Rockstar has signaled a complete overhaul of the Wanted level system in GTA 6. Smarter police AI, dynamic pursuit patterns, and a new pressure mechanic tied to the dual-protagonist swap make every chase feel like a real situation.
Smarter police behavior
Police now coordinate over radio chatter players can listen to, set up roadblocks intelligently, use helicopters strategically (not just on spawn), and call in specialized units like SWAT or the FBI at higher Wanted levels.
Dynamic line of sight
Hiding in a parking garage or abandoning a hot vehicle now actually loses the police if you do it right. The 'stay out of sight' mechanic from RDR2 has been refined for an urban environment.
Escape mechanics
Vehicle swaps, clothing changes, and hiding among NPCs all reduce heat — but only if you commit to them quickly. Slow escapes increase the Wanted level multiplier.
Pressure and the dual swap
When one protagonist is in heavy pursuit, swapping to the other can split police attention or coordinate a rescue. The new pressure system is what makes Wanted level feel cinematic instead of arcade.