ratings for GTA 6

Rating Board	Classification	Date	Details
Australian Classification	R18+	August 27, 2026	High-impact violence, sex scenes, and drug use. Violence, drug use, nudity, and sex are listed under the R18+ impact categories.
ESRB	Mature 17+	October 1, 2026	Blood and Gore Intense Violence Mature Humor Nudity Strong Language Strong Sexual Content Use of Drugs and Alcohol In-Game Purchases.

The ESRB and Australian Classification don’t go into nearly as much detail as the removed PEGI listing, but they do confirm several of the same mature content categories. Both ratings confirm that GTA 6 will feature substantial violence, drug use, nudity, and sexual content, and are consistent with the PEGI rating.

To accurately capture the nightlife and culture of Florida in Vice City, Rockstar has gone to great lengths with its research. The team traveled around South Florida, rode at night with former police officers, visited strip clubs and nightclubs, and spent time in places like the Everglades and the Keys. Rockstar has also spoken with ex-criminals, law enforcement officers, club promoters, gun dealers, and other influential people in the state. All of that research is reflected in GTA 6’s ratings as well, with nudity, intense violence, and drug use being frequent and very much part of the experience.