GTA 6 release time, preload date, download size and editions

Grand Theft Auto VI fans will be able to play the game on November 19, 2026, but there’s still plenty more to know about the upcoming open-world game to ensure you have a smooth experience at launch.

While the pre-load begins earlier in November, exact unlock times per region are yet to be confirmed by Rockstar Games. However, these are expected to be announced over the coming weeks.

Fans can currently buy the Standard Edition of the game for $79.99 / £69.99, while the Ultimate Edition is priced at $99.99 / £89.99.

If you’re in need of additional information regarding the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, including the exact release time, the date pre-loads go live, and how large the download size will be, you can read further on for these details.

What time does GTA 6 release across the world?

GTA 6 is set to launch digitally on Thursday, November 19, 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Rockstar Games has not confirmed exact regional unlock times for GTA VI yet, so if you spot a retailer using a countdown to the exact time it launches, that information may not be accurate.

When can you preload GTA 6?

Pre-loads for Grand Theft Auto VI begin on November 12, 2026, one week before the game’s full release on November 19.

Boxed copies of the game do not contain a game disc, and instead feature a supplied download code which need to be redeemed on the respective game store. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to download the game from November 12.

How big is the GTA 6 download?

Rockstar Games has not confirmed a total download size for GTA 6 yet, nor has it been confirmed by either the PlayStation or Xbox stores.

One thing to bear in mind is that download size may not be representative of how much space the final game will take up. When you factor in a Day 1 update, as well as a bit of file optimisation following release, the actual number could end up being higher or lower than what Rockstar says.

What GTA 6 editions are available and how much do they cost?

There are two editions for Grand Theft Auto VI available to purchase right now: Standard Edition and Ultimate Edition.

• Standard Edition ($79.99 / £69.99) includes the base game, as well as the pre-order bonus Vintage Vice City Pack which can be obtained with any purchase up to November 19.
• Ultimate Edition ($99.99 / £89.99) includes the base game, along with several pieces of bonus content such as new outfits, missions, and vehicles. The Vintage Vice City Pack is also available here if you have pre-ordered the game.

No physical GTA 6 disc release

Rockstar Games has confirmed that boxed copies of Grand Theft Auto VI do not contain a disc, and instead will feature a code in the box you can redeem on your online store of choice.

This means that the game will still need to be downloaded from either the PlayStation or Xbox stores, with the code received in boxed copies entitling you to digital copy to play on these platforms.

• PLAYSTATION PRE-ORDER: Playstation UK | Currys UK | Walmart | Amazon UK
• XBOX PRE-ORDER: GAME UK | Currys UK | Loaded | Amazon UK | Walmart

Which platforms is GTA 6 coming to?

Grand Theft Auto VI is confirmed to be released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with a PS5 Pro Enhanced version also available for owners of the more expensive console.

Specific modes, framerates, or resolution enhancements for the PS5 Pro version haven’t been confirmed yet by Rockstar or Sony, though Rockstar has said that the game “plays best on PS5”.

GTA VI is not currently announced for PC and Nintendo Switch 2, nor will it be available on PC via Xbox Cloud Gaming as recently confirmed by Xbox CSO Matthew Ball. It also won’t be coming to last-gen systems like PS4 and Xbox One.

How to prepare for GTA 6 launch

So, you’ve pre-ordered GTA 6 and now want to prepare for launch? You ought to start by enabling automatic downloads on your console, as well as checking what your available storage is like to ensure you have enough room to install the game.

Be sure to also keep your system software updated so you’re on the most recent version of your console’s firmware.

You should also verify that your account is able to redeem any code-in-box purchases, which most PlayStation and Xbox accounts will allow you to do so long as you’re connected to the internet, but some restrictions do apply.

GTA 6 launch updates timeline

Here is a quick timeline of each update regarding the release of GTA 6:

• December 4, 2023: GTA VI debuts Trailer 1, announced 2025 release window
• May 2, 2025: GTA VI delayed to May 26, 2026, Trailer 2 debuts
• November 6, 2025: GTA VI delayed to November 19, 2026
• June 25, 2026: Pre-orders opened for GTA VI
• November 12, 2026: GTA VI pre-load is scheduled to begin
• November 19, 2026: GTA VI launch on Xbox Series X/S and PS5

We'll be sure to update this following any new updates regarding Grand Theft Auto VI's launch date.