Saints Row 6 Release Date, Leaks & Potential Gameplay 2024

The Saints Row video game franchise has enjoyed immense popularity ever since it debuted in 2006. Developed by Volition and published by THQ, the open-world action-adventure series lets players experience the thrills of being part of a street gang. With its over-the-top gameplay and emphasis on customization, Saints Row carved out a niche for itself in the crowded sandbox genre.

After THQ went bankrupt, Koch Media acquired the Saints Row IP in 2013. This led to a reboot of the series with Saints Row IV in 2013 and Saints Row: Gat out of Hell in 2015. However, fans have been eagerly awaiting a full-fledged new numbered sequel. 2022 marked the return of the Saints Row series after 7 long years with a brand new reboot. As we look ahead, the big question is – when can we expect Saints Row 6? Let’s take a look at all the details, leaks, and possibilities for Saints Row 6’s release date, gameplay, and story:

Saints Row 6 Release Date Speculation

Ever since Saints Row 2022 was released on August 23, 2022 – there has been intense curiosity regarding when Saints Row 6 will arrive. Here are some key points regarding SR6’s potential launch timeline:

• Development Likely Underway: Considering the Saints Row reboot released just a few months back, it’s unlikely that work on Saints Row 6 has kicked off in full swing. However, early planning and conceptualization have likely started at Volition.
• 2024 Launch Possible: Looking at previous gaps between mainline Saints Row games, a 2024 release for Saints Row 6 seems realistic. There was a 4-year gap between SR2 and SR3 and 3 years between SR3 and SR4.
• Latest By 2025: Even if Volition takes more time with SR6, a release by 2025 seems very likely. Keeping fans waiting for 6-7 years again would not be a great move.
• PS5, Xbox Series X/S Focused: Saints Row 2022 landed right before the new console generation hit full momentum. Saints Row 6 will likely be designed from the ground up for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
• August/September Launch: Considering the reboot landed in August, Saints Row 6 could target a similar late Q3/early Q4 release window. This slots it nicely as a major holiday season release.

Saints Row 6 Story and Setting Speculation

Story and setting details for Saints Row 6 remain tightly under wraps. But here are some possibilities that make sense:

• New Characters: The reboot introduced a fresh new crew – The Boss, Neenah, Kevin, and Eli. Rather than bringing back old characters, Volition could create a new crew for the players again in SR6.
• Bigger Map: The reboot was criticized for its small map size. For Saints Row 6, fans would expect a vastly bigger city map on par with Steelport or Stilwater.
• Return to Stilwater?: While unlikely, some fans speculate SR6 could return the setting to the fan-favorite city of Stilwater from SR1 and SR2. However, a brand new city seems more plausible.
• Space Setting Unlikely: Saints Row IV had a wild sci-fi alien invasion plot set partly in space. It’s unlikely though that SR6 will repeat a space setting, keeping things a bit more grounded.
• Serious Tone: The reboot dialed down the absurdity to have a more serious story. Expect SR6 to build on that with high-stakes action while retaining Saints Row’s signature humor and chaos.
• New Villains: The treacherous Marshall Defense Industries and Idols gang can’t be reused again as bad guys. SR6 will need an all-new major enemy faction and big bad for players to take down.

Saints Row 6 Gameplay and Features – What to Expect

The gameplay and mission design for Saints Row 6 could see some major improvements to provide a deeper experience relative to previous games. Here are some likely features and additions:

Refined Core Gameplay

• Better Driving Physics: One common complaint in Saints Row games is floaty vehicle handling. Expect driving physics to be tightened up in SR6.
• Expanded Melee: Close-quarters combat could be expanded with more options and weapons beyond just standard punching.
• City Interactivity: Having more buildings be enterable and a living city with pedestrians and traffic would make SR6’s world feel more dynamic.
• Stealth Options: Players should have the option to sneak and take cover for quiet takedowns on enemies and missions.
• Expanded Side Activities: Saints Row is known for wild side missions and activities. Even more variety and depth in these would make SR6 more engrossing.

Customization Upgrades

• More Clothing: With new characters, Saints Row 6 needs fresh new clothing and costume options to let player creativity run wild.
• More Weapon Mods: Weapon upgrade paths were limited in the reboot. Having more options here would be great, like laser sights, scopes, silencers, etc.
• Vehicle Customization: Cars and bikes should have many more cosmetic and performance mods. Letting players tune vehicles would add more depth.
• Layered Clothing: Having the option to mix and match various clothing items would allow for even more personalized looks.

