GTA VI
Global Unlock Countdown
One game, 18 hours apart around the world. New Zealand goes first, the US last. This clock has already aligned itself to your time zone.
Your region's unlock moment has arrived. Enjoy.
4 things to know before launch
The questions players search for most on launch day — and the easiest ways to get caught out. Sort them out now so you are not staring at a download bar at midnight on the 19th.
Global unlock time chart
Rockstar unlocks at 00:00 local time on November 19 in each region (the entire US unlocks at 00:00 EST). Sorted by UTC, for 2026, adjusted for each region's actual daylight-saving state in November. Use the switch below to compare every unlock with your own clock.
| Region / Store | Local unlock | Your time | Status |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
What time can I actually play, and why is it different everywhere?
GTA VI releases November 19, 2026, and Rockstar unlocks the game at 00:00 local time in each region. New Zealand, being closest to the international date line, hits midnight first — 11:00 UTC on November 18. Hong Kong, China, Japan and Singapore follow, and the US comes last at 05:00 UTC on November 19. That is an 18-hour spread, which is why the "earliest unlock zone" gets so much attention every launch.
Is there a PC version? Can I stream it early?
Not at launch. Only PS5 and Xbox Series X|S are confirmed, with no PC date or system requirements — and no PC build exists to stream. Services like GeForce NOW can only stream a PC version that actually exists, and Xbox has denied any PC-exclusive streaming arrangement. GTA V took 19 months to reach PC and Red Dead Redemption 2 took 13, so analysts expect a PC version in 2027, but Rockstar has not confirmed anything.
When does preload start? What if 210GB will not fit?
Digital preload opens at 00:00 local time on November 12. The files are encrypted and unplayable until the 19th. The PS5 version is about 210GB; a PS5 Slim has roughly 840GB usable, leaving around 630GB afterwards — before the day-one patch. Clear out games you no longer play or install an M.2 SSD before the 12th; leave it until the evening of the 18th and you will be stuck behind everyone else in the download queue. Physical editions contain a download code, not a disc.
Standard vs Ultimate edition, and pre-order bonuses?
US digital pricing is $79.99 for Standard and $99.99 for Ultimate, with pre-orders including one month of GTA+ among other bonuses. Regional pricing and bonuses vary, so check your own store page before buying.