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Category: GTA 6

  • GTA 6 Pre-Load Guide: Dates, Times and How to Get Ready

    GTA 6 Pre-Load Guide: Dates, Times and How to Get Ready

    GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and you can download it a week early. Pre-loading lets the game sit installed on your console, locked, so you’re not stuck waiting on a huge download with everyone else on launch day.

    This guide sticks to what Rockstar, Sony and Microsoft have actually published, checked October 11, 2026, and flags what hasn’t been announced yet.

    Quick answer

    Pre-loading starts at local midnight on November 12, 2026, according to Rockstar Support. Digital pre-orders of either edition can pre-load, and boxed copies can pre-load once you’ve redeemed the code inside. The US PlayStation Store currently lists the unlock as midnight Eastern on November 19. The file size hasn’t been announced.

    What’s confirmed
    Pre-load startsLocal midnight, November 12, 2026 (Rockstar Support)
    Launch dateNovember 19, 2026, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
    Unlock time on launch dayUS PlayStation Store lists 05:00 UTC Nov 19 (midnight Eastern); Rockstar hasn’t published a schedule
    File sizeNot announced
    Who can pre-loadDigital pre-orders, and boxed buyers once the code is redeemed
    Boxed copies availableExpected from November 12 (shipping and in-store pickup)

    When does GTA 6 pre-loading start?

    At local midnight on November 12, 2026. Rockstar’s support page confirms both the date and the time, so the download should become available as the date changes where you live.

    Rockstar’s June pre-order announcement gave November 12 as the date digital pre-orders can begin pre-loading. Its support page on editions and versions adds the time: local midnight.

    The pre-loaded game stays locked until launch. You can’t play any of it early; you’re just getting the download out of the way.

    Can you pre-load the boxed version?

    Yes, once you have the code. The boxed GTA 6 contains a download code instead of a disc, and Rockstar says codes can be redeemed as soon as you receive them to support pre-loading.

    Rockstar expects boxed copies to be available for shipping and pickup from November 12. That’s the earliest date, not a guaranteed delivery date, so if your box arrives on the 15th, your pre-load window starts on the 15th. If having it ready for launch matters to you, pre-ordering digitally or a confirmed in-store pickup are the safer options.

    Once you have the box, redeem the code in your console’s store:

    • PS5: open the PlayStation Store, press the Triangle button, select … (More) and choose Redeem Code.
    • Xbox: open the Microsoft Store, go to the menu and choose Redeem, or redeem on the web at xbox.com/redeem.

    Make sure you’re signed in to the account you’ll play on. Redeemed content can’t be moved to a different account afterward.

    One thing to check before buying a code anywhere other than your console’s own store: per Rockstar Support, GTA 6 codes for PlayStation only work on accounts in the matching region (a North American code works on US and Canadian accounts), while GTA 6 codes for Xbox aren’t region-locked. Our guide to where to buy game keys safely covers how to avoid bad codes.

    What time does GTA 6 unlock on November 19?

    Rockstar hasn’t published an unlock schedule, but the US PlayStation Store currently lists GTA 6’s release as 05:00 UTC on November 19. That’s midnight Eastern, or 9:00 PM Pacific on November 18. Other regions show different times, and store listings can change before launch.

    The US listing suggests the game unlocks at the same moment across the US rather than at each time zone’s own midnight, which means West Coast players may be able to start on the evening of November 18. Microsoft’s store page shows November 19 but no exact time yet.

    You’ll also find sites claiming other times, including a supposed 1:00 PM US unlock attributed to Rockstar. That claim cites no Rockstar source and doesn’t match the PlayStation Store listing, so ignore it.

    The practical advice: pre-load early, then check your own console’s store page for GTA 6 in the days before launch, since that’s where any change will show up first.

    How big is GTA 6?

    Rockstar hasn’t published an install size, and neither the PlayStation Store nor the Xbox Store lists one yet. Ignore viral screenshots claiming a specific number until an official figure appears.

