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GTA 6 launchday checklist

A beginner's checklist from now to November 19, covering what to do before pre-load day, on pre-load day, the day before launch, and on launch day.

By Sunset Edition deskOct 4, 20262 min read

Get the launch-day email

A brighter guide

The key dates: pre-order before November 20 for the bonuses, pre-load from November 12, and launch on November 19, 2026. Everything else here is common sense that makes those days easier. Dates marked as confirmed come from Rockstar, Take-Two or the platform stores.

Before pre-load day (now to November 11)

Get ready

Decide on Standard or Ultimate. See editions.
Pre-order digitally or buy a physical code-in-box copy, before November 20 for the bonuses
If you want the free GTA+ month, make sure it is a digital purchase and note the claim deadline on your platform
Check your free storage and delete games you do not play
Sign in to your store account and update your payment details
Update your console system software
If you have a PS5 and want more space, read the hardware guide
Set parental controls if a child shares the console. See the parents guide

Pre-load day (November 12)

On pre-load day

On November 12, open your library or download queue. GTAbase reports the pre-load opens at local midnight. Unconfirmed
If you bought a physical copy, redeem the code from the box first.
Check the install size on the store page and clear space if needed. The official size is not announced yet. Unconfirmed
Start the download. A wired connection is more reliable than Wi-Fi.
Keep your console in rest mode if it can keep downloading.

More detail is in the pre-load guide.

The day before (November 18)

Day before launch

Confirm the download is finished and the game shows as installed
Charge your controllers, or have spare batteries or a cable ready
Check your unlock time. See unlock times
Look for a day-one update and install it if one appears
Clear your schedule and stock up on snacks and drinks

Launch day (November 19)

Launch day

The game is reported to unlock at midnight local time on PlayStation. Wait for your own region. Unconfirmed
Sign in to your account and launch the game
Accept any update the game asks for
Check that your Vintage Vice City Pack, and any Ultimate Edition items, show up as owned
Claim your GTA+ month, if you pre-ordered digitally
Take breaks and drink water

What is the most important date?

November 12 for pre-load and November 19 for launch.

What if my download is slow?

Try a wired connection, pause other downloads and restart the download.

The launch-day email

43 days to go. Want the changes in your inbox?

Unlock times, file size, price or date changes, the moment they are confirmed. Only when something changes.

Sources

5 links

Rockstar Games announces pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VITake-Two Interactive
GTA VI pre-order GTA+ offer termsPlayStation
Grand Theft Auto VI on PlayStationPlayStation
Grand Theft Auto VI on XboxXbox
Grand Theft Auto VI Rockstar Games StoreRockstar Games

We summarise facts in our own words and link to where they come from. Read the source for the full story.

Last verified Oct 5, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Suggest an edit.

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