Grand Theft Auto VI Preloading Is Live, With Launch Set for November 19

Players can now download Grand Theft Auto VI before it unlocks. GameSpot reports that preloading is live in all regions, starting at midnight local time, and is already open in Australia and New Zealand.

Preloading lets players download a game's files ahead of release, so the game can be played as soon as it unlocks. Rockstar Games, the publisher, had said that digital pre-orders could begin preloading on November 10 at local midnight. The pre-load file will need up to 212 GB of storage, according to Rockstar Games, which is a large download to fit onto a console.

The game launches on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. IGN has reported that it will be playable from 9pm Pacific time on November 18. Rockstar has said the game is coming only to PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Pre-orders opened on June 25 on digital storefronts and at select retailers.

Dataminers, people who search a game's files for hidden content, have posted several findings from the preload files. They report references to "join Session," "launch Activity" and "launch Multiplayer Activity," which point to online play. They also say the story campaign appears as its own separate download. Other reported references include 120Hz support and PSSR, a PlayStation upscaling feature, for the PS5 Pro. The trailers released so far were captured on a standard PS5.

Players who pre-order or buy the game by November 19 can also claim one month of GTA+, Rockstar's paid subscription service, according to PlayStation's offer terms. The offer covers the subscription itself, so players should check the terms on their own platform before claiming.

For anyone planning to play at launch, the practical steps are simple. Check your console's storage, start the download once preloading opens in your region, and keep an eye on the publisher's channels for any change to the November 19 date.