The 4 Wanted Star States in GTA 6
Unlike previous Grand Theft Auto titles where wanted stars were simple binary indicators, GTA 6 features a fully dynamic AI awareness HUD. Each star visual state tells you exactly what the Leonida police dispatch and patrol units know about your location and identity.
Hollow Stars (Unidentified)
Police Dispatched: A crime was reported to 911, and officers are en route to investigate the scene. They do not know who you are yet. Leave the area quickly without drawing attention to avoid positive ID.
How to Read & React to Each Star Type
1. Hollow Stars (The Investigation Phase)
When you see hollow outline stars, treat it as a grace period. 911 dispatch has broadcast the report, but patrolling officers haven't established your identity or vehicle description. You can simply walk or drive away at normal speed—avoid running red lights or speeding past inbound cruisers.
2. Solid White Stars (Active Chase)
Once a police officer looks directly at you, the stars fill in solid white. At this stage, your physical appearance and vehicle license/make are logged in the police dispatch memory. Breaking away requires sharp turns, taking off-road alleys, or cutting through parking structures.
3. Blinking Stars (Cooldown Window)
When the stars begin blinking, you have successfully exited the police cones of vision. Keep an eye on your mini-map radar to evade incoming patrol reinforcements converging on your last known coordinates.
4. Red Stars (Extreme Heat)
At higher wanted levels (such as 3+ stars or post-firefights), red stars indicate high alert status. In addition to regular cruisers, SWAT/NOOSE teams and airborne helicopters will actively monitor exit corridors and set up spike strips along major Leonida freeways.