GTA 6 launch-day checklist: everything to do before November 19

Launch week will be busy. Work through this list in the days before November 19, 2026 and you'll be playing the moment GTA VI unlocks, with every bonus claimed.

Confirm your pre-order and edition#

Check your store library or order confirmation. Make sure it's for the right console (PS5 or Xbox Series X|S) and the edition you want. Standard owners can still upgrade to Ultimate for $20 at any point. Unsure? Read which edition to buy.

• Pre-order placed on the right console
• Edition confirmed (Standard or Ultimate)

Buy before November 20 for the bonus#

The Vintage Vice City Pack comes with every pre-order and purchase made before November 20, 2026 (the Xbox listing says by 23:59:59 on November 19). If you're buying late, don't leave it past launch day.

Clear storage space#

The download size hasn't been confirmed yet. Clear space on your console's internal storage before November 12 so the pre-load doesn't stall. We'll add the exact size here as soon as the stores list it.

Pre-load on November 12#

Digital pre-orders can pre-load from November 12, 2026. Boxed copies contain a download code, not a disc, and go on sale the same day, so redeem the code and your pre-load starts too. Check it finishes before launch night.

Redeem your GTA+ month (optional)#

Digital pre-orders include one free month of GTA+ for the current GTA Online and the GTA+ Games Library. According to the Xbox terms you have 180 days from pre-ordering to redeem it, so there's no rush. See our GTA+ guide.

Know your unlock time#

Store listings point to midnight local time, rolling around the world from New Zealand. The whole US unlocks together at midnight Eastern, which is 9 p.m. Pacific on November 18. Rockstar hasn't published an official table. Our release date hub has a live countdown and a time-zone table.

Pick up launch-day extras#

These all arrive on November 19 too, if you want them:

• Limited Edition DualSense controllers, black or white, at $84.99 (details).
• Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album, 34 original tracks (details).
• The $399.99 Goodtime State collector's box, merch only, with the official Leonida map poster (details).

Avoid spoilers and leaks#

Leaked footage of GTA VI has circulated. If you want the story fresh, mute keywords on social media during launch week. SixStars never publishes leaked material.

Set up SixStars for launch#

• Install SixStars as an app for one-tap access.
• Save guides and news with the heart button.
• Keep the map and missions tracker open on a second screen. Both go live with real data from launch.