GTA 6 Pre-Download Guide: Release Schedule, Download Size, and Storage Space

Grand Theft Auto VI releases on November 19th 2026, and it's one of the largest downloads ever put on consoles. Rockstar has enabled you to preload GTA VI so you can get the game onto your console. This will guide you through everything you need to know about when it will be available, how much space you'll need and what to do before downloading.

Grand Theft Auto VI

GTA 6 Release and Preload Schedule

Date	What happens
November 3	Rockstar announced that preloading would start on November 10, two days earlier than the November 12 date it had previously given
November 10	Preloading opened on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X\|S
November 12	Boxed copies are expected at retailers, according to Rockstar
November 19	GTA 6 launches on PS5 and Xbox Series X\|S

If you have found any guides saying that preloads start on the 12th of November then they are outdated. The latest date we have from official sources is 10th November.

PlayStation 5

As per Rockstar, preloads started on the 10th November at midnight in your local time zone.

Xbox Series X|S

Preloading on Xbox started globally on Tuesday, November 10th at 12:00 a.m. GMT. This is the same time globally, so would be November 9th in the evening in the Americas. For example, the time would be 7pm Eastern or 4pm Pacific on November 9th.

Boxed Copies: A Code, Not a Disc

Rockstar has confirmed there is no disc inside the physical version of GTA 6. Instead there is a code included which you can redeem on the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store. This means preloading a boxed version will not be possible until you redeem the code. If you buy a boxed version after November 12th you will not start downloading until you enter the code.

What About the Launch-Day Unlock?

All it does is download the files. It can't be played until it unlocks on release day. Rockstar haven't given any information about a global unlock time. The store pages are reported to say midnight, however please check your store page to see what time it will be unlocked in your region.

Grand Theft Auto VI game

Download Size and Storage Space

Rockstar’s Number: Up to 212GB

The preload file will take up to 212GB of free space on your device. While Rockstar have not specified the exact numbers for each device (PS5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S), you should expect to use the full amount on any console.

A Higher Figure on Xbox?

The Xbox store page says that since the 7th of November, the game claims to have an installation size of up to 225GB. Whilst this isn’t an official statement from Rockstar, it’s a sensible reason to give yourself some space on your Xbox until the actual download appears on your console.

How It Compares With GTA V

To put this into perspective, there is roughly 87GB-94GB of data on the enhanced version of GTA V on current consoles. This means GTA 6 is significantly larger.

Leave Room for Updates

Rockstar have not confirmed whether you'll receive an update on day one of release. Leave more than 212GB of space on your console to allow for any updates that may need to be installed when launching the game.

Check Your Free Space

PS5: Settings, then Storage.
Xbox Series X|S: Settings, then System, then Storage devices.

A Note About External Drives

While you can store games for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on external USB drives, most of them won’t be playable. For GTA 6 you’ll need to have storage available on your consoles internal SSD or a compatible expandable storage solution like a PS5 M.2 drive or Xbox Storage Expansion Card.

How to Preload GTA 6

On PS5

A digital pre-order can download automatically if your console is set up for it. According to Sony’s support pages:

Go to Settings, then System, then Power Saving, then Features Available in Rest Mode, and turn on Stay Connected to the Internet.
Open the Game Library, select GTA 6, and make sure the checkbox for the game content is ticked.

If you’ve already missed the start, you can still download it manually from your library.

On Xbox Series X|S

According to Xbox Support, a Microsoft Store purchase installs automatically when:

The console is set as your home Xbox
It’s powered on or set to Sleep power mode
It’s connected to the Xbox network
It has enough free storage

If it does not begin downloading you can click on My games & apps > See all > Full library > All owned games and then select GTA 6 and click Install all.

With a Boxed Copy

You would first have to redeem the code on your PlayStation or Microsoft account. You must ensure that the code is of the correct region for your account (PS5).

Grand Theft Auto VI

How Long Will the Download Take?

The download time will depend on your connection. These are rough estimates of how long it would take to download 212GB assuming you have a constant connection speed.

Connection speed	Approximate time
50 Mbps	about 9.5 hours
100 Mbps	about 4.7 hours
300 Mbps	about 1.6 hours
1 Gbps	about 30 minutes

Just an approximate guide. Sometimes real download speeds will be less fast and sometimes servers can be busy at peak release times.

What About PC?

Rockstar has not said that there will be a PC version of GTA 6. The game will only be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. So no Steam key to purchase.

How to Compare Steam Key Prices While You Wait

If you’re waiting on GTA 6 and want something to play on PC in the meantime, GTA V is available on Steam.

Gamepriceradar is a game key price comparison website. It isn’t a store and it doesn’t sell game keys. Compare Steam key prices from a range of sellers and get the best deals. You can then complete your purchase on the seller's website.

Here’s how to use it:

For GTA V on PC. Use Gamepriceradar to compare GTA 5 Steam key price listings across sellers, and check which edition each listing covers. The GTA 5 price history shows how the price has moved over time, and the current GTA 5 price tells you where it stands today.
For GTA 6. Because there’s no PC version announced, there’s no GTA 6 Steam key yet. If that changes, you’ll be able to compare GTA 6 Steam key price listings on its game page, and the GTA 6 price history and GTA 6 price will show how offers develop.
Read the seller’s terms. Check region restrictions, delivery details, and refund policy on the seller’s page before you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I preload GTA 6?

Preload begins on November 10th 2026. The game will start preloading on PS5 at midnight local time and on Xbox Series X|S at 12:00AM GMT.

How big is the GTA 6 download?

The total size of up to 212GB depending on your device, Rockstar said.

Can I play GTA 6 early after preloading?

No. You are simply downloading the files. The game will remain locked until release day.

Does the boxed edition include a disc?

No. It comes with a digital download code. Once you have redeemed it you can preorder.

Can I preload on PS4 or Xbox One?

No. GTA 6 is only planned for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Is GTA 6 coming to PC?

Not officially. Rockstar hasn’t announced a PC version or date.

Is Gamepriceradar a store?

No. This is a price comparison site which allows you to check what prices keys are on steam from various sellers and get the best deals.

Conclusion

The process for preloading GTA 6 is simple but requires a bit more effort. Firstly, ensure you have the right edition for the game. Secondly, free up A LOT of space on your console and thirdly sit back while your console downloads the game. This will mean you can hit play on launch day!