    Unverified numbers ranging from about 120GB to over 600GB have circulated online. None come from Rockstar, and at least one widely shared screenshot traced back to a parody account. Rockstar’s big open-world games have historically been large downloads, so it’s sensible to plan for a lot of space, but don’t buy new storage on the strength of a rumor.

    What you can do now is check how much free space you actually have:

    • PS5: go to Settings > Storage to see free space on the console’s internal SSD.
    • Xbox: go to Settings > System > Storage devices.

    The console most likely to feel tight is the 512GB Xbox Series S, which has about 364GB available for games, apps and captures once system files are accounted for, according to IGN’s testing. If you’re unsure which console has room, our PS5 vs Xbox Series X for GTA 6 guide lists the storage on each model.

    If the final size turns out to be more than you can free up, our guide to the best console accessories for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S covers storage expansion options for both.

    How to set up your PS5 to pre-load GTA 6

    Check that auto-download is switched on for your GTA 6 pre-order itself, then let the console stay connected to the internet in rest mode. If both are set, the download starts as soon as it’s available.

    Sony’s support pages explain the settings:

    1. Open your Game Library, select your GTA 6 pre-order and select its countdown timer. Make sure the checkbox next to the game is selected. That’s what turns on auto-download for a pre-order.
    2. Go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode and turn on Stay Connected to the Internet.
    3. Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Automatic Updates and turn on Auto-Download, so any updates download too.
    4. Leave the PS5 in rest mode overnight on November 11 rather than switching it fully off.

    If the download hasn’t started by the morning of November 12, open your Game Library, select GTA 6 and start the download manually.

    One warning before you pre-load on PlayStation: Sony’s policy is that once a pre-order has started downloading, including pre-loading, you can no longer cancel it for a refund. If you’re still unsure about your pre-order, decide before November 12, or turn auto-download off for it until you’re sure.

    How to set up your Xbox to pre-load GTA 6

    Make sure automatic updates for games are on and use Sleep mode for the most predictable overnight download. Then check the queue on November 12 to confirm the pre-load actually started.

    1. Go to Settings > General > Power options and choose Sleep. Shutdown (energy saving) mode can still download overnight during the console’s scheduled maintenance, but Sleep keeps the console more ready for remote and automatic installs. If you’ve set active hours for Sleep, make sure they cover the night.
    2. Go to Settings > System > Updates and make sure Keep my games & apps up to date is on.
    3. If you have more than one Xbox, automatic installs go to your Home Xbox, so make sure that’s the console you’ll play on.
    4. Leave the console asleep overnight on November 11.

    If the download hasn’t appeared by November 12, check My games & apps > Manage > Queue, or find GTA 6 in your full library and install it from there.

    Pre-load checklist

    Do these before November 12 to give yourself the best chance of having GTA 6 downloaded and ready when it unlocks.

    • Pre-order digitally, or arrange store pickup for a boxed copy if you want the full pre-load week.
    • Check your free storage and clear space if you’re low. Wait for the official size before buying extra storage.
    • Turn on automatic downloads and rest or sleep mode using the steps above, including the pre-order checkbox on PS5.
    • Check the download queue on November 12 to make sure the pre-load actually started, and again before launch to make sure it finished.
    • Leave some extra space for any update that arrives before or on launch day.
    • Redeem your boxed code the day you get it.
    • Note your GTA+ month. Digital pre-orders include one month of GTA+, which renews automatically as a paid membership once you activate it unless you cancel. Claim it by March 31, 2027 on PlayStation, or within 180 days of placing your pre-order on Xbox. Claiming GTA+ is separate from pre-loading the game.
    • Check your store page for the unlock time in the days before November 19.

    Who this isn’t for: PC players. GTA 6 is launching on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, and Rockstar hasn’t announced a PC version.

    Haven’t pre-ordered yet?

