GTA 6 Pre-Load Checklist: What to Do Before November 10

Update, November 7: Xbox catalog data reported by several outlets shows a download of about 225 GB, more than the 212 GB Rockstar gives. We’ve updated step 2.

GTA 6 pre-load opens on Tuesday, November 10, and a console that’s set up in advance will start the download by itself. Our download size page explains how pre-load works. This is the hands-on version.

Before pre-load opens

Check that you qualify. Digital pre-orders can pre-load from the start. Boxed copies hold a download code, not a disc, so you can start once you’ve redeemed the code. They reach stores on November 12.
Work out how much to clear. Sony says to clear at least 212 GB on PS5. Rockstar says up to 212 GB depending on your device and gives no separate Xbox figure, but Xbox catalog data reported by Notebookcheck and Output Lag shows about 225 GB. Neither Rockstar nor Microsoft has confirmed that number, but it’s safer to plan for it on Xbox. Our storage check shows how far off you are. Leave spare room, since a launch-day update could add more, although none has been announced.
Move games instead of deleting them. You can move PS5 games to a USB drive, but you can’t play them from it, so you’d copy a game back before playing it. The same goes for games optimized for Xbox Series X|S.
Turn on automatic downloads. Rockstar’s pre-load FAQ says the download starts by itself with these settings:
- PS5: go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Automatic Updates and turn on Auto-Download. Then go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode and turn on Stay Connected to the Internet.
- Xbox: go to Settings > System > Updates and turn on Keep my games & apps up to date. Then set Settings > General > Power options to Sleep.
Leave the console on, or in Rest Mode or Sleep mode, when pre-load opens. On PS5 that’s midnight local time on November 10. On Xbox it’s one moment worldwide: midnight GMT on November 10, which is 7 PM Eastern and 4 PM Pacific on Monday, November 9.

How long it could take

These are our own best-case sums for a 212 GB download with nothing else using your connection. Expect it to run slower: Wi-Fi, network traffic and store servers all play a part.

Connection	Best case
25 Mbps	about 19 hours
100 Mbps	about 4 hours 45 minutes
300 Mbps	about 1 hour 35 minutes
1 Gbps	about 28 minutes

If your plan has a monthly data cap, the download counts toward it.

Some internet providers offer temporary speed boosts. In the US, Spectrum says eligible customers can opt in to a free Gig Speed Lift in the My Spectrum app from November 9 to 30, with speeds up to 1 Gbps. It’s Spectrum’s own promotion, not tied to Rockstar, and it gives no early access. We’re not recommending it.

No need to rush

Pre-loading doesn’t let you play early. The files stay locked until the game unlocks in your region, so finishing on November 15 is as good as finishing on November 10. If your connection is slow, start early anyway. Only download through the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store, because any other GTA 6 download is fake.