GTA 6 launch checklist: 8 things to do before Nov. 19

Grand Theft Auto VI comes out on Thursday, Nov. 19, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. A little preparation means you'll be playing as soon as it unlocks instead of watching a download bar. Here are the eight things to do before then, each with what Rockstar and the stores have said.

1. Buy or pre-order by Nov. 19 to get the bonus

Rockstar says every pre-order and purchase before Nov. 20 includes the Vintage Vice City Pack, and digital pre-orders add a free month of GTA+. The Standard Edition is $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition $99.99 in the US. Our price and editions guide has what each includes and the fine print on GTA+.

2. Check that your console can run it

GTA 6 is out on PS5, PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X|S only. It isn't coming to PS4 or Xbox One, and no PC version has been announced. Our platforms guide and system requirements guide have the details.

3. Update your console's system software

Install the latest system update before launch day. On PS5, PlayStation Game Size, an X account that tracks PlayStation Store data, posted on Nov. 2 that GTA 6 needs system software 14.22 or later, up from the 14.10 it had posted in October. Sony and Rockstar haven't said so themselves.

4. Clear at least 210 GB

Rockstar hasn't announced a file size. The best figure so far is 210 GB on PS5, posted by PlayStation Game Size on Oct. 27, and it's unconfirmed; no Xbox figure has surfaced. Make room for more than that if you can, since a launch-day update comes on top. Our file size guide tracks every number.

5. Pre-load from Nov. 12

If you pre-ordered digitally, you can start downloading on Nov. 12, a week before launch, Rockstar says. Rockstar hasn't said what time pre-loading opens. The physical version, Code in Box, comes out the same day and holds a download code instead of a disc, so it needs a download too. Our pre-load guide has the steps.

6. If you might cancel, do it before you pre-load

On PlayStation, starting the download ends your right to a refund, under PlayStation's cancellation policy. On Xbox you can cancel a pre-order online. Our guide to canceling a pre-order covers every store.

7. Know when it unlocks where you live

The PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store listings show GTA 6 unlocking at midnight on Nov. 19: midnight Eastern in the US, which is 9 p.m. Pacific on Nov. 18, and local midnight in the UK, Germany and France. Rockstar hasn't announced a launch hour. Our release time guide lists every region we've checked, and our countdown shows the time where you are.

8. Get an alert when it unlocks

Our countdown page offers an alert on your phone or computer, and an email, when GTA 6 unlocks in your time zone, so you don't have to stay up refreshing.

Good to know before you start

• It's a single-player game at launch. Rockstar hasn't announced an online mode for GTA 6; our online guide explains.
• Reviews aren't dated yet. Rockstar hasn't said when they'll be out; our reviews guide tracks it.
• The week of launch is busy. Our launch calendar has every date, from Take-Two's results on Nov. 9 to launch night.