    There’s still time to pre-order and get the full week of pre-loading. The boxed Standard Edition is sold at major retailers, including Amazon:

    Not sure which edition to get? Our Standard vs Ultimate Edition guide breaks it down. And while you wait, here are the best games to play while waiting for GTA 6, or put the time into GTA Online with our complete guide to making money fast.

  • PS5 vs Xbox Series X for GTA 6: Which Console Should You Buy?

    PS5 vs Xbox Series X for GTA 6: Which Console Should You Buy?

    Grand Theft Auto VI launches on November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S only. There’s no PC version announced, so if you don’t own one of these consoles, you’ll need one to play at launch. From what’s been reported so far, console versions are running at 30 frames per second, and nothing suggests a big gap between PlayStation and Xbox. The clearest difference right now is price.

    Console prices below are US list prices as of early October 2026. Retailer deals, bundles and refurbished units can be cheaper.

    Quick answer

    If you already own a PS5 or an Xbox Series X|S, play GTA 6 on that. If you’re buying a console for it, the PS5 Digital Edition is the better value right now: it costs $150 less than the Xbox Series X Digital Edition, and Rockstar’s own PS5 footage shows the game running well.

    The Xbox Series S is the cheapest way in at $499.99, but its GTA 6 performance hasn’t been shown and its storage is tight. The PS5 Pro carries a “PS5 Pro Enhanced” label, but nobody has said what that means for GTA 6 yet.

    Console prices for GTA 6 (US, October 2026)

    ConsoleList priceDisc driveNotes
    Xbox Series S (512GB)$499.99NoCheapest option; GTA 6 performance not yet shown
    Xbox Series S (1TB)$599.99NoMore storage, same performance as the 512GB model
    PS5 Digital Edition (825GB)$599.99No (add-on drive sold separately)Best value of the full-power consoles
    PS5 (disc, 1TB)$649.99YesMore storage than the Digital Edition
    Xbox Series X Digital$749.99NoSame performance as the disc Series X
    Xbox Series X (disc)$799.99Yes
    PS5 Pro (2TB)$899.99No (add-on drive sold separately)“PS5 Pro Enhanced,” details unannounced

    Sony raised PS5 prices on April 2, 2026, and Microsoft raised Xbox prices on August 1, 2026. Those are the prices shown above. You may see claims online that Sony rolled its prices back in August 2026; that appears to be a mix-up with Sony’s August 2025 price change, and Sony’s own store still lists the April 2026 prices.

    How does GTA 6 run on PS5 and Xbox?

    Console builds of GTA 6 were reportedly running at 30 frames per second in August, and Rockstar hasn’t committed to a 60fps mode. Analysis of Rockstar’s PS5 footage found a 1440p image at a mostly stable 30fps. Nothing comparable has been shown for Xbox, and final performance modes haven’t been announced.

    In late August, journalist Davy Jones reported a conversation with Rockstar co-studio head Rob Nelson after a studio visit. According to that account, the console builds were running at 30 frames per second, and Nelson said he’d need to check with the technical team about whether a 60fps option will come at launch or later. That’s a report about the game in development, not a final specification from Rockstar.

    Digital Foundry analyzed Rockstar’s extended gameplay footage, which PlayStation says was captured entirely on PS5. It estimated a native resolution of 2560×1440 (or very close to it) and a mostly stable, well-paced 30fps with occasional single-frame drops. Because that footage is itself a 30fps video, it’s a good sign rather than a test of the finished game.

    What that means for each console:

    • PS5: The only console GTA 6 has been shown running on so far, and the footage looks solid.
    • Xbox Series X: Its hardware is broadly comparable to the PS5, but no GTA 6 footage or analysis from it has been published, so don’t assume it will run better, worse or the same until it’s tested.
    • Xbox Series S: A weaker console with less memory. Neither Rockstar nor Microsoft has published its resolution or frame rate for GTA 6. Expect a lower resolution than the Series X, but treat anything more specific as a guess until it’s shown.
    • PS5 Pro: PlayStation’s store lists GTA 6 as “PS5 Pro Enhanced,” but no one has said what the enhancements are. In its general testing of CPU-limited games, Digital Foundry found the Pro only around 7% faster than a standard PS5, which it says is unlikely on its own to double GTA 6 to 60fps. That’s not a GTA 6 test, and the Pro’s stronger graphics hardware could still improve image quality. Don’t spend $899.99 on a Pro for GTA 6 alone until Rockstar explains what you get.

