GTA 6 Controls: Every PS5 and Xbox Button Prompt So Far
Last updated: November 7, 2026
GTA 6 controls have not been published as a full official layout yet, but Rockstar’s own gameplay footage already shows dozens of on-screen button prompts on PS5. The biggest reported change is that sprinting moves to a left-stick click (L3 on PS5, LS on Xbox) instead of tapping X or A, ending a habit that dates back to the PS2 era.
This guide collects every control we have actually seen in Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look, the gameplay showcase that premiered on Netflix on August 27, 2026, plus the changes reported by creators and outlets who visited Rockstar North. Anything Rockstar has not shown or confirmed is clearly labelled. We will replace this page with the final, verified layout when the game unlocks on November 19.
The biggest GTA 6 control changes (reported)
Two changes have been widely reported since early September 2026. Both trace back to YouTuber Mikeshowsha, who said Rockstar North developers explained them during a studio visit. Kotaku, Vice and Dexerto all covered the sprint change. Rockstar itself has not issued a written statement, so treat these as strongly reported rather than officially documented.
- Sprint is a left-stick click: you no longer hammer X (PS5) or A (Xbox) to run. Clicking the left stick in keeps your right thumb free to move the camera while sprinting, as in most modern shooters.
- Emergency brake moves to X / A: Dexerto reports that the handbrake leaves R1 / RB and moves to the face button, which frees the shoulder buttons for shooting while driving.
Hands-off previews also reported that lock-on aiming is no longer the default and that the game leans toward free aim with adjustable aim assistance. That has not been confirmed by Rockstar or by multiple major outlets yet, so do not count on it until launch.
Every button prompt seen in the Extended Look (PS5)
The Extended Look was captured on PS5, and several prompts are readable on screen. GamesRadar’s live coverage, for example, notes the “press R1” prompt to smoke a cigar and the two prompts for entering a locked car (smash the window or use a slim jim). The table below lists the prompts visible in Rockstar’s footage. Xbox buttons are the standard equivalents; Rockstar has not shown Xbox prompts yet.
| Action | PS5 | Xbox (equivalent) |
|---|---|---|
| Use or consume an item (drink, eat, smoke), examine objects | R1 | RB |
| Switch Weapons / Items tab on the wheel | R1 | RB |
| Put down a drink or drop food | Circle | B |
| Pick up or swap a weapon on the ground | L1 | LB |
| Throw cash | L2 | LT |
| Shoot a basketball | R2 | RT |
| Quick-use health pills (from the wheel) | Square | X |
| Quick-use adrenaline shot (from the wheel) | Triangle | Y |
| Knock on a door / pick up a mission bag | Triangle | Y |
| Slim jim a parked car (then work the right stick) | Triangle | Y |
| Smash a car window (loud entry) | Circle | B |
| Bench press reps at the gym | L2 + R2 alternating | LT + RT alternating |
| Break free from a grapple | Tap Circle | Tap B |
| Sprint (reported) | L3 | LS |
| Emergency brake (reported) | X | A |
Rockstar footage was taken from a pre-release build, so individual mappings can still change in the final game or the day-one patch.
Partner and animal interactions
GTA 6 borrows the context-sensitive interaction system from Red Dead Redemption 2. Coverage of the Extended Look describes menus that are very similar to how RDR2 handled conversations and greetings. In practice, you focus on someone first, then pick an action from a short list of prompts.
Jason and Lucia
- L2: focus on your partner
- Circle: hurry your partner along
- R2 (hold): hold hands
Dogs
- L2: focus on a dog
- Triangle: pet the dog
- Circle: scold the dog
- R1: study the dog
Want to know more about the two leads you are controlling? See our GTA 6 characters hub.
Combat, weapon wheel and items
The weapon wheel returns, but it now has a separate Items tab, which you toggle with R1 while the wheel is open. Health pills and an adrenaline shot can be used directly from the wheel with Square and Triangle. In struggles, a pulsing Circle prompt lets you break a grapple, and a Triangle window appears for a counter or disarm.
The footage also shows killshots that freeze the camera and a slow-motion focus ability for Jason, but no button prompts for basic aiming, shooting or taking cover were visible. That means the core shooting layout is still unconfirmed, although L2 to aim and R2 to fire is the safe bet based on every recent Rockstar game. For how weapons work beyond the buttons, read our GTA 6 weapon system guide.
What is still unconfirmed
Plenty of the layout has not been shown. Until Rockstar publishes the controls or the game is out, these remain open questions:
- Driving inputs: no accelerate, brake or radio prompts were shown, apart from the reported handbrake move.
- Character switching: the Extended Look shows play moving between Jason and Lucia inside missions, but no switch button appeared on screen.
- Aim, cover and jump: no visible glyphs.
- Phone and mask wheel: both appear in the footage, but their buttons were not shown.
- Button remapping and alternate schemes: not confirmed. GTA 5 offered several alternative control layouts on console, so similar options are likely, but Rockstar has not said so.
- Tap-to-sprint option: fans are asking for a setting to restore the classic tap sprint; there is no confirmation it exists.
How to prepare your controller before launch
You cannot change GTA 6’s in-game controls until November 19, but you can get your setup ready now:
- Update firmware: update your DualSense or Xbox Wireless Controller through the console settings.
- Check stick drift: L3 sprinting means you will click the left stick a lot. If your stick is worn or drifting, now is the time to fix or replace it.
- Use system remapping if you need it: both PS5 (Accessibility > Controllers > Custom Button Assignments) and Xbox (Accessibility > Controller > Button remapping) let you remap buttons at system level, whatever the game supports.
- Set up your TV and audio: follow our GTA 6 best settings guide to reduce input lag before launch.
New to the series or coming back after years away? Our GTA 6 everything you need to know guide covers the essentials before you pick up the pad.
FAQ: GTA 6 controls
How do you sprint in GTA 6?
According to multiple reports from a Rockstar North studio visit, you sprint by clicking the left stick (L3 on PS5, LS on Xbox) instead of tapping X or A. Rockstar has not published a full controls list yet.
Can you remap controls in GTA 6?
Rockstar has not confirmed in-game button remapping. You can always remap buttons at the system level on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S through their accessibility menus.
Are GTA 6 controls the same as GTA 5?
No. Many basics will feel familiar, but sprint and the handbrake are reported to move, the weapon wheel gains an Items tab, and interactions use a Red Dead Redemption 2 style focus-and-prompt system.
What button do you press to switch characters in GTA 6?
Unknown for now. Footage shows switches between Jason and Lucia during missions, but no button prompt for switching has been shown.
Will GTA 6 have the same controls on Xbox and PS5?
Expect the same layout using each controller’s equivalent buttons (R1 = RB, Circle = B, and so on). Only PS5 prompts have been shown so far.