GTA 6 preload is now open on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, nine days before Grand Theft Auto VI launches on November 19. If you pre-ordered a digital copy, you can download the game files now, so the game is ready to play the moment it unlocks.
The catch is size. Rockstar says the preload file needs up to 212GB depending on your device, which is a big chunk of a console’s storage.
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When did the GTA 6 preload start?
Rockstar set the schedule in a Newswire post on November 3. On PS5, preloading began at midnight local time on November 10 in each time zone. On Xbox Series X|S, it opened worldwide at the same moment: 12 a.m. GMT on November 10, which was 7 p.m. Eastern on November 9 in the US.
Pre-order listings had earlier pointed to November 12, so the date moved up by two days. Code-in-box physical editions should reach retailers from November 12.
| Version | Preload starts | Game unlocks |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 digital | November 10, midnight local time | November 19, midnight local time |
| Xbox Series X and S digital | November 10, 12 a.m. GMT | November 19, midnight local time |
| Code-in-box | From November 12 at retailers | November 19, midnight local time |
GTA 6 file size: how much space you need
For the GTA 6 preload, plan for at least 212GB of free space. TweakTown worked out that this is about 31% of a launch PS5’s 825GB SSD. Rockstar notes the final installed size may differ from the preload download, and launch day patches could add more.
Download time depends on your connection. Here is a rough guide based on 212GB at full speed. Real speeds are usually slower, especially on busy nights.
| Internet speed | Approximate download time |
|---|---|
| 50 Mbps | About 9.5 hours |
| 100 Mbps | About 4.7 hours |
| 300 Mbps | About 1.6 hours |
| 1 Gbps | About 30 minutes |
5 essential tips for the GTA 6 preload
1. Clear space before you start. Delete or move old games now. On Xbox Series X and S, current-generation games must run from the internal SSD or an official expansion card. On PS5, you can play from the internal drive or a compatible M.2 SSD.
2. Start the GTA 6 preload the right way. On Xbox, open the Microsoft Store, search for Grand Theft Auto VI and select Install. On PS5, open the game’s page in the PlayStation Store and pick the preload option, as Engadget explains.
3. Leave the console in rest mode. Turn on automatic downloads and keep the console in Rest Mode or Sleep so the download keeps running overnight.
4. Use a wired connection if you can. An Ethernet cable is usually faster and more stable than Wi-Fi for a file this large.
5. Check your data cap. If your internet plan has a monthly limit, a 212GB download can use a big share of it in one go. Spreading other big downloads and 4K streaming across the week leaves headroom for the launch day patch.
GTA 6 price, platforms and launch day
Grand Theft Auto VI costs $80 for the Standard Edition and $100 for the Ultimate Edition on the PlayStation and Xbox stores, according to Engadget. It launches only on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and Rockstar has not announced a PC version.
Demand is huge. Engadget reports pre-release sales of around 8 million copies, which is why the GTA 6 preload matters: servers are likely to be busy on November 19. Rockstar also plans a free digital poster and map of Leonida on launch day, Pure Xbox reported.
Preloading does not let you play early. The files stay locked until midnight local time on November 19. For more gaming news, read about the Zelda Switch 2 restock, the Destruction AllStars shutdown or our latest stories.
FAQ
Can I play GTA 6 after preloading?
No. Preloading only downloads the files. GTA 6 unlocks at midnight local time on November 19 on both consoles.
How big is the GTA 6 preload?
Rockstar says the preload needs up to 212GB of free space, depending on your device.
Is GTA 6 coming to PC?
Rockstar has not announced a PC version. GTA 6 launches on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only.
Sources: Rockstar Newswire, Rockstar Support, Engadget, TweakTown, Pure Xbox
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