    Features that differ

    On PS5, GTA 6 supports the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, plus Tempest 3D Audio. On Xbox, the game is labeled “Optimized for Xbox Series X|S,” but no Game Pass inclusion has been announced, so budget to buy the game on either console.

    PlayStation’s GTA 6 page lists haptic feedback, adaptive trigger resistance, sound effects through the DualSense’s built-in speaker, Tempest 3D Audio and fast loading from the PS5’s SSD. Xbox’s store page doesn’t list GTA 6 specific features beyond the “Optimized for Xbox Series X|S” badge.

    Game Pass is still a reason some people prefer Xbox, but don’t count on it for GTA 6. Neither Microsoft nor Rockstar has announced GTA 6 for Game Pass, and it’s sold as a standalone purchase on the Xbox Store, the same $79.99 or $99.99 as on PlayStation. Our Standard vs Ultimate Edition guide explains which edition to get.

    Do you need a disc drive?

    Not for GTA 6. The announced boxed version contains a download code instead of a disc, so a digital-only console plays it the same as a disc model. A disc drive still has value for used games, other physical games and Blu-ray movies.

    Rockstar confirmed in June that the physical version of GTA 6 is a download code in a box. Rockstar hasn’t announced a disc release. That makes the digital models a sensible way to save $50 if GTA 6 is your main reason for buying, with two catches:

    • The PS5 Digital Edition has less storage. Sony lists it at 825GB, against 1TB for the disc PS5. So the extra $50 for the disc model also buys more space.
    • Physical game libraries need a disc drive. If you own Xbox or PlayStation games on disc, buy the disc version so you can keep playing them.

    What about storage?

    GTA 6’s install size hasn’t been announced. Check how much free space you have before pre-loading opens on November 12, but don’t buy extra storage until the real size is known.

    Neither Rockstar nor the Xbox Store lists an install size yet. Treat the large numbers floating around online as estimates. The 512GB Series S is the console most likely to feel tight, followed by the 825GB PS5 Digital Edition, since system software takes part of each. If the size turns out to be more than you can free up, our guide to the best console accessories for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S covers storage expansion options for both.

    Which console should you buy for GTA 6?

    For most people buying new, the PS5 Digital Edition. If your game library and your other games are on Xbox, the Series X is still a good choice. It just costs more right now.

    Buy a PS5 Digital Edition if:

    • You don’t own a current console and want the best value for GTA 6.
    • You want the console GTA 6 has actually been shown running on.
    • You like the idea of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

    Buy an Xbox Series X if:

    • You already have an Xbox library, accessories or a Game Pass subscription you use, or your friends play other games with you on Xbox. (The PlayStation and Xbox stores currently describe GTA 6 as single-player, and no online mode or crossplay details have been announced.)
    • Your Xbox games are on disc. In that case, pick the disc Series X ($799.99), not the Digital model.
    • You’re happy to pay $150 more than a PS5 Digital for that ecosystem.

    Buy an Xbox Series S only if:

    • Budget is the deciding factor and you accept a likely lower resolution and less storage. The Series S can’t play discs at all. Wait for performance coverage before launch if you can.

    Skip the PS5 Pro for now if:

    • GTA 6 is your main reason. At $899.99 with unannounced enhancements, it’s a hard sell until Rockstar details what the Pro version adds.

    Who this isn’t for: PC players. Rockstar hasn’t announced a PC version of GTA 6. If you’re weighing a gaming PC against a console for open-world games in general, our PC vs console comparison covers the tradeoffs.

