The previous expanded demo for GTA VI showcased more options for evading the wanted system. Police pay attention to suspects' appearances and vehicles; besides fleeing the scene, players can change outfits or have Jason and Lucia split up to try and shake off pursuers.
In the demo, after Lucia interacts with street characters, someone pulls a gun and calls the police, immediately triggering a one-star wanted level. Rob Nelson, head of development at Rockstar North, explained that if players leave the area before the police arrive and avoid further shooting or escalating the conflict, they usually have a chance to escape. Players can also choose to continue fighting, but this introduces more variables into the situation.
When the police are in pursuit, they don't just check if a character has left a certain area on the map. They remember the suspect's appearance, clothing, vehicle, and last known location. Stolen cars or injured pedestrians, even if no one is killed, can raise alarms and increase the wanted level. Players can change hairstyles, clothes, or wear glasses and hats; spare outfits are also available in the trunk of personal vehicles.
Nelson stated that the team wants to encourage players to flee quickly after committing crimes, which aligns with the story background of the two protagonists being on the run. The demo also showcased more pedestrian interactions: eavesdropping for too long or persistently following someone can provoke a reaction, potentially leading to conflict.