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GTA 6 release time and pre-load guide

When GTA 6 unlocks, when pre-load starts on PS5 and Xbox, how much space you need, and what to do tonight so you can play the second it goes live.

By Five Star Intel · Nov 9, 2026

When does GTA 6 come out?

Grand Theft Auto VI launches on Thursday, November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Push Square reports that Rockstar confirmed it unlocks at midnight in your local time zone on November 19. Rockstar's own store and FAQ pages list the date but not a time, so we will update this guide the moment Rockstar posts one.

Tip

Some sites list one US unlock time (midnight Eastern). If you live further west, check your console store page on the night of the 18th.

When does pre-load start?

Pre-load lets you download the game early so it is ready the moment it unlocks. Rockstar's pre-load FAQ gives these times:

  1. PlayStation 5: midnight local time on November 10, 2026.
  2. Xbox Series X|S: 12 a.m. GMT on November 10, 2026, which is 7 p.m. Eastern / 4 p.m. Pacific on November 9.
  3. Boxed copies: the box holds a download code, not a disc. Rockstar says they support pre-load from November 10, with shipping from November 12.

How much space do you need?

Rockstar says the pre-load needs up to 212 GB of free space, depending on your device. Clear a bit more than that so updates and saves have room.

  1. Check your free space: PS5 Settings → Storage. Xbox: My games & apps → Manage.
  2. Delete or move games you are not playing.
  3. Leave the console in Rest Mode (PS5) or Sleep (Xbox) with automatic downloads on, so the download keeps going overnight.

How much does GTA 6 cost?

Rockstar's store lists the game at $79.99 USD. Outlets including Forbes report the Ultimate Edition at $99.99 USD. Prices in Canada and other countries depend on your store.

Wondering which edition to get? Our editions guide lists everything in each one.

Your checklist for launch night

  1. Buy or pre-order before November 20 if you want the Vintage Vice City Pack (Rockstar's store says while supplies last).
  2. Free up at least 212 GB.
  3. Turn on automatic downloads and leave the console in Rest Mode.
  4. Start the pre-load on November 10.
  5. On November 18, check for a day-one update before you go to bed.
  6. Join our Discord and turn on Find alerts. We go live at launch and post every verified find.

Sources

Rockstar Support: Grand Theft Auto VI pre-load FAQ (updated Nov 3, 2026) ↗
Rockstar Newswire: GTA VI pre-load begins on November 10 (Nov 3, 2026) ↗
Rockstar Store: Grand Theft Auto VI ↗
Push Square: GTA 6 release times and pre-load (updated Nov 6, 2026) ↗
Rockstar Newswire: GTA VI launches November 19, 2026 ↗

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