GTA 6 pre-load opens on Tuesday 10 November and Rockstar says the download is up to 212 GB depending on your console (Rockstar Newswire). That's a big chunk of any PS5 or Xbox Series X|S drive, so here's how to check your space, what to clear first, and when an expansion drive actually makes sense. Updated 5 November 2026.
Short answer
- You need up to 212 GB free before pre-load starts, plus a bit of headroom for a day-one patch.
- PS5: digital pre-load starts 10 November at midnight in your local time zone.
- Xbox Series X|S: pre-load starts globally on 10 November at 12am GMT (midnight UK).
- Physical copies are a code in the box, so you still need the full download. Retailers should have them from 12 November.
- Most people can make room by deleting one or two big games. You only need a new drive if your console is genuinely full of things you still play.
Will GTA 6 fit on my console?
Consoles never give you their full advertised size, because the system software takes a slice. Rough usable space, as widely reported:
| Console | Advertised | Roughly usable | Room for 212 GB? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 (original) | 825 GB | about 667 GB | Yes, if you clear space |
| PS5 Slim | 1 TB | about 850 GB | Yes |
| PS5 Pro | 2 TB | about 1.8 TB+ | Comfortably |
| Xbox Series X | 1 TB | about 800 GB | Yes |
| Xbox Series S (512 GB) | 512 GB | about 364 GB | Only just, clear almost everything |
| Xbox Series S (1 TB) | 1 TB | about 800 GB | Yes |
Rockstar's "up to" means the size can differ by console, so treat 212 GB as the worst case and aim for a little more.
How to check your free space
- PS5: Settings, then Storage, then Console Storage. You'll see free space and a list of games sorted by size.
- Xbox: Settings, then System, then Storage devices. Or open My games and apps, then Manage, to see what's using the most.
What to delete first (without losing progress)
- Games you've finished. Your saves usually stay on the console and in the cloud with PS Plus or Xbox cloud saves, so you can reinstall later and carry on.
- The biggest installs you rarely open. Big shooters and sports games are often the worst offenders.
- Captures. Old video clips quietly eat tens of GB. Move the keepers to a USB stick first.
- Extra language packs and modes you don't play. Some games let you uninstall just the campaign or just multiplayer.
- GTA V and GTA Online? Only if you need the space. Your GTA Online character and progress are tied to your Rockstar account, not the install, so deleting the game doesn't delete your character.
Before deleting anything you care about, check cloud saves are switched on and synced.
Adding storage: the honest version
PS5: you can add an internal M.2 NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen4). Sony recommends read speeds of 5,500 MB/s or faster and a heatsink. A USB external drive can store PS5 games, but you have to copy them back to internal storage to play them. USB drives can play PS4 games directly.
Xbox Series X|S: official expansion cards plug into the back and play Series X|S games at full speed. A normal USB drive can store Series X|S games, but not run them, so it's a parking space rather than a fix. Older Xbox One games can run from USB.
If money's tight this month, deleting and reinstalling is free. An expansion drive is worth it if you're constantly juggling installs, not just for launch week.
Make sure pre-load actually starts
- PS5: turn on Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning On PS5 from Network in rest mode settings, and leave the console in rest mode overnight on the 9th.
- Xbox: use the Energy-saving or Sleep power setting that keeps updates running, and make sure the game is in your queue.
- Code-in-box copies: redeem the code the moment you get it so the download starts straight away.
For exact unlock times, prices and what to sort before launch, see our UK release time and pre-load guide and the official pre-load announcement.
How long will 212 GB take?
Very rough maths for the full 212 GB, ignoring slowdowns when everyone downloads at once:
| Your speed | ~212 GB |
|---|---|
| 50 Mbps | around 9 to 10 hours |
| 100 Mbps | around 4.5 to 5 hours |
| 300 Mbps | around 1.5 to 2 hours |
| 1 Gbps | under an hour in theory |
On an average UK connection, starting at midnight and letting it run overnight is the safe plan.
Still need the game? If you're buying digital, our partner Loaded (formerly CDKeys) often lists GTA 6 codes below the store price. Make sure the region matches your console account.
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 turn
How much space have you got, and what are you deleting to fit GTA 6? Drop it in the replies. If you haven't joined yet, create a free account to reply, enter the Ultimate Edition giveaway before 18 November, and find a crew for launch night.