Heads Up: GTA 6 Preloads Begin November 12

I know a lot of Grand Theft Auto 6-related news is dropping today, but I wanted to remind/tell you about what to expect if you preorder. Preorders are live now, and the game will be released on November 19. But if you preorder, you’ll be able to download a copy onto your PS5 or Xbox Series S|X starting November 12, according to Rockstar. That way you’ll be able to start playing the moment it’s released.

That preload date works for both digital and “physical” preorders. I put the word physical in scare quotes because, while you do get a physical box, it doesn’t include a disc. Physical copies of GTA 6 are a code in a box. But that box will ship to you on November 12, at which point you can enter the code into your PS5 or Xbox Series X|S to download the game.

If you haven’t already preordered GTA 6 and you want to take advantage of the early preload situation, you’ll have to decide whether to buy it in digital or physical format. You’ll also have to decide whether you want the $79.99 standard edition or the $99.99 ultimate edition, the latter of which it turns out most people are preordering. Note that there’s no physical version of the ultimate edition, but you can buy the “Ultimate Edition Upgrade” for $20 on the PlayStation Store or Xbox Store.

Preorder Bonus

All preorders come with the Vintage Vice City Pack and one month of GTA+. Note that the GTA+ subscription auto-renews, so you’ll want to go ahead and set a reminder to cancel if you don’t want to continue paying for it. Here’s what’s in the Vintage Vice City Pack:

• '55 VAPID STANIER: Cruise Shore Drive in this classic sedan and store it just a stone's throw from the glistening sands of Ocean Beach in the Shore Court garage, complete with a weapon locker plus a secure place to deposit stolen goods to be fenced.
• OUTFITS AND HAIRSTYLES: Dress for excess with Jason’s effortlessly chic linen suit in vintage pastel, complemented by the cut and coif of the decade of decadence. Show everyone the world is yours in Lucia’s red sequin mini dress and curls.
• EXCLUSIVE WEAPON PATTERN: Adorn most guns with a tropical pattern inspired by Tommy Vercetti's iconic palm tree button-up.
• The Vintage Vice City Pack is included with all digital purchases of Grand Theft Auto VI made prior to November 20, 2026.

Ultimate Edition Contents

The ultimate edition includes the base game, plus a ton of extra digital content that Rockstar says is “threaded across all aspects of Jason and Lucia’s story.” Here’s what’s included:

• ’95 GROTTI CHEETAH: Grotti's signature mid '90s sports car and ode to Shore Drive, the ’95 Grotti Cheetah is complete with a minimalist, retro-futuristic livery and available to punctuate later-stage action.
• HAWK & LITTLE MORGAN REVOLVER: His and hers versions of this powerful revolver with classic Vice City stylings sourced from the Vercetti Estate, including palm-tree-etched grips, engraved detailing, and high-performance scope.
• PERSONALIZED WEAPON VARIANTS: Personalized sidearms with detailed engravings for Jason's Girardi ES9 pistol and Lucia's Klose K17 pistol.
• VICE CITY STYLE: Whether poolside or side by side, Jason and Lucia can look the part with exclusive outfits, hairstyles, tattoos, and more.
• JASON’S SAFEHOUSE VEHICLES: Switch gears and soak up the sun in an Army fatigue-tinged Dinka Enduro motorcycle or Crest Kayak.
• GANADO RETRO BUILD: Inject some muscle and classic stylings into Jason's well-worn Vapid Ganado low-riding pickup with exclusive mods.
• · SHITZU SQUALO: Perfect for casting in Gambit Bay and reeling in catches of all sorts, this gradient pink and blue Squalo docked at Washington Beach is made open-ocean-ready with an explosives-laden weapons crate.
• '67 VAPID DOMINATOR BUGGY & GARAGE: A Mud Club monster offering impressive off-road handling for the backwoods of Mount Kalaga and beyond. Conveniently store it at the Paradise Garage in Watson Bay, which features a weapon locker plus a secure place to deposit stolen goods to be fenced.
• GOODTIME GEAR: A capsule collection of apparel and accessories inspired by the Goodtime State’s hit TV show character, Macca the Alligator.
• PTT YOUNGIN$ COMPOUND: Raid the compound of one of Southside Vice City’s loudest and most socially active gangs and escape safely to score some special items and distinct contraband.
• CLASSIC CAR COLLECTION: Track down a variety of abandoned classic and work-in-progress project cars and revitalize them to their former glory in this special commission from eccentric collector and local fixer, Wyman.

Special Destinations Only Open for Business with the Ultimate Edition:

• RIDEOUT CUSTOMS: Transform vanilla vehicles into magnificent works of art with detailed interiors, exquisite rims, and donk stylings.
• SARA'S UNISEX SALON: Get signature salon styles for both Jason and Lucia, including facial hair for Jason and makeup and nails for Lucia.
• STOCK 305: Style various unique and exclusive looks for Jason and Lucia at Stockyard’s premiere destination for elevated streetwear.
• ELECTRIC FANG TATTOO: Choose from over 50 signature tattoos for both Jason and Lucia — all designed by the artist collective FAILE at Stockyard’s most iconic ink bar.
• ONE-EYED WILLIE’S: Visit Lake Leonida’s storied mod shop, specializing in off-road modifications and hand-painted automotive artistry.

Now it's time to schedule vacation from work to coincide with the November 19 launch... For full preorder info, check out our official Grand Theft Auto 6 Preorder Guide, which has everything you need to know, and a whole lot more.

Chris Reed is a senior commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN's board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Bluesky.