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GTA 6 Reportedly Replaces Classic Sprint Button for the First Time in Franchise History

Rockstar drops traditional button-mashing sprint controls in favor of left-stick clicking.

Two armed individuals in a dimly lit, gritty environment, looking alert and cautious.
Two armed individuals in a dimly lit, gritty environment, looking alert and cautious.
alexa author
By Alexandria LopezStaff Writer

  • Primary Subject: Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6)
  • Key Update: Rockstar Games is reportedly changing the default sprint button from X/A to clicking the left joystick (L3/LS), replacing a 25-year-old control scheme.
  • Status: Confirmed
  • Last Verified: September 1, 2026
  • Quick Answer: GTA 6 shifts sprinting from tapping X/A to clicking L3/LS on controller sticks, replacing the traditional button-mashing mechanic used in past Rockstar titles.

GTA 6 is allegedly overhauling a long-time Grand Theft Auto mechanic, and players are shocked.

For the past 25 years, practically every Rockstar title required players to press X to sprint. It's been like that even up until their most recent releases. However, this is now being changed - and it may not be for the better.

Let me break it down for you.

GTA 6 Changes Sprint Button For The First Time in 25 Years

According to MikeShowSha, GTA 6 has changed the sprint button from X to L3 on the PlayStation. This means that to sprint, you'll need to click your left joystick. On the Xbox, players need to press LS instead of A.

Currently, it's unknown if we need to hold down the joystick to keep running or if there is a way to trigger auto-run for Jason and Lucia. Still, this is a major change - one that fans definitely weren't expecting.

For years, Rockstar has required players to tap the X button to sprint. We even saw this with Red Dead Redemption 2, where players had to tap X to build up Arthur Morgan's momentum.

A character with dark hair and a determined expression leans out of a car window, in a tunnel illuminated by colorful lights and police vehicles in pursuit.
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Credit: Rockstar Games

READ MORE: GTA 6 Criminal Profile System Explained: How Chaos Impacts Jason & Lucia

Since it's been the norm for Grand Theft Auto games to use X to sprint, players are understandably shocked by the change. It's currently unknown whether Rockstar Games will give players the option to change back to the original controls, but many state they would if the choice is in the settings menu.

GTA 6 is scheduled to release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PC version hasn't been announced at the time of writing, which means the port will likely release after the console release, just like with previous Rockstar games.

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