GTA 6 Official Physical Release Announced Alongside Pre-Orders

2 hours ago 8

Published Sep 18, 2026, 5:22 AM EDT

Known as 'Cyberpunk 2077's' biggest fan, Angharad is a Welsh games writer who thrives in anything related to digital storytelling. If a video game explores the intricacies and horrors of womanhood, she is there.

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We are finally on the homestretch when it comes to the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI. After over a decade since the last installment was released, and following two major delays, the most anticipated game of all time is just two months away from release, but following the news that Rockstar Games would not be offering physical copies of GTA VI, fans were left disappointed.

However, in a bizarre turn of events, said fans can now get their hands on a physical release. Just not in the way they would have expected.

Set to launch on 19 November for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, Grand Theft Auto VI marks the eighth main installment in the Rockstar saga, and the first in well over a decade. Set in the state of Leonida, inspired by real-life Florida, the story will follow Jason and Lucia, a Bonnie and Clyde-esque couple, and their exploits as they immerse themselves in the criminal underbelly of the city.

Lucia and Jason from Grand Theft Auto 6 pose next to each other.

Allowing players to seamlessly switch between the two, it was just last month that fans finally got their first glimpse at gameplay courtesy of a collaboration between Rockstar and Netflix. It was during this showcase that we could see how far the franchise has come since the first entry, Grand Theft Auto, launched way back in 1997.

However, with Rockstar deciding to not offer a physical copy of Grand Theft Auto VI to purchase, fans will have to make do with a digital download. That being said, if you do wish for something physical to commemorate the launch of the game, we do have the next best thing.

Announced just yesterday, pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album are now live, and, as you can expect from the title, it features a soundtrack of some of the game's most memorable hits.

On the official site, the album can be purchased on CD or vinyl, with the latter available in two editions: standard and limited. Alternatively, you can pre-save the album on music services such as Apple Music and Spotify.

Although we have not yet experienced the full soundtrack for GTA VI just yet, Rockstar has revealed a handful of tracks that customers can expect to find on Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album:

Yung Lean - That's It (feat. Future & Metro Boomin)
Travis Scott - RHYNO (prod. by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo)
CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, PinkPantheress, Fred again.. & Etienne de Crécy - Sexy Magic
Morgan Wallen - Last Thing You Need
Rauw Alejandro - Macacoa 2000
Keith Richards - Bright Lights, Big City

Whilst the CD version will cost $19.98/£10.99, the standard vinyl retails at $49.98/£44.99. Alternatively, the limited edition vinyl set, which includes "two transparent magenta discs filled with blue liquid" and exclusive artwork and packaging, retails for $124.98/£108.99.

Although this is a stunning piece of merchandise, it is ironic that fans can purchase a physical copy of the soundtrack, but not a physical copy of the actual game. Not only that, but with many sites selling this album already being met with stock shortages, it just proves that the people still yearn for physical releases. Hopefully, this launch will inspire Rockstar to make the right decision in the future.