📥 It's happening: GTA 6 pre-loading is now live on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. You can download the game right now, so you can play the second it unlocks on Thursday, November 19 at midnight local time.
Here are the official times, the real download size and how to pre-load on each console.
⏰ When did it start?
- 🎮 PS5: from Tuesday, November 10 at midnight local time. Pre-loading started in New Zealand, then rolled out time zone by time zone;
- 🟩 Xbox Series X|S: at the same moment worldwide, November 10 at 12 a.m. GMT. That was 7 p.m. ET on Monday, November 9 in the US, and 1 a.m. in Paris.
These times come from Rockstar, which announced them on November 3 (see our November 3 article).
💾 How big is the download?
Rockstar says the game needs up to 212 GB, depending on your console. Early measurements published by RockstarINTEL put it at about 210 GB to download on both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and 212 GB once installed on PS5.
👉 To be safe, free up a little more than 212 GB.
Download time by connection speed (theoretical, for 210 GB at full speed):
- 🐢 at 30 Mbps: about 15 h 30 min;
- 🚗 at 100 Mbps: about 4 h 40 min;
- 🚀 at 1 Gbps (fiber): about 28 minutes.
🎮 How to pre-load GTA 6 on PS5
According to PlayStation's official support, if you pre-ordered the game on PlayStation Store and turned on automatic downloads, the download starts on its own as soon as it's available. To check:
- Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Automatic Updates: turn on Auto-Download;
- Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode: turn on Stay Connected to the Internet;
- leave your PS5 in Rest Mode: the download keeps going overnight.
Download didn't start? Open GTA VI in your game library and start it manually.
🟩 And on Xbox Series X|S?
If you pre-ordered the digital version, GTA VI is in My games & apps > Full library, among your owned games: start the install there. You can also start it remotely from the Xbox app on your phone.
Then leave the console on or in Sleep mode, connected to the internet.
📦 What about the boxed version?
It reaches retailers from Thursday, November 12. The box contains a download code, not a disc: you'll still need to download around 210 GB after redeeming the code. Buy it early if you can.
🔒 Can you play before November 19?
No. Pre-loading downloads the game, but it stays locked until launch: Thursday, November 19 at midnight local time, on PS5 and Xbox (PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store).
The unlock time in every region is in our article GTA 6 Release Time.
✅ Your checklist
- 🧹 Free up a little more than 212 GB;
- 📥 PS5: Auto-Download on · Xbox: install started;
- 🌙 Console in Rest Mode or Sleep, connected to the internet;
- ⏰ See you on November 19 at midnight.
While it downloads, brush up on Leonida: our GTA 6: everything we know page, the characters and the 39 4K Launch Gallery images. 🌴
❓ FAQ
Is GTA 6 pre-load live?
Yes, since Tuesday, November 10, 2026: at midnight local time on PS5, and at 12 a.m. GMT on Xbox Series X|S (7 p.m. ET on November 9).
How many GB is GTA 6?
Rockstar says up to 212 GB depending on the console. Early measurements (RockstarINTEL) show about 210 GB to download. Keep a little more than 212 GB free.
How do I pre-load GTA 6 on PS5?
Pre-order the digital version on PlayStation Store and turn on Auto-Download (Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Automatic Updates). The game downloads on its own, even in Rest Mode if Stay Connected to the Internet is on.
Can I pre-load GTA 6 with the boxed version?
The box contains a download code, not a disc. It reaches stores from November 12: the download starts once you redeem the code.
Can I play GTA 6 before November 19?
No. The pre-loaded game stays locked until Thursday, November 19 at midnight local time, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Sources: Rockstar Games, Newswire, November 3, 2026 · PlayStation official support · sizes measured by RockstarINTEL · release time: PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store. Download times: GTA6Codes.fr calculation.