How to preload GTA 6 on PS5 and Xbox
GTA 6 preload starts November 10 on PS5 and at 00:00 GMT on November 10 on Xbox. Up to 212 GB. Times, space and what to do before downloading.
Updated 3 min readBy GTA 6 Guide
Preloading GTA 6 lets you download the whole game before launch. That way, when GTA VI unlocks at midnight local time on November 19, you're not stuck watching a 200+ GB progress bar while everyone else is already in Vice City.
Rockstar moved the preload up: the pre-order announcement said November 12, and on November 3 the date changed to November 10.
Step by step
- Free up to 212 GB on your consoleThe download is up to 212 GB depending on the console. On an 825 GB PS5 (about 667 GB free out of the box) or a 512 GB Xbox Series S, a clean-up is a must.
- Update your console's system softwareDo it before the 10th. A pending update at download time only slows you down.
- Make sure the game is on your accountPreloading is for people who already own the digital version. If you bought the box, redeem the code first (boxes hit stores from November 12).
- Start the download at your console's timePS5 from midnight local time on November 10. Xbox from 00:00 GMT on November 10, the same moment worldwide.
- Leave the console in rest mode with downloads onIt downloads overnight without you having to stay up.
- Set it as your primary consoleOn PS5, turn on Console Sharing and Offline Play; on Xbox, use My home Xbox. It helps the game launch even if PSN or Xbox Live go down at launch.
- Wait for the unlock at midnight on November 19Preloading doesn't let you play early. It just has everything downloaded so you can play the moment it unlocks.
Preload times
How much space GTA 6 takes
Up to 212 GB, depending on the console. That's Rockstar's official preload figure. Leave some room on top of it, since day-one updates usually land soon after.
- 825 GB PS5: ships with about 667 GB free. It fits, but there isn't much left for other big games.
- 512 GB Xbox Series S: GTA VI and not much else. Delete anything you aren't playing.
- PS5 with an extra SSD or Series X|S with an expansion card: check which storage the game will install to before you start.
I bought the box: can I preload?
The retail version of GTA 6 has no disc: it's a download code inside the box, in stores from November 12. Once you redeem the code in your console's store, the game is on your account and you download it as usual, before launch. In short, box buyers start downloading two days after digital buyers.
What preloading doesn't do
There's also no PS4, Xbox One or PC version at launch. Still choosing an edition? See which GTA 6 edition to buy and editions and prices.
Sources: Rockstar Newswire, preload on November 10 · Rockstar Support, regional times · Rockstar Store
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Written by the GTA 6 Guide from official Rockstar, store and press information (sources at the end of the text). Fan project, not affiliated with Rockstar Games or Take-Two Interactive. Images © Rockstar Games.