    Where to buy

    Prices change often, so check the current price before you buy:

    No official GTA 6 console bundle had been announced by Sony or Microsoft as of early October, so for now you’ll buy the console and the game separately. If a bundle appears before launch, compare it against the separate prices above.

    If you’re buying a new controller to go with it, see our best gaming controller guide. Waiting for November 19? Here are the best games to play while waiting for GTA 6.

  • GTA 6 Standard vs Ultimate Edition: Which Should You Buy?

    GTA 6 Standard vs Ultimate Edition: Which Should You Buy?

    Grand Theft Auto VI launches on November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and it comes in two editions: Standard at $79.99 and Ultimate at $99.99. The extra $20 buys a pack of in-game extras, not a different game. The more useful detail is buried in Rockstar’s support pages: the Ultimate content is also sold separately as an upgrade, and on the Xbox Store it costs exactly the $20 gap. That changes the decision for most people.

    Prices below are US list prices from Rockstar and Take-Two, with Canadian prices from the Xbox Store, checked October 8, 2026.

    Quick comparison

    Standard EditionUltimate Edition
    US price$79.99$99.99
    Canadian price (Xbox Store)CA$109.99CA$139.99
    The main game and storyYesYes
    Vintage Vice City Pack (buy before Nov 20)YesYes
    One month of GTA+ (digital pre-orders)YesYes
    Ultimate vehicles, weapons, outfits, shops and activitiesNo (sold separately as an upgrade)Yes
    Boxed retail versionYes (a download code in the box, no disc)No, digital only
    Pre-load from November 12YesYes

    What’s in the Standard Edition?

    The Standard Edition includes the base game and the main story across Leonida. What it lacks are the Ultimate extras: some vehicles, weapons, styles, five shops and a couple of side activities. Anyone who pre-orders or buys it before November 20 also gets the Vintage Vice City Pack.

    Rockstar’s support page describes it simply: the Standard Edition includes the game. Rockstar’s descriptions of the Ultimate Edition list extras and side content, not a separate part of the main campaign.

    The Vintage Vice City Pack is the pre-order and early-purchase bonus for both editions. Per Rockstar, it includes a ’55 Vapid Stanier sedan with a garage, outfits and hairstyles, and an exclusive weapon pattern. It applies to purchases made before November 20, 2026, so buying on launch day (November 19) still counts, but the day after does not.

    What does the Ultimate Edition add?

    The Ultimate Edition is the Standard Edition plus the Ultimate Edition Upgrade: extra vehicles, weapons, clothing, shops and a couple of side activities, spread through Jason and Lucia’s story.

    Based on the upgrade’s listing on the Xbox Store and Rockstar’s announcement, the extras include:

    • Vehicles: a ’95 Grotti Cheetah, the Ganado Retro Build (exclusive modifications for Jason’s Vapid Ganado pickup), a Shitzu Squalo watercraft, a ’67 Vapid Dominator buggy with a garage, and Jason’s safehouse motorcycle and kayak.
    • Weapons: the Hawk & Little Morgan revolvers (one for each protagonist) and engraved versions of Jason’s and Lucia’s pistols.
    • Style: Vice City themed outfits, hairstyles and tattoos for both characters, plus Goodtime Gear apparel.
    • Activities: a raid on a gang compound in Southside Vice City and a classic car collection commission from a fixer named Wyman.
    • Shops that only open with the Ultimate Edition: Rideout Customs, Sara’s Unisex Salon, Stock 305, Electric Fang Tattoo and One-Eyed Willie’s.

    That last point is what has made the Ultimate Edition controversial. The store listings describe those five as destinations “only open for business with the Ultimate Edition.” Rockstar says the Ultimate content is threaded across Jason and Lucia’s story, with items unlocking as you progress through the chapters rather than all at once on day one.

    Can you upgrade from Standard to Ultimate later?

