5 Things You Need To Do Before You Install Grand Theft Auto 6

By Google News Technology · 2026-11-08T18:00:00+01:00

One of the most anticipated games of the year is finally almost upon us. "Grand Theft Auto 6" is set to release on November 19, 2026, but preloads will finally unlock on November 10, giving PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S owners a chance to prepare for the game's full release.

Many of us have been waiting years to dig into Rockstar Games' latest title, but before you do, it's best to make sure your console is ready for the inevitable hours of playtime you're about to log on it.

If you're planning on preloading the day that the game unlocks, then you'll want to make sure you're ready to go. There are a few things you can do to prepare for the game's release, starting with making sure your console has enough free storage space to hold the download. This is especially important right now, as "GTA 6" won't offer a physical disc edition at all.

The first thing you'll want to look at is how much storage you have left on your console. Rockstar has confirmed that the preload for "GTA 6" will require up to 212 GB of storage space, with the exact size depending on which console you're downloading it on. If you don't have that much free space right now, you'll either have to delete some games or add more storage to your console.

Adding storage only works if it's the right kind, though, because a USB drive won't work for "GTA 6." PS5 games stored on USB extended storage have to be copied back to the console before they can be played, so on PS5, the only real option is an M.2 SSD. On Xbox Series X|S, games have to run from the internal SSD or a Storage Expansion Card.

If you'd rather just clear things out instead, there are a few ways to easily free up space on your PlayStation 5, and Xbox owners can use the console's aptly named Free up space tool to find old add-ons and duplicate files they don't need anymore.

Rockstar says PlayStation 5 owners will be able to start their preload at midnight local time on November 10. Xbox players, on the other hand, will all get access at the same time, as the preload will unlock globally at midnight GMT, which is 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) on November 9 for players in the United States. That means Xbox players in the U.S. can actually start their download the night before anyone on PS5.

If you're planning to buy a physical copy of the game, it's best to keep in mind that "GTA 6" won't be released on disc. Instead, you'll be given a code within the box that will unlock the digital version of the game. It's also worth noting that physical copies aren't expected to reach retailers until November 12. So be prepared to wait a few more days before you can preload the game.

PlayStation codes are also region locked, and the Ultimate Edition won't be available in stores. Instead, you'll need to buy that upgrade after redeeming your code.

One reason you'll want to start preloading as soon as possible is because of how big "Grand Theft Auto 6" is. The game is roughly 212 GB, and depending on your internet speeds, it might take a while to download.

You'll also want to install any system updates before the preload goes live. On Xbox, the console checks for updates every night by default, but if a mandatory update is waiting to be installed, you won't be able to connect to Xbox network services until you install it.

If your console hasn't been turned on in a while, it's best to turn it on and check for updates before the preload unlocks, so you don't have to wait on an update before you can start downloading "GTA 6." PS5…

Originally published by Google News Technology