GTA VI preload to begin Nov. 10, needing up to 212GB

Grand Theft Auto VI players can start downloading the game on November 10, nine days before its November 19 launch. Rockstar Games Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. ↗ 1.50% announced on Tuesday, November 3, that the preload file will need up to 212 GB of storage "depending on your device," and told players to "make sure you've got ample space to begin pre-loading as soon as possible." The studio's Newswire post confirmed the November 10 start date. The size means many console owners will have to delete other games before the release.rockstargames.com+1

Preload Times by Platform

The timing depends on the console. On PlayStation 5 Sony Group Corporation, preloading opens at midnight local time in each time zone on Tuesday, November 10ign.com. On Xbox Series X|S Microsoft Corporation ↗ 2.74%, it starts at once worldwide at 12 a.m. GMT on November 10. For players in the US, that is 7 p.m. ET or 4 p.m. PT on November 9gameinformer.com. The game itself will also unlock at midnight local time on November 19purexbox.com, so players in some regions will get access earlier than others. PlayStation LifeStyle said the preload is going live "sooner than we thought"playstationlifestyle.net. Players have to pre-order the game before they can preload it.

Rockstar is not making physical discs. Boxed retail copies contain only a download code, and Rockstar said these code-in-box versions "should be available from retailers beginning November 12." Forbes noted that buyers of those copies can't start preloading until November 12, two days after digital buyers.gameinformer.com+1

A Strain on Console Storage

The 212 GB figure matches earlier claims from a well-known GTA leaker and more recent insider reports, according to Forbes. The outlet estimated that the game could fill about a quarter of a typical 1TB console's storage, and closer to half on smaller-capacity models. It also pointed out that only the PS5 Pro currently ships with 2TB.forbes.com

The standard edition costs $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition $99.99. Pre-orders on the PlayStation Store come with a free one-month GTA+ subscription.playstationlifestyle.net

Poster and Map of Leonida

Rockstar also said that on launch day it will post a printable GTA VI cover art poster and a map of the fictional state of Leonida as a free download on its official site. A double-sided printed version will go on sale at the Rockstar Store shortly after launch. It will cost $0.99, or come free with any other purchase from the store, but it won't be included in boxed copies of the game.ign.com+1