How to prepare for the GTA 6 launch: storage, preload and editions

Only a few days to go, and the download is huge. Follow these steps and you will be able to start playing on November 19 without waiting around. You can tick off the list as you go: your progress is saved in this browser.

• Pick an edition and buy before November 20Step 1
• Free up at least 212 GB, with some marginStep 2
• Start the preloadStep 3
• Update the console and leave downloads in rest mode onStep 4
• Redeem the month of GTA+ (digital pre-orders only)Step 5
• Note the unlock time: midnight on November 19Step 6

1. Pick an edition and buy in time

There are two editions: Standard ($79.99) and Ultimate ($99.99). In the UK they cost £69.99 and £89.99. The Ultimate adds exclusive vehicles, custom weapons, clothing and stores, but no missions. If you buy digitally before November 20, 2026, you get the Vintage Vice City Pack: a 1955 Vapid Stanier with a garage, retro clothing and a palm-tree finish for weapons.

We compare both editions in editions, price and pre-order bonus.

2. Free up at least 212 GB

Rockstar asks for up to 212 GB of free space, depending on the console. We recommend leaving room for the day-one patch and later updates.

Console	Total storage	Approx. usable space
PS5 (original model)	825 GB	~667 GB
PS5 Slim / PS5 Pro	1 TB / 2 TB	~848 GB / ~1.8 TB
Xbox Series X	1 TB	~802 GB
Xbox Series S (512 GB)	512 GB	~364 GB
Xbox Series S (1 TB)	1 TB	~802 GB

Usable space can vary with each system update. On the 512 GB Xbox Series S, GTA 6 will take up more than half the drive, so you will probably need to uninstall other games.

Tip: on PS5, you can move PS4 games to an external USB drive to free up internal space. On Xbox, Xbox One and backward-compatible games can run from a USB drive, but Series X|S games need the internal SSD or an expansion card.

3. Start the preload

Digital preloading has been open since November 10, 2026, two days earlier than the 12th Rockstar originally announced.

• PS5: open the game in your library, under Purchased, and select Download.
• Xbox Series X|S: go to My games & apps, then Ready to install, and select the game.
• Physical box: inside there is a code, not a disc. Redeem it on your console’s store and the preload starts the same way.

4. Update your console and enable rest mode

Install the latest system software and leave automatic downloads in rest mode switched on. That way the day-one patch installs by itself and you won’t be stuck waiting for it at midnight.

5. Redeem your month of GTA+

If you pre-ordered on the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store, you have one free month of GTA+. Redeem it in time. The subscription renews automatically at the regular price unless you cancel, so make a note of the date.

6. Check the unlock time

The game is expected to unlock at midnight local time on Thursday, November 19 (00:00 CET in mainland Spain, for example). Rockstar hasn’t announced a single worldwide time, so we will confirm it that night in release date, unlock time and platforms.

What’s next?

From launch we will publish the cheats, the map and the collectibles, which are what people search for most in the first few days. The next guide in this series will be tips for your first hours in Leonida.