GTA 6 Launch Week Checklist: Pre-Load, Pre-Order Bonuses and What to Do Before November 19

Grand Theft Auto VI launches on November 19, 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, less than three weeks after this article was written on October 31. If you plan to play on day one, a few dates and decisions matter more than the rumours. This checklist uses only what Rockstar's official game page and its pre-order press release say.

The key dates

Date	What happens
November 12, 2026	Pre-loading begins for digital pre-orders. The physical version, which includes a download code in the box, is also available from this date to support pre-loading.
November 19, 2026	Launch day on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Before November 20, 2026	Pre-orders and purchases made before this date include the Vintage Vice City Pack.

Step 1: Choose your edition

Rockstar's press release lists the standard edition at $79.99. A republished copy of the release lists an Ultimate Edition at $99.99, described as adding an exclusive collection of premium vehicles, weapons, apparel and action. Rockstar's game page also shows a Collector's Box called "The Vice City Collection", but it does not list a price for it, so check the Rockstar Store before budgeting for it.

• Standard ($79.99): the full single-player game.
• Ultimate Edition ($99.99): adds the premium collection of vehicles, weapons, apparel and action.
• Collector's Box: price not listed on Rockstar's page.

Step 2: Claim the pre-order extras

• Vintage Vice City Pack: included with pre-orders and with purchases made before November 20, 2026.
• GTA+: digital pre-orders also get one free month of GTA+.

The release says the game is available from the PlayStation Store, the Microsoft Store, the Rockstar Games Store and retailers worldwide. If you buy a physical copy, remember the pre-load code is inside the box, so you do not need to wait for launch day to start downloading.

Step 3: Get your console ready

Rockstar has not published a file size on the pages we checked, so do not trust numbers from social media. Two safe preparations before November 12:

• Free up as much storage as you reasonably can on the console you will play on.
• Make sure your console is updated and signed in so the pre-load starts without delays.

What Rockstar has shown recently

The "Featured News" section of Rockstar's game page lists the latest official items:

• October 29: the original score by Justice was announced.
• October 15: the Launch Trailer became available.
• October 8: the Grand Theft Auto VI Collection went on sale at the Rockstar Store.

What is still unconfirmed

• PC: Rockstar's page and press release name only PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Reports of a PC version in early 2027 are not confirmed by Rockstar.
• File size and storage needs: not stated on the pages we checked.
• Age rating: the June announcement described the game as "not yet rated", so check the rating board listing for the current status.
• Post-launch content: we have not found an official Rockstar announcement, so treat specific claims as rumours.

Keeping this page up to date

If Rockstar changes a date or announces anything new, we will update this article and note what changed. Every fact above links back to Rockstar's own pages so you can verify it yourself.