    Yes. Rockstar sells the Ultimate Edition Upgrade separately for $20 (CA$30 on the Xbox Store), which is exactly the price gap between the two editions. At current Xbox list prices, buying Standard now and upgrading later costs the same as buying Ultimate.

    Rockstar’s support page confirms that Standard owners can buy the upgrade as a digital add-on through the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store at any point. If you buy the boxed version, you can upgrade once you’ve redeemed the code in the box.

    That means you don’t have to decide now. Start with Standard, play for a few days, and if you find yourself wanting the Cheetah or wishing that tattoo parlor were open, upgrade then. You might decide you don’t care. Prices and promotions can change, so check the upgrade price when you’re ready to buy.

    The upgrade is listed on the Xbox Store at $20. The PlayStation Store has a listing for it too, but it wasn’t purchasable yet when we checked on October 8, so its PlayStation price wasn’t shown.

    Is the Ultimate Edition available in a box?

    No. Rockstar’s support page states that a physical version of the Ultimate Edition is not available. Only the Standard Edition comes boxed, and that box holds a download code, not a disc.

    Rockstar confirmed in June that the boxed version contains a download code inside the case rather than a disc. Rockstar expects boxed copies to be available for shipping and pickup from November 12. You can pre-load once you’ve received and redeemed the code, so ordering a box doesn’t guarantee you’ll have it installed at midnight on the 12th.

    That makes the choice simple if you prefer buying from a store (to use a gift card, a retailer credit or a store discount): buy the boxed Standard Edition, then add the upgrade digitally later if you want it.

    There have been reports since June of a disc release coming later. Rockstar hasn’t announced one, so don’t hold off buying on the strength of those reports.

    GTA+ and the pre-order bonus: read this before you redeem

    Digital pre-orders on either edition come with one month of GTA+, Rockstar’s paid membership. It renews automatically once activated, so note the date you redeem it.

    Rockstar’s support page lists one month of GTA+ Membership with digital pre-orders made before November 20, 2026. The Xbox Store and PlayStation Store both advertise it, so it isn’t limited to one console. It can be claimed once per account, however many editions or upgrades you buy.

    Two things to know:

    • It auto-renews. After the free month, GTA+ continues as a paid monthly membership ($7.99 a month in the US at the time of writing) unless you cancel it in your console’s subscription settings before the renewal date.
    • There’s a deadline to claim it. On Xbox, the month must be redeemed within 180 days of placing your pre-order (not 180 days from launch). On PlayStation, Sony’s offer terms set a deadline of March 31, 2027.

    The boxed Standard Edition includes the Vintage Vice City Pack, but Rockstar lists the GTA+ month only for digital pre-orders.

    Which edition should you buy?

    For most players, the Standard Edition. You get the main game and story, and the upgrade path means you can still add every Ultimate extra later, for the same total at current Xbox prices.

    Buy the Standard Edition if:

    • You mainly want the story and the open world. The main campaign is all there.
    • You want a boxed copy from a store. It’s the only edition sold that way.
    • You aren’t sure. The upgrade is sold separately, so you can add it later if you change your mind.

    Buy the Ultimate Edition up front if:

    • You already know you want everything, and you’re buying digitally anyway.
    • You want each Ultimate extra to unlock as you reach it in the story, without having to buy anything partway through.

    Who this isn’t for: PC players. GTA 6 is launching on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, and Rockstar hasn’t announced a PC version. If you’re deciding which platform to play on, our PC vs console comparison covers the tradeoffs and current console prices.

    Where to buy

    The boxed Standard Edition is sold at major retailers, including Amazon:

    The Ultimate Edition and the upgrade are sold digitally through the PlayStation Store and the Microsoft Store.

