Knowing how to steal cars in Grand Theft Auto VI is essential for getting around Leonida and Vice City. Unlike previous entries in the series where vehicles were conveniently unlocked or doors opened instantly, Grand Theft Auto 6 introduces a more nuanced process for swiping rides.
How Vehicle Theft Prompts Work
When you approach a vehicle in GTA 6, a selection of prompts appears on screen, offering different methods to gain entry:
- Break the window: A quicker method to get inside, though it draws more attention and increases the likelihood of triggering a wanted level.
- Use a slim jim: A slower method that takes longer but helps you remain inconspicuous by opening the lock non-destructively.
Using the Slim Jim and Lockpicking Minigame
If you choose to use the slim jim (a thin strip of metal lockout tool), a lockpicking minigame initiates. You must use the right stick to push toward a curved bar until the meter fills up completely and the door opens.
Higher-end vehicles may feature a smaller or moving target bar to make the process more difficult. However, character development mechanics suggest that stealing more cars this way improves your lockpicking skill, making the process easier over time.
Tools, Carjacking, and Phone Apps
Rockstar confirms that players cannot magically hotwire every car. Instead, you must acquire specific tools as you progress through the game to access certain vehicles. Traditional carjacking remains an option if you choose to pull a driver straight out of their seat.
Additionally, a dedicated phone app lets you examine target vehicles to check what tools are required to steal them, calculate their resale value, and see the cost of registering them as your own vehicle.