GTA 6
GTA 6 pre-load: start time, file size and how much space you need
Digital Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) pre-load starts on 10 November, two days earlier than first announced, and Rockstar says it needs up to 212 GB. Older guides still say 12 November.
When pre-load starts
| Console | Start |
|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | Midnight local time, 10 November |
| Xbox Series X|S | 12 a.m. GMT, 10 November (7 p.m. ET on 9 November) |
Some store text may still show 12 November. Rockstar's Newswire post says 10 November, and that is the date to trust.
How much space do you need?
Rockstar says the file needs up to 212 GB depending on your device. That's an upper limit, and Rockstar hasn't given a separate figure per console. It also hasn't said how big the installed game will be, so leave a little extra room.
Get ready before the 10th
- Check your free space in your console's storage settings.
- Move or delete big games until you have more than 212 GB free. Moving a game to external storage keeps it for later, but PS5 and Xbox Series games generally have to be moved back before you play them.
- Turn on automatic downloads, and leave the console in rest mode if you want it to download overnight.
- Make sure your pre-order is digital. Pre-load isn't available until you own the digital version.
What about a disc or boxed copy?
Reports of Rockstar's post say boxed copies are code-in-box, due from retailers from 12 November. That means you redeem a code and download the game, so you'll still need the storage.
Can I play once it finishes?
No. Pre-load only puts the game on your console early. It stays locked until launch on 19 November.
What's the difference between pre-load and launch?
Pre-load downloads the game to your console ahead of time, so you can start playing as soon as it unlocks. If you wait until launch day, you'll be downloading the whole thing while millions of others do the same, and on a slower connection that could take a day or more. As a rough guide, a 212 GB download takes about five hours at 100 Mbps, and about 50 hours at 10 Mbps, before any slowdowns.
Common problems
- The download won't start: check that you've bought the digital version, and that your console has enough free space.
- It's stuck at 0%: restart your console, and check your console's download queue.
- You've got a boxed copy: redeem the code first. It's reported as a code in a box, not a disc with the game on it.
- Your Xbox says it's available before the 10th: Xbox pre-load starts at midnight GMT, which is the evening of the 9th in the US.
Will an external drive work?
Rockstar hasn't given specific guidance that we've seen. In general, current-gen games need to run from fast internal storage or an approved expansion card, so plan for fast storage rather than an old USB drive. If you're buying extra storage just for GTA 6, wait for Rockstar's final requirements.