Rockstar has confirmed the prices and content of two editions for GTA 6–base game and Ultimate Edition–but players were quick to notice that some seemingly basic amenities have been locked behind the pricier Ultimate Edition.
Fears surrounding the price tag attached to Grand Theft Auto 6 have been swirling ever since the game was officially confirmed as players braced themselves for a triple digit number. Now, a few short months before the debut of the biggest game of the year–and possibly the decade–Rockstar has finally confirmed a base game price, but players who want a full experience may be forced to spend more. Here’s why.
Which stores are paywalled in GTA 6?
For the base game, Grand Theft Auto 6 will cost $80 with an Ultimate Edition priced at $100. While deluxe versions of major games are nothing surprising in the gaming world, what’s made this particular instance so noteworthy is that some stores and missions throughout Vice City will be locked behind a paywall.
Unless players purchase the Ultimate Edition, the following stores will be unavailable:
| Store | Description |
|---|---|
| Rideout Customs Mod Shop | Transform vanilla vehicles into magnificent works of art with detailed interiors, exquisite rims, and donk stylings. Only open for business with the Ultimate Edition. |
| One-Eyed Willie’s Mod Shop | This mod shop in Lake Leonida specializes in off-road modifications and hand-painted automotive artistry. Only open for business with the Ultimate Edition. |
| Sara’s Unisex Salon | Get signature salon styles for both Jason and Lucia, including facial hair for Jason and makeup and nails for Lucia. Only open for business with the Ultimate Edition. |
| Stock 305 Clothing Store | Style various unique and exclusive looks for Jason and Lucia at Stockyard’s premier destination for elevated streetwear. Only open for business with the Ultimate Edition. |
| Electric Fang Tattoo | Stockyard’s most iconic ink bar, with over 50 signature tattoos for both Jason and Lucia — all designed by the artist collective FAILE. Only open for business with the Ultimate Edition. |
This isn’t the only content that will be locked behind the extra $20 for the Ultimate Edition, as some special missions like raids on gang compounds and quests to track down abandoned classic cars will also be paywalled, and some content will be pre-order exclusive.
Considering that this is a single-player experience, locking customization options behind a paywall is a bizarre choice. In GTA Online, it makes some sense to shed a little cash for extra style amongst other players, whereas this Ultimate Edition is squeezing out extra cash for driving around alone.
What’s the real reason for the paywall?
The decision to put a selection of stores behind a paywall is a strange one, but it makes sense considering the price of Grand Theft Auto 6.
The price point of the upcoming AAA game has been the subject of debate for ages now, sparking massive discussions online, with countless think pieces on what a high price could mean for the industry at large and arguments across social media on if players would be willing to fork over so much for a single game.
The major question inside all of this discussion was “will GTA 6 go to $100 for the base game?”, a question that often caused dramatically negative reactions from potential buyers. Faced with the potential backlash of clearing triple digits for the base game, Rockstar made a different move: make the base edition below $100 but move content clearly meant for it to a deluxe edition.
This strategy gives Rockstar the best of both worlds, as they won’t face criticism for an unaffordable price from both players and the industry at large, but players are more than likely to hand over an extra $20 to experience the full game without in-game paywalls getting in the way.
Currently, it’s unclear how exactly the paywalls will function in-game, but it’s almost guaranteed that players who stumble upon these stores willing exploring the city will be prompted to upgrade their game for $20 to the Ultimate Edition if they ever try to enter.
