GTA 6 Refuelling Takes About 10 Seconds, Says Rockstar

One of the more debated additions coming to Grand Theft Auto 6 is vehicle refuelling, and now there is a clearer picture of how long the process actually takes: roughly 10 seconds, according to a content creator who attended an extended preview of the game.

What the Preview Revealed

According to PC Gamer, YouTuber TGG attended a hands-on preview of GTA 6 and saw the refuelling system in action firsthand. Gas stations in the game serve as multi-purpose stops where players can repair vehicles, refuel cars running on internal combustion engines, and recharge electric vehicles. Choosing the refuel or recharge option triggers a short cutscene that TGG clocked at around 10 seconds from start to finish.

TGG offered some reassurance to worried players, stating that fuel is not really going to be an issue unless you are not paying attention to what you are doing. That framing suggests the mechanic is designed to reward players who plan ahead rather than punish those who are mid-mission and suddenly running on empty.

Rockstar’s Own Take on the Backlash

The preview was overseen by Rockstar co-studio head Rob Nelson, who apparently watched the refuelling sequence play out and commented directly on it. “Hey, that’s pretty fast for a fill up,” Nelson said, adding, “You can’t complain about that.” The remarks, relayed by TGG and reported by PC Gamer, carry a casual confidence, but Nelson also showed some awareness that the feature is not a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. When discussing refuelling with TGG, he said, “We’ll see what people say,” and asked whether TGG thought players were going to like it.

That combination of confidence and caution suggests Rockstar is aware it is pushing into territory that not all GTA fans will immediately embrace.

A Pattern Rockstar Has Walked Before

This is not the first time the studio has introduced simulation-style systems that split opinion. Red Dead Redemption 2, released in 2018, drew complaints from a portion of players over mechanics like Arthur Morgan’s deliberate movement speed and the need to manage inventory through saddlebags. Those features became central to that game’s identity for many fans, even if the early reception was mixed.

GTA 6 is clearly following a similar design philosophy, pushing the franchise toward a more grounded and detailed simulation of life in Vice City. Whether refuelling lands as an immersive touch or a tedious interruption will likely depend on how frequently Rockstar requires players to stop for gas during regular play.

Sources: PC Gamer