GTA 6 pre-load: start times, file size and how to set it up

Confirmed Digital pre-load for GTA 6 is open now. It started on 10 November 2026, nine days before the game launches on 19 November, and the download needs up to 212 GB of free space (Rockstar Support, Rockstar Newswire).

When pre-load starts on each console

• Confirmed PS5: midnight local time on 10 November, in your own time zone (Rockstar Support).
• Confirmed Xbox Series X|S: at the same moment worldwide, 12am GMT on 10 November (Rockstar Support). In the UK that’s midnight. In the US it’s the evening of 9 November.
• Confirmed Pre-load is for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S (Rockstar Newswire).
• Reported Pre-load was first listed for 12 November. Rockstar brought it forward two days for digital orders (GamesRadar+, TechRadar).

How much space you need

• Confirmed Up to 212 GB, depending on your console (Rockstar Support). Clear a little more than that. Day-one patches usually need extra room.

Settings so it downloads by itself

• Confirmed PS5: turn on auto-downloads. Leave the console on or in Rest Mode (Rockstar Support).
• Confirmed Xbox Series X|S: turn on automatic updates. Leave the console on or in Sleep mode (Rockstar Support).

If the download hasn’t started, check you’re signed in to the account that pre-ordered the game. Then open the game’s page in your console’s library and start the download from there.

Boxed copies

• Reported The boxed versions hold a download code, not a disc. They reach shops from 12 November, so boxed buyers can start pre-loading once they have the code (GamesRadar+, Shacknews).

When can you play

Confirmed GTA 6 launches on Thursday 19 November 2026 (Rockstar Newswire). Rockstar’s pre-load FAQ doesn’t give an unlock time. We’ll add one here when Rockstar confirms it.