Multiplayer and Post-Launch Plans

• 2-Player Co-Op: Saints Row has always been focused on single players. However, adding a 2 player online co-op mode would give it more longevity after launch.
• Dedicated PvP Modes: The reboot lacked any direct competitive multiplayer. Modes like Deathmatch and Team Battle could be fun additions to SR6.
• Shared Open World: Having the open world shared between friends online and being able to mess around together would enhance immersion and fun.
• Major DLC Expansions: Saints Row titles are known for great DLC expansions. We can expect similarly meaty post-launch content to extend SR6’s life.

Saints Row 6 Announcement and Reveal Possibilities

The announcement and reveal timing for Saints Row 6 is still up in the air. But here are the most likely scenarios:

• Late 2023 Reveal: If SR6 is indeed coming in 2024, its first teaser/announcement would happen in late 2023, likely at The Game Awards in December similar to the Saints Row 2022 reveal.
• Spring 2024 Proper Reveal: The first full reveal and gameplay showcase for Saints Row 6 could then happen in Spring 2024 at a major event like E3, PAX, or a standalone digital showcase.
• Full Marketing Push Summer 2024: Expect the marketing campaign for Saints Row 6 to kick into high gear in Summer 2024 with trailers, previews, and hands-on demos if it is a late 2024 release.
• Possible Saints Row 2023 Content: To keep the buzz alive for the franchise before SR6, Volition could release new SR2022 content like missions and weapons in 2023.

Saints Row 6 Platforms – PS5, Xbox Series X/S Focused

By 2024, the PS4 and Xbox One console generation will be fading out. Saints Row 6 will firmly be focused on the current-gen systems:

• PS5
• Xbox Series X/S
• PC

Last-gen console support is unlikely. Saints Row 6 aims to harness the full power of PS5 and Xbox Series X/S to create an engaging next-gen experience.

This means 4K 60 FPS gameplay, fast loading, ray tracing graphics, and utilization of features like DualSense haptic feedback on PS5. Saints Row 2022 was criticized for performance issues on PS5 and Xbox Series X, so Volition will want to get it right with SR6.

Key Takeaways On Saints Row 6 Possibilities

• Sequel development likely kicked off, aiming for 2024-2025 release
• All new characters and city settings are very plausible
• Gameplay and customization upgrades expected
• Next-gen focused on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC
• Announcement in late 2023 or early 2024 Likely
• Marketing to kick into high gear in mid/late 2024

For a series as bonkers and creative as Saints Row, there are infinite possibilities for where Volition could take the franchise next. While details remain scarce currently, fans can expect Saints Row 6 to build on the reboot’s foundation and take the over-the-top open-world action to new heights when it eventually releases.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saints Row 6

Here are some common FAQs about Saints Row 6:

When will Saints Row 6 released?

A clear release date is not known yet, but tentatively Saints Row 6 could release sometime in 2024 or 2025 based on past gaps between mainline games.

What consoles and platforms will it be on?

Saints Row 6 is expected to target next-gen consoles – PS5, Xbox Series X/S along with PC. Last-gen PS4 and Xbox One support seems unlikely.

Will old characters return in SR6?

It’s doubtful that popular old characters like Johnny Gat or Kinzie Kensington will return. Volition seems set on introducing a fresh new cast with each reboot.

Will it have co-op multiplayer?

This hasn’t been confirmed, but Volition could add 2 player online co-op as Saints Row 6 would benefit from having the open world shared with a friend.

How will SR6 build on previous games?

Expect a bigger map, refined gameplay, expanded customization, and mission variety along with next-gen only visuals and performance.

Will it return to Stilwater or Steelport?

A comeback to fan-favorite cities like Stilwater seems unlikely. Volition will probably opt for an all-new setting and city map.

Will there be major DLC expansions?

Yes, the Saints Row franchise has been known for substantial DLC packs and story expansions. Expect SR6 to follow a similar post-launch content roadmap.

Conclusion

It may be a long wait, but Saints Row enthusiasts have a thrilling future to look forward to with Saints Row 6. The 2022 reboot showed Volition’s keen intent to keep evolving the Saints Row formula. Once SR6 eventually arrives with cutting-edge next-gen tech behind it, fans can certainly expect one of the most outrageous open-world crime sandboxes ever created. The possibilities are endless for the kinds of features and content Volition will include as the developers take player feedback into account. For now, all we can do is speculate and dream about what’s in store. But the highly anticipated Saints Row 6 will undoubtedly prove to be worth the wait whenever it does drop!