The Leonida Keys are one of the most talked-about places in Grand Theft Auto VI, which launches on November 19, 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. They sit in the state of Leonida, Rockstar’s sunny, darker-than-it-looks version of Florida, and they are where lead character Jason Duval works when the story begins. This guide separates what Rockstar has said from what players have guessed.
What the Leonida Keys are
The Keys are an island chain off the coast of Leonida, clearly inspired by the real Florida Keys. Coverage of Rockstar’s regional material describes them as a laid-back, tropical area that works as a gateway to paradise, and places them offshore from Vice City. Rockstar’s own site focuses on Vice City and the wider state of Leonida, and describes the setting as “the darkest side of the sunniest place in America”.
Why the Keys matter to the story
Rockstar’s character profiles, as reported by outlets covering the reveal, place Jason in the Keys. He is described as a former soldier who works for drug runners there, and who lives rent-free with old-school smuggler Brian Heder in exchange for help with local shakedowns. Brian runs his operation from a boatyard, and Jason’s friend Cal Hampton monitors Coast Guard communications online. That makes the Keys a base for smuggling and boat traffic, which fits an island setting.
Who you meet in the Keys
- Jason Duval: the former soldier working for drug runners.
- Brian Heder: an old-school smuggler operating from a boatyard with his wife Lori.
- Cal Hampton: Jason’s paranoid, conspiracy-minded friend.
Read more in our Keys crew guide and our Jason Duval guide.
How the Keys connect to the rest of Leonida
Rockstar says the plot spreads across the whole state of Leonida, not only one island chain. Reports that list other regions, such as swampland and national park areas, exist, but the exact names and layout are best checked against Rockstar’s own pages before you rely on them.
Confirmed, reported and unknown
- Confirmed by Rockstar: the state of Leonida, Vice City, the release date, and the Keys as part of Jason’s story.
- Reported: the Keys as an offshore island chain close to Vice City, and several other regions of Leonida.
- Not confirmed: the size of the map, how the islands connect, and which activities are on the Keys.
What to watch for
The Keys are the best clue so far to GTA VI’s tone: sun, water and an easy-going surface over a world of smuggling. More details are likely before launch, and we will update this page when Rockstar publishes them. Meanwhile, our GTA hub collects every confirmed fact.
All GTA VI images are © Rockstar Games and used for editorial coverage. Grand Theft Auto is a trademark of Take-Two Interactive.
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