Grand Theft Auto 6 is changing more than its world, vehicles and character relationships. One small control adjustment could make a major difference during long sessions: sprinting will reportedly no longer require players to repeatedly tap a face button.
The change has supporters and critics. Many players are pleased to leave behind a control system that has appeared in Rockstar Games for more than 20 years, while others see the familiar input as part of the series’ identity.
How sprinting changes in GTA 6
Rockstar recently presented an almost 30-minute gameplay trailer packed with new details. The studio also hosted selected creators and members of the press at Rockstar North, giving them an opportunity to ask developers about the upcoming open-world crime game.
One detail shared after those visits is that GTA 6 will reportedly activate sprinting by clicking the left analogue stick, commonly known as L3. That replaces the repeated X or A presses used in many Rockstar games, including Grand Theft Auto titles and Red Dead Redemption.
The older system dates back at least to 2004’s Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Repeated taps could make a character move faster, but the arrangement made it awkward to steer the camera at the same time. Some players even developed a finger-bending “claw” grip to keep sprinting while looking around.
Under the reported GTA 6 setup, players should be able to run and control the camera more comfortably. It is a familiar approach in modern games, and one that should feel at home for players used to contemporary gaming news and controller layouts.
A video shared on social media highlights the moment the new sprint control was discussed: watch the referenced clip.
YouTuber Mikeshowsha shared the information after visiting Rockstar North. The report says players will click the left stick to sprint, although Rockstar has not been described as announcing every controller option for the finished game.
Why some players want the old control back
Not everyone regards the change as an improvement. Some fans have described it as an “end of an era” and said they are mourning the loss of tap-to-sprint. Others hope the game will offer a setting that restores repeated tapping or allows more extensive button remapping.
For some players, tapping feels more immersive because the character’s pace appears to respond to the speed of each press. Others simply prefer it because it is the control scheme they have used across GTA games for more than two decades.
There is also a practical concern: removing repeated taps could mean choosing between walking and running without the same direct control over intermediate speeds. That matters to players who use tapping to adjust their pace rather than immediately moving at full speed.
One social-media discussion summed up the divide: some players want the traditional input preserved because it feels like a long-standing series tradition, while others are ready to stop repeatedly pressing a button whenever they need to cross the city.
Could GTA 6 offer multiple sprint settings?
The final answer may depend on the game’s accessibility and controller options. In GTA 5, Rockstar included a hold-X sprint option, as well as an L3-based sprint arrangement when playing in first-person. That precedent makes customisation a reasonable possibility, but the available information does not confirm which settings GTA 6 will include.
The reported change also highlights how much a single input can shape a game’s feel. Whether players prefer familiar button tapping, a clickable stick or a more configurable layout, control options can be as important as the screen, speakers and other hardware used for a long gaming session. Our arcade machine buying guide covers similar considerations when choosing a setup, while arcade parts can help with button and joystick projects.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected to arrive on consoles in November. For players tired of repeatedly tapping X or A to run, the new left-stick control may be a welcome modernisation. For others, it will take some getting used to—and they may be hoping Rockstar provides a way to bring the old habit back.
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