5 Things You Need to Do Before Installing Grand Theft Auto 6

One of the most anticipated games of the year is finally almost upon us. “Grand Theft Auto 6” is scheduled to release on November 19, 2026, but preloads will finally unlock on November 10, giving PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series

If you’re planning to preload the game’s unlock day, you need to make sure you’re good 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, because “GTA 6” won’t feature a physical on-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 preloading “GTA 6” will require up to 212GB of storage space, with the exact size depending on the console you’re downloading it on. If you don’t have a lot of free space at the moment, you’ll either need to remove some games or add more storage to your console.

Adding storage only works if it’s appropriate, as a USB stick won’t work for “GTA 6”. PS5 games stored on USB extended storage must be copied 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 must run from the internal SSD or a storage expansion card. If you’d rather just clear things out, there are several ways to easily free up space on your PlayStation 5, and Xbox owners can use the aptly named Free Up Console Space tool to find old add-ons and duplicate files they no longer need.

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 have access to it all at once, as the pre-load will be unlocked globally at midnight GMT, or 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) on November 9 for players in the United States. This means that Xbox players in the US can actually start their download the night before on PS5.

If you are planning to purchase a physical copy of the game, it is best to keep in mind that “GTA 6” will not be released on disc. Instead, you’ll receive a code in the box that will unlock the digital version of the game. It’s also worth noting that physical copies aren’t expected to arrive at 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 will not be available in stores. Instead, you will need to purchase this upgrade after redeeming your code.

One reason you’ll want to start preloading as soon as possible is the size of “Grand Theft Auto 6.” The game is approximately 212 GB in size, and depending on your internet speed, it may 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 required 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 for a while, it’s best to turn it on and check for updates before unlocking the preload, so you don’t have to wait for an update before you can start downloading “GTA 6.” PS5 owners can skip some of this, as system updates can be downloaded and installed themselves in rest mode as long as the console is set to stay connected to the internet.

Not everyone will be able to stay up until midnight to start preloading, and luckily you don’t have to. Both consoles can download “GTA 6” on their own, but you’ll need to make sure you have a few settings enabled first. Rockstar’s preload FAQ states that on PS5 you need to enable automatic downloads and the console must be powered on or in rest mode. On top of that, you need to make sure that Stay Connected to the Internet is enabled in the PS5’s Rest Mode settings, as the console won’t be able to download anything while in Rest Mode without it.

Xbox players will need to enable automatic updates and leave the console on or in sleep mode. If your Xbox is currently set to power-saving shutdown mode, it will not be able to download the preload while it is turned off. Microsoft changed the default power settings for Xbox consoles in 2023, so it’s a good idea to check which power mode your console is using before preloading begins, even if you don’t remember changing it. Sleep mode uses more power, but you can return to sleep mode after the download is complete.

If your console has been sitting under the TV for the past few years, now is a good time to clean it before you start playing. Dust buildup is one of the most important things to watch out for if you want to prevent your PlayStation 5 from overheating, as it traps heat inside the console and can even cause it to shut down while you’re gaming. This is especially important if you plan to spend a lot of time in “GTA 6” once it’s released, as you’ll likely leave your console running for hours at a time.

Sony actually suggests using a vacuum cleaner (or similar cleaning tool) to remove dust, and also recommends keeping the PS5 at least 4 inches from the wall. Its FAQ also says not to place the console on long-fiber carpet or cover it with a cloth. Microsoft’s guidance for the Xbox Series X|S calls for 4 to 6 inches of space on all sides and at least 1.5 inches on top, and says to avoid closed cabinet doors if possible.