GTA 6 Preloads Begin Nov. 10 and Need Up to 212 GB of Space
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Rockstar Games has confirmed that players can begin preloading Grand Theft Auto 6 on Nov. 10, nine days before the Nov. 19 launch. The download is large: IGN reported that the preload file weighs up to 212 GB, so players will need to clear space on their consoles ahead of time.
The start time differs by console. PlayStation 5 preloads follow each player's local midnight, while Xbox Series X and S preloads start at the same moment worldwide.
When preloading starts on PS5 and Xbox
According to IGN, Rockstar said PS5 preloading begins at midnight local time on Tuesday, Nov. 10, in each time zone. That means 9 p.m. on Nov. 9 in Los Angeles, 12 a.m. on Nov. 10 in New York and 12 a.m. on Nov. 10 in London, based on IGN's schedule.
On Xbox Series X and S, preloading begins at 12 a.m. GMT on Nov. 10 everywhere. IGN converted that to 4 p.m. PT and 7 p.m. ET on Nov. 9. In Tokyo and Seoul it falls at 9 a.m. on Nov. 10, according to IGN's list.
Physical code-in-box versions for both consoles "should" reach retailers starting Nov. 12, Rockstar said, as reported by IGN. Polygon noted that players can also buy the game from their platform's digital store. Rockstar also confirmed, per IGN, that the game launches globally on Nov. 19 on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S at local midnight.
How much space GTA 6 needs
Rockstar said the preload file is up to 212 GB, "depending on your device," IGN reported. Polygon told readers they need at least 212 GB of free storage, and MP1st described the figure as the size of the preload. MP1st also called it the largest base game download for any current-generation game, a comparison that is the outlet's own and not part of Rockstar's announcement.
MP1st said a report last week had already mentioned the game's file size and a review embargo, and that Rockstar's confirmation matches it closely. Rockstar urged players, per IGN, to have ample space so they can start preloading as soon as possible.
Key numbers at a glance
- Nov. 10: preloading opens on PS5 (local midnight) and Xbox Series X and S (12 a.m. GMT).
- Nov. 12: code-in-box versions should be available at retailers.
- Nov. 19: global launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S.
- 212 GB: the size of the preload file, which may vary depending on the device.
- $0.99: the price of an optional physical poster from the Rockstar Store.
Why it matters for players
Preloading lets players download the game before launch so they can start playing when it unlocks. With a file of up to 212 GB, many players may need to delete other games or free up storage first, a point Polygon raised directly. Download time will depend on each player's internet connection, which the sources do not address.
The differing start times also affect planning. A player in New York on PS5 can begin at midnight local time on Nov. 10, while an Xbox player in the same city can begin at 7 p.m. on Nov. 9, according to IGN's schedule.
Polygon also reported that the PS5 has received two firmware updates in a short period, and said some people believe they are meant to head off jailbreaking attempts before the game arrives. MP1st said Sony released an update this week for "security" and offered the same guess about its purpose. Neither outlet attributed that theory to Sony. Polygon said players who want to play right away should make sure their console is up to date.
Free and paid extras: the poster and Leonida map
Rockstar said that on Nov. 19 it will add a printable GTA 6 cover art poster and a map of Leonida, the game's setting, as a free digital download on its official site, according to IGN and Polygon. A double-sided physical version will be sold shortly after launch through the Rockstar Store. IGN reported that it will cost $0.99 on its own or come free with any Rockstar Store purchase.
What happens next
Preloading opens Nov. 10, code-in-box copies should reach stores Nov. 12, and the game unlocks at local midnight on Nov. 19. Polygon noted that another console update could arrive before launch.
Around Prague, based on reporting by IGN, MP1st, Polygon.com
