To pre-load GTA 6, pre-order it (or redeem a boxed copy's code), free 212 GB, and leave your console online. On PS5, tick auto-download on the game's release timer and use rest mode; pre-load opens at midnight local time on 10 November. On Xbox Series X|S, install it from Ready to install from 12am GMT that day.
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- NextOnline at launch?No: single-player. What's said and unknown.
How to pre-load GTA 6 on PS5
These steps come from PlayStation's own GTA VI support page. Confirmed [1]
- Pre-order on PlayStation Store or redeem your code. Buy the digital game, or enter the code from a boxed copy via your avatar > Redeem Code. The code-in-box version has no disc.
- Turn on auto-download. Game Library > Your Collection > GTA VI, select the release timer, and make sure the GTA VI checkbox is ticked.
- Stay connected in rest mode. Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode > Stay Connected to the Internet.
- Free 212 GB. Check Settings > Storage and delete or move data until at least 212 GB is free.
- Update system software. Settings > System > System Software > turn on automatic download and install of updates.
- Enter rest mode before 10 November. Control center > Power > Enter Rest Mode. Pre-load opens at midnight local time on 10 November.
- Check it started. Game Library > GTA VI > timer. If it hasn't started, select the option to download.
How to pre-load GTA 6 on Xbox Series X|S
Rockstar confirms the Xbox pre-load opens globally at 12am GMT on 10 November (11am AEDT). Confirmed [1] Microsoft hasn't published GTA VI-specific steps, so these follow its general install guidance. Reported [1] [2]
- Pre-order on the Microsoft Store or redeem your code. Use the same Microsoft account you play on.
- Find it in Ready to install. Open My games & apps on the console. Pre-orders bought from the Microsoft Store appear under Ready to install.
- Install from 12am GMT on 10 November. Select the game and install. You can also start the install from the Xbox app on mobile or xbox.com.
Pre-load facts at a glance
| Question | Answer | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-load opens | 10 Nov: PS5 midnight local, Xbox 12am GMT | Confirmed [1] [2] |
| Space needed | 212 GB on PS5 (PlayStation); "up to 212 GB depending on device" (Rockstar) | Confirmed [1] [2] |
| Boxed copies | Download code only, at retailers from 12 Nov | Confirmed [1] [2] |
| Playable from | Midnight local, 19 Nov | Confirmed [1] |
| Xbox download size | TBA | Unknown |
| Day-one patch size | TBA | Unknown |
Sharing a PS5? PlayStation says to enable Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play so other accounts can play. [1] If the download stalls, see GTA 6 pre-load not downloading. Start times by country are on GTA 6 pre-load time, and the storage checker shows what fits.
Where to go next
Planning launch night? Check your local unlock hour on the GTA 6 release time table, compare store prices on where to buy GTA 6, explore Leonida on the interactive map, and bookmark GTA 6 cheats, which lists only codes we can verify once the game is out. More explainers: all GTA 6 guides.
FAQ
How do I pre-load GTA 6 on PS5?
Pre-order or redeem your code, tick auto-download on the GTA VI release timer in Game Library, turn on Stay Connected to the Internet in rest mode, free 212 GB and put the PS5 in rest mode before midnight on 10 November.
How do I pre-load GTA 6 on Xbox?
From 12am GMT on 10 November, open My games & apps, find GTA VI under Ready to install and install it. You can also start it remotely from the Xbox app.
Can I pre-load the physical version of GTA 6?
Yes. The boxed version only contains a download code, which you redeem to pre-load. Boxed copies reach retailers from 12 November.
Can I play GTA 6 once it's pre-loaded?
No. Pre-loading only downloads the files. The game unlocks at midnight local time on 19 November.