    One thing to check if you buy a code anywhere other than your console’s own store: per Rockstar Support, GTA VI codes for PlayStation are tied to your account’s region (a North American code works on US and Canadian accounts), while GTA VI codes for Xbox are not region-locked. Rockstar still recommends buying from a retailer in the same country as your console account. Our guide to where to buy game keys safely explains how to avoid codes that get revoked. For ways to pay less, see how to find the best deals on open-world games.

    While you wait for November 19

    Pre-loading starts at local midnight on November 12, so you can have the game installed before launch. Until then, our list of the best games to play while waiting for GTA 6 has open-world picks for every budget. If you’re spending the wait in GTA Online, our complete guide to making money fast and our heists ranked by payout will help you get the most out of your playtime.

  • Best Games to Play While Waiting for GTA6

    Best Games to Play While Waiting for GTA6

    GTA6 arrives on November 19, 2026, which leaves roughly six to seven weeks to fill. Most “games to play while you wait” lists ignore the three things that actually decide whether a pick works right now: whether it runs on the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S you’ll play GTA6 on, how long it takes to finish, and what it costs. This guide is built around those.

    Short answer: Mafia: The Old Country is the best pick you can realistically finish before launch, at around 13 hours. Red Dead Redemption 2 is the best preview of how Rockstar builds a world, if you can give it about eight hours a week. Cyberpunk 2077 is the best modern crime city, and Forza Horizon 6 is the pick for Xbox players who mostly want to drive.

    How we chose

    Every pick runs on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S (GTA6 is console-only at launch), scratches a specific part of the GTA itch, and can be finished, or at least properly enjoyed, before November 19.

    GTA6 launches on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, and Rockstar hasn’t announced a PC version. That’s why we focused on games you can play on the same console. Story lengths below come from published reviews and guides, and they’re for the main story at a normal pace; side content adds a lot more.

    The picks

    Best to finish before launch: Mafia: The Old Country

    A focused, cinematic crime story set in 1900s Sicily that PCGamesN’s reviewer finished in about 13.5 hours. It’s the one pick here you can comfortably complete with weeks to spare.

    Hangar 13 deliberately built The Old Country as a tight, linear story rather than a sprawling sandbox, following a young laborer, Enzo, as he rises through a crime family. That makes it less of a GTA-style playground and more of a playable gangster film, which is exactly why it fits this window: you get a complete crime story without starting something you’ll abandon on November 19.

    Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC. Price: launched at $49.99 in August 2025 and is often discounted now.

    Check Mafia: The Old Country on Amazon

    Best preview of Rockstar’s design: Red Dead Redemption 2

    Rockstar’s last big open world is the closest thing to a preview of how GTA6 is likely to feel. The story runs about 45 to 50 hours, which is doable before launch at roughly eight hours a week.

    Red Dead Redemption 2 comes from the same studio, and its living world, side characters and attention to detail are a big part of why expectations for GTA6 are so high. GameSpot put the main story at about 45 to 50 hours, so it’s a commitment, but a manageable one if you start now.

    One thing to know on current consoles: Red Dead Redemption 2 runs on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S through backward compatibility, capped at 30 fps (frames per second). A native current-gen upgrade has been rumored for a long time, but as of early October 2026 Rockstar hasn’t announced one. (Don’t confuse it with the original Red Dead Redemption, which did get a native PS5 and Xbox Series X|S release in December 2025.)

    Platforms: PS4 and Xbox One versions, playable on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S; PC. Price: varies, and it’s frequently discounted.

    Check Red Dead Redemption 2 on Amazon

    Best modern crime city: Cyberpunk 2077

    A dense, neon-lit city full of gangs, fixers and side jobs, which is the closest any game gets to GTA’s urban chaos with a stronger story. Expect roughly 20 to 30 hours if you focus on the story, or around 40 with regular side content.

    Cyberpunk 2077 had a famously rough launch in 2020, but years of updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion turned its reputation around. If you skipped it back then, the current version is a very different game. Night City rewards exactly the kind of wandering GTA players enjoy, and its driving, gunplay and side jobs keep the loop varied.

    Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC. Price: varies; the Ultimate Edition bundles the base game with Phantom Liberty.

    Check Cyberpunk 2077 on Amazon

    Best for driving (Xbox and PC): Forza Horizon 6

    One of the highest-rated games of 2026, with a Metascore of about 90, set across Japan with more than 550 cars at launch. It’s included with Game Pass, but PlayStation owners will have to wait.

    If cruising and racing are your favorite parts of GTA, Forza Horizon 6 is the best open-world driving game available. It launched on May 19, 2026 for Xbox Series X|S and PC. Playground Games has said the PS5 version is coming later in 2026, but there’s no date yet, so don’t plan your next six weeks around it if you’re on PlayStation.

    Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (PS5 version announced, no date). Price: included with Game Pass Ultimate on Xbox, or PC Game Pass on PC.

    The warm-up: GTA V and GTA Online

    If you’d rather stay in Los Santos until you move to Vice City, GTA V’s story and GTA Online’s heists are still the most direct way to keep your GTA muscles warm.

    GTA V runs natively on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. If you’re jumping back into GTA Online, our guide to making money fast and our heists ranked by payout cover what’s worth your time after this year’s payout changes. On PC, our GTA V mods guide covers what still works after the Enhanced update.

    A big one to approach with caution: Crimson Desert

    Crimson Desert, released March 19, 2026, shows up on a lot of these lists because its world is enormous. It’s a fantasy game rather than a crime sandbox, though, its reviews were positive but noticeably cooler than for the other picks here (about 77 to 78 on Metacritic, depending on platform), and it’s a very long game. If your goal is to finish something before November 19, it’s the wrong pick.

    Also consider

    If you specifically want another modern-city crime sandbox, Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition (Hong Kong, with strong hand-to-hand combat) and Watch Dogs 2 (San Francisco, with hacking) are older PS4 and Xbox One-era games that play on current consoles through backward compatibility, and both are usually cheap.

    Quick comparison

    GamePlatformsMain story lengthPriceBest for
    Mafia: The Old CountryPS5, Xbox Series X|S, PCAbout 13 hoursLaunched at $49.99Finishing before launch
    Red Dead Redemption 2PS5 and Xbox Series X|S (backward compatible), PCAbout 45 to 50 hoursVariesRockstar’s world design
    Cyberpunk 2077PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PCAbout 20 to 30 hours (40 with side content)VariesA modern crime city
    Forza Horizon 6Xbox Series X|S, PCOpen-endedGame PassDriving
    GTA V and GTA OnlinePS5, Xbox Series X|S, PCOngoingVariesStaying in the series

    If you haven’t pre-ordered GTA6 yet

    The Standard Edition costs $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition $99.99. Anything bought before November 20 includes the Vintage Vice City Pack, and boxed copies contain a download code rather than a disc at launch.

    Rockstar opened pre-orders on June 25, 2026, through the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Rockstar Store and retailers including Amazon. The Ultimate Edition’s extra $20 adds in-game vehicles, weapons, clothing and two exclusive side activities. Digital pre-orders can preload from November 12, a week before launch. Boxed copies contain a download code rather than a disc; they become available from November 12, and codes redeemed before launch start preloading then too. Digital pre-orders on the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store also include a free month of GTA+, which renews at the regular price unless you cancel.

    Check GTA VI pre-orders on Amazon

    Who this isn’t for

    If you only play on PC, GTA6 won’t be available to you at launch, so a “while you wait” list isn’t really the question; our PC vs Console comparison covers the timing. And if you want an exact GTA clone, nothing here is one. Each pick nails a different part of what makes GTA fun.

    Bottom line

    Short on time? Play Mafia: The Old Country. Want the best preview of what Rockstar does? Start Red Dead Redemption 2 this week. Craving a city to cause trouble in? Cyberpunk 2077. On Xbox and love driving? Forza Horizon 6 is already on Game Pass. Whichever you choose, start now: November 19 will come fast.