GTA 6 preload starts November 10, needs up to 212 GB

The GTA 6 preload has been moved up. Rockstar confirmed on November 3 that downloads start on November 10, and the file will need up to 212 GB depending on your console. The game launches on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

That gives players two extra days to download. When pre-orders opened in June, Take-Two said preloading would begin on November 12, and Rockstar Support listed the same date. Digital buyers can now start the download nine days before launch.

When does the GTA 6 preload start on PS5 and Xbox?

According to the Rockstar Newswire post, timing depends on your platform. On PS5, the preload opens on Tuesday, November 10 at midnight local time in each player's time zone. As VGC points out, that means players in New Zealand get to start first.

On Xbox Series X|S, the preload starts at the same moment worldwide: 12 a.m. GMT on November 10. In North America, that works out to 4 p.m. PT or 7 p.m. ET on Monday, November 9, so Xbox players in the US can begin the evening before.

Nothing changes for physical buyers. The boxed version contains a download code instead of a disc, and Rockstar says code-in-box copies should reach retailers from November 12. Rockstar Support confirms that codes redeemed before launch can start preloading right away.

How big is the GTA 6 download?

This is the first official size from Rockstar. The studio says the preload file will require up to 212 GB depending on your device, and it advises players to clear enough space so they can start as soon as the window opens.

The number lands very close to the 210 GB figure that went viral last week. That figure came from an account tracking PlayStation Store data and was never confirmed by Rockstar. We covered it in our GTA 6 file size leak story. Now there is an official upper limit.

How to get ready for the preload

• Free up at least 212 GB on your console before November 10.
• Start the preload as soon as it opens, especially on a slower connection.
• If you buy a boxed copy, redeem the code as soon as you have it.
• The preload does not unlock the game early; it stays locked until launch on November 19.

Price and pre-order bonuses

According to Take-Two's June press release, the standard edition costs $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition costs $99.99. Every pre-order or purchase made before November 20 includes the Vintage Vice City Pack. Rockstar Support lists a '55 Vapid Stanier sedan with a garage, outfits and hairstyles, and an exclusive weapon pattern. Digital pre-orders also come with one month of GTA+.

Rockstar also announced a launch-day extra. On November 19, a printable Grand Theft Auto VI cover art poster and a map of Leonida will be added to the official site as a free download. A double-sided physical version will follow shortly after launch on the Rockstar Store, priced at $0.99 or free with any store purchase.

For more on the game, read our GTA 6 map size breakdown and our story on the GTA 6 original score by Justice.

Frequently asked questions

When does the GTA 6 preload start?

Rockstar says digital preloading starts on November 10. On PS5 it opens at midnight local time, while on Xbox Series X|S it opens worldwide at 12 a.m. GMT. Code-in-box copies arrive from November 12.

How big is GTA 6?

Rockstar says the preload file will require up to 212 GB depending on your device. The earlier 210 GB figure was never confirmed by Rockstar.

When does GTA 6 come out?

Grand Theft Auto VI launches on November 19, 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Preloading does not unlock the game early.

Sources

• Rockstar Newswire: Grand Theft Auto VI Pre-Load Begins on November 10
• Rockstar Games on X
• VGC: Rockstar details GTA 6 pre-load date and time
• Take-Two: GTA VI pre-order press release
• Rockstar Support: GTA VI editions and versions