Updated 3 Nov. Pre-load now starts at midnight UK time on 10 November, and the install size is up to 212 GB.
Everything UK players need for launch week in one place: what time GTA 6 unlocks in the UK, when pre-load starts, how big the download is, and what to sort before 10 November. Official sources only, no leaks.
Short answer
- Launch day: 19 November 2026 on PS5 (including PS5 Pro) and Xbox Series X|S. (Rockstar Newswire)
- Pre-load: midnight UK time on 10 November 2026 for a UK account. On PlayStation 5, pre-load starts at local midnight on 10 November, so a UK account opens at midnight UK time. On Xbox Series X|S, pre-load starts worldwide at 00:00 GMT on 10 November, which is the same moment in the UK. (Rockstar on X) · (Newswire) · (Rockstar Support)
- UK unlock time on 19 November: Rockstar hasn't published a separate launch-day unlock time. Pre-load is tied to midnight, and that is how big digital launches usually work, so plan for around 00:00 UK time on a UK account. Treat that as expected, not confirmed. We'll update this guide the moment Rockstar or the platform stores say otherwise.
- PC: no PC version has been announced. A GamesBeat report (via Polygon) floated Q1 2027, but Rockstar hasn't confirmed it.
- Install size: up to 212 GB, depending on your device. Clear that much space before pre-load. (Rockstar on X) · (Newswire)
Every date between now and launch
| Date | What's happening | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Nov | Digital pre-load opens at midnight UK time. PS5 follows local midnight. Xbox Series X and S open worldwide at 00:00 GMT | Official (Rockstar on X, and Rockstar Support) |
| 12 Nov | Physical download codes are still expected from shops. The box is a code, not a disc | Official (Rockstar Support) |
| 18 Nov | Miami HEAT "Vice City" gameday vs Milwaukee | Official (Rockstar shared it) |
| 18 Nov | Our Ultimate Edition giveaway draw | GTA Community |
| 19 Nov | GTA 6 launches on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S | Official |
| before 20 Nov | Buy by then for the Vintage Vice City Pack pre-order bonus | Reported |
| 11 Dec | Justice's full GTA VI score album | Official |
"Local midnight" in plain English
PlayStation pre-load follows your console account's region, not where you physically are. A UK PlayStation account follows UK time, and the UK is on GMT by then (the clocks went back on 25 October), so local midnight is 00:00 GMT. If your PlayStation account is set to another country, pre-load follows that country's midnight instead.
Xbox is different. Pre-load starts for every Xbox Series X|S at 00:00 GMT on 10 November, wherever the account is based. In the UK that is still midnight.
Digital vs physical
- Digital: once your pre-order is in, the game downloads automatically when pre-load opens, as long as auto-downloads are on.
- Physical: the box holds a download code, not a disc. Rockstar Support still expects shops to start handing those boxes out on 12 November. Redeem yours the moment it lands. Pre-load is already open by then, so the download can start straight away. There is no physical Ultimate Edition. (Rockstar Support)
PlayStation and Xbox gotchas
- Region-locked codes. A UK PSN account needs a UK code. Don't buy from another country's store hoping it'll be cheaper.
- Auto-download settings. On PS5, turn on Automatic Login and rest-mode downloads so the console grabs the game overnight.
- GTA+ free month (digital pre-orders). Claim by 31 March 2027 on UK PlayStation terms, and note it can auto-renew after the free month.
- Xbox: codes aren't region-locked the same way, but a retailer matching your account country is still safest. For a UK account, Xbox pre-load opens at the same midnight on 10 November, because 00:00 GMT is midnight in the UK.
How long will the download take?
Rockstar puts the pre-load file at up to 212 GB, depending on your device. These times are for the full 212 GB at a steady speed, counting 212 GB as 212 thousand million bytes, with no overhead. A busy pre-load night will take longer.
| Your speed | Up to 212 GB |
|---|---|
| 50 Mbps | about 9 hours 25 minutes |
| 100 Mbps | about 4 hours 43 minutes |
| 300 Mbps | about 1 hour 34 minutes |
| 900 Mbps | about 31 minutes |
Use them to decide whether to start at midnight or leave the console downloading while you sleep.
Editions and prices (UK)
- Standard: £69.99
- Ultimate: £89.99
You can start on Standard and upgrade to Ultimate later. Everyone who buys before 20 November gets the Vintage Vice City Pack (pre-order bonus guide). Still deciding? Full editions and region-lock rules are in our launch prep guide.
Want it cheaper? Going digital, our partner Loaded (formerly CDKeys) often lists GTA 6 codes under the store price. Check the region matches your account before you buy.
Affiliate disclosure: the Loaded link is an affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, and it helps keep the site running for launch.
Your checklist before 10 November
- Free up to 212 GB now.
- Confirm your edition and platform.
- Pre-order from a retailer that matches your account country.
- Turn on auto-downloads and rest mode.
- Test your internet at night.
Fake "early access" warning
There's no early unlock, beta key or leaked build for sale. Anyone selling one is scamming you. Codes come from Rockstar, PlayStation, Xbox and legit retailers only.
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Over to you: are you going digital or physical, and are you staying up for midnight on the 18th? Tell us below.
Top tip from someone who learned the hard way: clear the storage space this week, not on the 18th. Nothing worse than the pre-load failing at 11pm because last year's footy game is still sitting on the drive.