How to pre-load GTA 6 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
Rockstar has confirmed when the GTA VI pre-load starts and how much space it needs, and the PlayStation Store and Xbox store list when the game unlocks in each region. Here it all is in one place, with the steps for each console.
On this page
When pre-load starts and how much space you need
PS5: digital pre-load starts at midnight local time on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, wherever you are.
Xbox Series X|S: digital pre-load starts at the same moment everywhere, 12:00 AM GMT on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
Boxed copies: Rockstar says code-in-box versions for both consoles should be in stores from Thursday, November 12, 2026.
The pre-load needs up to 212 GB of free space, depending on your console. Rockstar has not given a separate size for each console, so plan for the full amount.
How to pre-load on PS5
Pre-order the digital version on PlayStation Store, then let the console download it on its own. Rockstar says auto-downloads have to be on and the PS5 has to be on or in rest mode. These steps follow PlayStation's own help pages.
How to pre-load on Xbox Series X|S
Pre-order the digital version on the Xbox store, then let the console download it on its own. Rockstar says automatic updates have to be on and the console has to be on or in Sleep mode. These steps follow Xbox's own help pages.
When GTA VI unlocks in each region
Pre-loading gets the game onto your console early. You can play once it unlocks: at midnight on November 19 in each store region's time zone, starting in New Zealand at 11:00 AM UTC on Nov 18 and ending in Mexico and Central America at 6:00 AM UTC on Nov 19. Pre-loading is the only head start; there is no early access.
Countries with more than one time zone get one unlock moment for the whole country. In the US and Canada that is 12:00 AM EST, so the Pacific coast can play from 9:00 PM on November 18.
These times come from the PlayStation Store and Xbox store listings, checked on November 3. Rockstar has not posted unlock times itself, and store times can change before launch. Our countdown counts down to the one for your region.
| Region | Store time | Your time |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 12:00 AM NZDT | Shown once the page has loaded |
| Australia | 12:00 AM AEDT | Shown once the page has loaded |
| Japan and South Korea | 12:00 AM JST and KST | Shown once the page has loaded |
| Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan | 12:00 AM UTC+8 | Shown once the page has loaded |
| Indonesia and Thailand | 12:00 AM UTC+7 | Shown once the page has loaded |
| India | 12:00 AM IST | Shown once the page has loaded |
| United Arab Emirates | 12:00 AM GST | Shown once the page has loaded |
| Saudi Arabia and Turkey | 12:00 AM UTC+3 | Shown once the page has loaded |
| Eastern European time | 12:00 AM EET | Shown once the page has loaded |
| Central European time | 12:00 AM CET | Shown once the page has loaded |
| UK, Ireland, Portugal, and Iceland | 12:00 AM GMT | Shown once the page has loaded |
| Argentina, Brazil, and Chile | 12:00 AM UTC-3 | Shown once the page has loaded |
| Bolivia | 12:00 AM UTC-4 | Shown once the page has loaded |
| US and Canada | 12:00 AM EST | Shown once the page has loaded |
| Mexico and Central America | 12:00 AM CST | Shown once the page has loaded |
Questions people ask
When can I pre-load GTA 6?
On PS5 from midnight local time on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. On Xbox Series X|S from 12:00 AM GMT on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
How big is the GTA 6 pre-load?
Up to 212 GB, depending on your console, according to Rockstar.
What time does GTA 6 unlock?
At midnight on November 19 in each store region, starting in New Zealand. In the UK that is 12:00 AM GMT, and in the US and Canada 12:00 AM EST.
Can I play as soon as the pre-load finishes?
No. The pre-load only downloads the game. You can play once it unlocks in your region. Our beginner tips cover what to do while you wait.
Do I need to leave my console on?
For the pre-load to download on its own, yes. Rockstar says a PS5 has to be on or in rest mode, and an Xbox on or in Sleep mode.
I bought a boxed copy. When can I pre-load?
Rockstar says code-in-box versions should be in stores from Thursday, November 12, 2026. It has not said more about pre-loading from a code.
My pre-load is stuck. What now?
Rockstar's pre-load FAQ points to the download troubleshooting pages from PlayStation and Xbox. It is listed under sources.
Sources
Grand Theft Auto VI pre-load begins on November 10 (opens in a new tab)
Rockstar's announcement: the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S pre-load start, the date for code-in-box copies, and the 212 GB pre-load size. It does not list unlock times.
Grand Theft Auto VI pre-load FAQ (opens in a new tab)
Repeats the pre-load start and size, says what each console needs for the pre-load to download on its own, and links to the PlayStation and Xbox help pages used for the steps.
Grand Theft Auto VI store listing (opens in a new tab)
Each regional listing shows the release time used in the unlock table, checked on November 3. Store times can change before launch.
Grand Theft Auto VI store listing (opens in a new tab)
Each regional listing shows the same release time as the PlayStation Store in every region we checked on both, on November 3.
How to pre-order and auto-download games from PlayStation Store (opens in a new tab)
How to check that auto-download is on for a pre-ordered game from the Game Library.
How to set up auto-downloads and updates on PlayStation consoles (opens in a new tab)
Where to turn on automatic downloads, and Stay Connected to the Internet so a PS5 downloads in rest mode.
Pre-order Xbox digital games in the Microsoft Store (opens in a new tab)
Says a game can be played once it is released in your region, usually just after 12:00 AM local time, and how to install a pre-order that does not show in My games & apps.
About system updates on Xbox (opens in a new tab)
Where to turn on Keep my games & apps up to date.
About power options on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S (opens in a new tab)
How to set the console to Sleep, which keeps automatic downloads running.
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