Launch week
When can I play GTA VI?
Pre-load and unlock times, converted to your time zone, plus everything to do before November 19.
Times below are for your time zone: your local time.
PlayStation 5
Pre-load opens
—
November 10 at midnight, your local time.
Xbox Series X|S
Pre-load opens
—
November 10 at 12 AM GMT, the same moment worldwide.
Both consoles
Game unlocks
—
Reported as midnight local time on November 19. Not yet on Rockstar's Newswire.
Before pre-load day
- Free up to 212 GB of storage.
- Turn on automatic downloads (and rest mode on PS5) so the pre-load starts on its own.
- Pre-load needs a digital pre-order. Boxed copies are reported to arrive November 12 with a download code.
- Pre-loading doesn't unlock the game early. You play on November 19.
Xbox pre-load around the world
| City | Pre-load opens |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Mon, Nov 9, 4:00 PM |
| New York | Mon, Nov 9, 7:00 PM |
| London | Tue, Nov 10, 12:00 AM |
| Berlin | Tue, Nov 10, 1:00 AM |
| Dubai | Tue, Nov 10, 4:00 AM |
| Tokyo | Tue, Nov 10, 9:00 AM |
| Sydney | Tue, Nov 10, 11:00 AM |
PS5 pre-load opens at midnight local time everywhere.
Quick answers
What time does GTA VI unlock?
Reports say GTA VI unlocks at midnight local time on November 19, 2026, so players in New Zealand get it first. We haven't seen the exact unlock time on Rockstar's own Newswire yet, so we label it reported and will update this page if Rockstar posts it.
When does GTA VI pre-loading start?
Rockstar says digital pre-loading starts Tuesday, November 10, 2026. On PlayStation 5 it opens at midnight local time; on Xbox Series X|S it opens at 12 AM GMT, which is the evening of November 9 in the Americas.
How big is the GTA VI download?
Rockstar says the download is up to 212 GB depending on your console. Free up space before pre-load day.
Can I play early if I pre-load?
No. Pre-loading only downloads the game early. It stays locked until launch on November 19.
Do boxed copies work for pre-loading?
Boxed copies are reported to reach stores on November 12 with a download code inside rather than a disc, so physical buyers download the game too.
Sources
- Grand Theft Auto VI Pre-Load Begins on November 10 · Rockstar Games Newswire
- 'GTA 6' Pre-Load Date And Time Revealed, Huge File Size Confirmed · Forbes
- Rockstar details Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-load date and time, and file size · Video Games Chronicle
- GTA 6 Release Times and Preload: When Can You Start Playing? · Push Square