Grand Theft Auto VI launches on Thursday, November 19, 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and Rockstar repeated that date on November 5. This page updates our one-month countdown with the dates that have changed since, most importantly the earlier pre-load. Confirmed
Every date before launch
| When | What happens | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, Nov 9 | Take-Two reports Q2 results after the close; call at 4:30 p.m. ET (what to watch) | Confirmed |
| Mon, Nov 9 | The 2022 GTA 6 hacker’s trial is due to begin at Woolwich Crown Court (our report) | Reported |
| Mon, Nov 9, 7 p.m. ET | Xbox pre-load opens (12 a.m. GMT on Nov 10) | Confirmed |
| Tue, Nov 10 | PS5 pre-load opens at midnight local time (details) | Confirmed |
| Thu, Nov 12 | Code-in-box copies available; redeem the code to pre-load | Confirmed |
| Wed, Nov 18, 7 p.m. ET | Heat vs Bucks as “Vice City” on ESPN; Vice City jerseys on sale in limited quantities | Confirmed |
| Wed, Nov 18, from 11:00 UTC | First regions unlock, starting with New Zealand at midnight local time | Confirmed |
| Thu, Nov 19 | Launch day. UK and Ireland at midnight GMT; US and Canada at midnight Eastern (05:00 UTC); Mexico last at 06:00 UTC | Confirmed |
| Thu, Nov 19 | Rockstar adds a free printable cover poster and Leonida map to its website; GTA VI: The Album is due the same day | Confirmed |
When it unlocks where you live
GTA 6 unlocks at midnight local time in each region, which means some players start on November 18 by the clock in UTC. According to Kotaku’s schedule, Japan and South Korea go live at 15:00 UTC on November 18, India at 18:30 UTC, central Europe at 23:00 UTC, and the UK and Ireland at 00:00 UTC on November 19. Use our unlock time finder for your country.
What has not been announced
- Review embargo. Rockstar has not announced when reviews go live; see how GTA 6 reviews will work.
- PC and online. No PC version has been announced, and there is no online mode at launch. See the PC guide and GTA 6 Online.
- Frame rate. The 30fps target and any 60fps option remain unconfirmed; see our performance guide.
Your checklist
- Decide whether you are keeping your pre-order before pre-loading, because it can end refund rights on PlayStation.
- Free up space for a download of up to 212 GB.
- Pre-load from November 10, or redeem your box code from November 12.
- Check the download has finished on November 18.
- Avoid spoilers; see what to mute.
GTA 6 countdown FAQ
How many days until GTA 6?
GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026. As of November 7, that is 12 days away.
When can I pre-load GTA 6?
On PS5, from midnight local time on November 10. On Xbox Series X|S, from 12 a.m. GMT on November 10 (7 p.m. ET on November 9). Code-in-box copies are available from November 12.
What time does GTA 6 unlock in the US?
At midnight Eastern on November 19 (05:00 UTC), which is 9 p.m. Pacific on November 18.
Sources
- Kotaku — pre-load times and global release schedule
- GTA BOOM — pre-load, poster and Leonida map
- GTA BOOM — Kurtaj trial date
- GTA BOOM — Heat game tip time