GTA 6 preload: date, download size and how to start it

If you pre-ordered GTA 6 digitally, you can download it from Thursday, November 12, 2026, one week before release. On release night you can then start playing as soon as it unlocks.

Preload at a glance

Preload starts: November 12, 2026 (confirmed by Rockstar, no time given)
Who can preload: Digital pre-orders on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
Boxed copy: Contains a download code, not a disc. You still need to download the game.
Download size: Not announced yet. Press estimates start at around 120 to 130 GB.

Make sure automatic downloads are switched on and the console can download in rest mode.
Free up more space than the estimate. The real size usually appears in the store shortly before the preload starts.
Ignore viral numbers like 676 GB (a parody post) and never download a so-called GTA 6 ISO file: those files are malware.

Sources

Last checked: October 15, 2026

Back to the map