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Vice City skyline at night, official GTA VI screenshot

For parents

GTA 6 parents guide

Artwork © Rockstar Games

GTA 6 is rated M for Mature 17+ by the ESRB, for violence, sexual content, nudity, strong language and drug use, and it includes in-game purchases. At launch it's a single-player game. Below: what the rating covers, and how to set limits on PS5 and Xbox in a few minutes.

What the ESRB rating covers

ESRB17+Mature

ESRB content descriptors

  • Blood and Gore
  • Intense Violence
  • Mature Humor
  • Nudity
  • Strong Language
  • Strong Sexual Content
  • Use of Drugs and Alcohol

Interactive elements: In-Game Purchases

Grand Theft Auto games are crime stories: the player commits crimes, including violence against police and civilians, and the series is known for satire, explicit language and adult themes. The ESRB's M rating means the content is generally suitable for ages 17 and up.

Is there online play or chat?

Rockstar describes GTA VI at launch as a single-player experience, and has not announced when an online mode will come. So at launch there are no strangers inside the game. Your child can still message and party-chat through the console itself, which the settings below control.

Paid extras do exist: the game has an Ultimate Edition with extra vehicles, weapons and outfits, and the ESRB lists in-game purchases.

PS5 parental controls, step by step

First make sure your child has their own account in your PlayStation family. Then on the PS5:

  1. Block M-rated games: Settings > Family and Parental Controls > Family Management > your child > Age level for games and apps. Pick an age below 17 to block GTA 6.
  2. Limit chat and messages: same place > your child > Communication and User-Generated Content > Restrict.
  3. Stop spending: same place > your child > Parental Controls > Monthly Spending Limit. It starts at $0.
  4. Set playtime: same place > your child > set the time zone > Playtime Settings: daily duration, playable hours, and whether the console just notifies or logs them out.

From your phone: the PlayStation Family app > select your child > Settings > Parental Controls covers the same games, communication, spending and playtime controls, and lets you approve a game request.

Xbox Series X|S parental controls, step by step

  1. Block M-rated games: Xbox button > Profile & system > Settings > Account > Family settings > Manage family members > your child > Access to content > choose an age.
  2. Limit chat and multiplayer: same place > your child > Privacy & online safety > Xbox privacy > pick the Child or Teen default, or customize. They need to sign out and back in.
  3. Approve purchases: "Ask to buy" is on by default for child accounts, and you approve each request by email or on the Microsoft Family page. Gift-card money already on their account can still be spent.
  4. Set screen time: in the Xbox Family Settings app, tap your child > Screen time > Schedule (days, daily limit, allowed hours).

Questions

What is GTA 6 rated?

The ESRB rates Grand Theft Auto VI M for Mature 17+, with Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, and Use of Drugs and Alcohol. It also includes In-Game Purchases.

Is GTA 6 OK for a 12 or 13 year old?

The ESRB rating is 17+, and the content descriptors include strong sexual content, nudity, intense violence and drug use. Whether a younger teen plays is a family decision; the rating is the industry's guidance that the game is made for players 17 and older.

Does GTA 6 have online multiplayer at launch?

Rockstar describes GTA VI at launch as a single-player experience. Rockstar has not announced a date for an online mode. That means no voice chat with strangers in the game at launch, but console-level messaging and party chat still exist unless you restrict them.

Can kids spend money in GTA 6?

The ESRB lists In-Game Purchases. On PS5 a child account's monthly spending limit defaults to $0, and on Xbox "Ask to buy" is on by default for child accounts, so purchases need a parent's approval. Gift-card balance already on an Xbox child account can still be spent.

Is there a kid-friendly version of GTA 6?

No. There is one version of the game, rated M for Mature 17+.

Sources

Checked 2026-11-10. Menu names can change with system updates.