VIDEO GAMES
Gaming Reference & Reviews
It’s getting closer. GTA 6 to start preloading onto consoles Tuesday
Greta CrossUSA TODAY
Nov. 9, 2026, 8:00 a.m. ET
The release of GTA 6 is just around the corner.
The highly-anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI releases on Thursday, Nov. 19. Set in Leonida − the franchise’s take on Florida − the open-world game can be played through protagonists Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, inspired by Bonnie and Clyde.
The release is the first of the GTA series not sold as a physical disc, only a digital download code. <a href="https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/5171972o3ak5oa/pre-order-grand-theft-auto-vi-on-june-25″ rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>Preorders opened in June, and on Nov. 3, developer Rockstar Games announced that the preordered game would begin downloading on PlayStation and XBOX consoles on Tuesday, Nov. 10. The preload begins more than a week before the game can be accessed and played due to its large file size.
Though the game is not being sold as a physical disc, Rockstar also announced on Nov. 3 that a free, printable GTA 6 cover art poster and Leonida map are available on the GTA 6 website. A double-sided version of the poster will also be available for 99 cents or as a free gift with any purchase from the Rockstar Store after game launch, according to a news release.
Here’s what to know about the GTA 6 preload.
When will GTA 6 start to preload onto consoles?
According to a Rockstar news release, here’s when GTA 6 will begin preloading on consoles:
- PlayStation 5: Midnight local time on Tuesday, Nov. 10
- XBOX Series X|S: Midnight GMT on Tuesday, Nov. 10
How big is the GTA 6 file size?
The GTA 6 preload requires up to 212 gigabytes, depending on the console, according to a news release.
Can you still preorder GTA 6?
Yes, GTA 6 is still available for preorder on the Rockstar Games website, up until release day on Nov. 19.
How much does the GTA 6 preorder cost?
Here’s how much GTA 6 cost per edition:
- Standard edition: $79.99 (available at PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X|S digital codes and physical download code in a box)
- Ultimate edition: $99.99 (available at PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X|S digital codes)
Watch the GTA 6 trailer
On Oct. 15, Rockstar Games published a launch trailer for the game:
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
