GTA 6 release countdown: 69 days to November 19, the two dates that matter

Today is September 11. GTA 6 drops on November 19, so do the math: 69 days left. Two windows actually matter: the November 12 preload and the November 20 preorder bonus cutoff.

The timeline

Two windows you don't want to miss

November 12: digital preload. Download the game to your SSD a week early and jump in at midnight on launch day, instead of staring at a multi-dozen-GB progress bar. Preload is digital-only. The physical edition is a download code, no disc, so it works out the same either way.

November 20: preorder bonus cutoff. Preorder or buy before this date and you get the Vintage Vice City Pack, a set of 1980s-style outfits and vehicles. Digital preorders also get a free month of GTA+. Neither edition (Standard $79.99, Ultimate $99.99) has early access.

Three things to do now

• Free up SSD space. Rockstar hasn't announced the install size, but don't plan for the low end. Expect 150GB and don't be shocked at 200GB+. Xbox Series S is tightest, with roughly 364GB usable, and this one game can eat most of it.
• Pick your edition. Story only? The Standard $79.99 is enough. Want exclusive vehicles, weapons, and extra story content? Add $20 for the Ultimate.
• Don't get scammed. The closer we get to launch, the more fake countdown pages and "leaked build" sites pop up. Any "pay to play early" offer is fake. There's no early access and no PC version.

The short version

69 days isn't short, but November 12 and November 20 will slip by fast. Clear your storage and pick your edition now, and all that's left on launch day is waiting.

Preloading or grabbing a physical code? Tell us your plan.