The wait is almost over. More than 13 years after GTA 5 launched, Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 6 is finally on the horizon. The highly anticipated game releases on November 19. Consequently, Rockstar is now rolling out GTA 6 pre-loads across consoles. This early download window gives players over a week to prepare. After all, why wait and risk missing launch day?
GTA 6 Pre-Loads & Storage Requirements
Rockstar confirms that GTA 6 requires up to 212 GB of available storage. Naturally, this massive file size varies slightly depending on your console. However, it takes up a substantial amount of space for players with smaller internal SSDs or large game libraries. Therefore, you should clear out space and start your download early.
Xbox Series X and Series S players got a slight head start. Microsoft opened pre-loads for Xbox consoles on November 9 at 7:00 PM EST / November 10 at 5:00 AM PKT. Globally, this unlocked at 12:00 AM GMT / 5:00 AM PKT today. Meanwhile, PlayStation users can also start downloading today. Sony unlocks the PS5 pre-loads at 12:00 AM midnight, local time, on Tuesday, November 10.
Furthermore, digital buyers can simplify the process with automatic downloads. On PS5, you must enable auto-downloads and leave the powered-on console in Rest Mode. Similarly, Xbox Series X|S players can turn on automatic updates and keep their system in Sleep mode.
Physical Edition Details & Launch Day Expectations
Are you buying a physical copy? You will have a slightly different experience. Rockstar confirmed that retail versions for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S arrive in stores starting November 12. Importantly, these physical editions do not include a traditional game disc. Instead, they strictly feature a download code inside the box.
As a result, retail buyers must still download the entire game over the internet. Fortunately, if you grab your copy on November 12, you still have roughly one week to finish the installation before the game goes live.
GTA 6 shapes up to be Rockstar’s biggest open-world game yet. The upcoming title transports players back to Vice City and introduces the much larger state of Leonida. Furthermore, the story follows two protagonists: Jason and Lucia. Together, they embark on a major crime spree. Apparently, they owe a lot of money to a malicious figure. All the while, they relentlessly pursue their own American Dream.
Keep in mind, pre-loading does not grant early access to the game. You must wait for November 19 to actually play. Of course, some players might attempt the famous “New Zealand trick” to access the game slightly earlier. Since Xbox doesn’t lock digital game licenses to specific regional storefronts, you can buy GTA 6 on your regular account and simply switch your console’s system location.
Finally, Rockstar has not confirmed a mandatory day-one patch yet. Regardless, players should prepare for the possibility of additional updates around launch.
