Grand Theft Auto 6 preloading begins today, Tuesday 10 November, nine days before the game launches, according to Rockstar Games. Players who pre-ordered the digital version can start downloading the game now, although the files will stay locked until launch day.
On PlayStation 5, preloading begins at midnight local time in each player's time zone, according to Rockstar's support page, which was updated on 3 November. On Xbox Series X|S, preloading begins globally at 12 a.m. GMT on 10 November. The game itself launches at midnight local time on Thursday 19 November in all regions, on both consoles.
Players will need plenty of free space. According to Rockstar, the pre-load file will require up to 212 GB depending on the device, and Notebookcheck reports that PlayStation players need at least 212 GB free on their PS5. The figure, published in Rockstar's Newswire post of 3 November, is the first install size the studio has given for the game.
Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, said on Monday 9 November that pre-orders are tracking far in excess of its initial expectations, according to its fiscal second-quarter results. The publisher reported net bookings of US$1.60 billion for the quarter and held its full-year guidance at US$8.0 billion to US$8.2 billion.
The launch remains a console release for now. Rockstar has announced GTA 6 only for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with no confirmed PC version or PC release date. Boxed copies, which contain a download code rather than a disc, go on sale on 12 November so boxed buyers can preload on the same schedule. Rockstar and PlayStation will also stage a launch event, Grand Theft Auto VI: The Festival, in Miami on Saturday 21 November, two days after the game arrives.