What if fuel stops are how Rockstar makes the map feel massive?

Saw a post on the sub that got me thinking. In RDR2, the map wasn't just big on paper, it felt huge because you were on a horse. Travel took time. You'd notice the landscape, random encounters, the weather. It forced a slower pace that made the world breathe.

So what if GTA 6 does the same thing but with gas? Not a full-on survival sim where you're pushing the car to the next station every five minutes, but a system where fuel actually matters. You can't just hold the accelerator from Vice City to Port Gellhorn without glancing at the gauge. You'd have to pull into a gas station, maybe get out, maybe get jumped by some Leonida locals while you're filling up. It turns a mindless drive into a little event.

Rockstar already showed us a working fuel gauge in the trailer, and there were gas stations all over the place in the leaks. Could just be set dressing, but it's the kind of detail they love. If they tie it to the wanted system or car condition, it gets even more interesting. Imagine running low on fuel during a chase and having to decide whether to ditch the car or risk a stop.

I'm not saying I want to micromanage a gas tank every ten minutes, but a light touch could make the map feel way larger than it is. RDR2's horse bonding and stamina did that perfectly. A fuel system might be the modern equivalent.

Would you actually want to have to stop for gas, or would that just get annoying after a while?

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Source: r/GTA6 · Curated content.