GTA 6 unlocks at midnight local time on 19 November 2026 in every region, on both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, according to Rockstar Games. That means 12:00 a.m. on 19 November wherever you are: in Pakistan, India, the UK, Australia and the US alike, the game unlocks as the clock ticks past midnight between 18 and 19 November. Pre-loading for digital pre-orders is already open, so you can download the game now and play the moment it unlocks. Below are the unlock times for major countries, the pre-load details, prices and what to check before launch night.
GTA 6 release time by country
| Country or region | GTA 6 unlock time (local) |
|---|---|
| Pakistan (PKT) | 12:00 a.m., Thursday 19 November 2026 |
| India (IST) | 12:00 a.m., Thursday 19 November 2026 |
| United Kingdom (GMT) | 12:00 a.m., Thursday 19 November 2026 |
| Europe (CET) | 12:00 a.m., Thursday 19 November 2026 |
| UAE and Saudi Arabia | 12:00 a.m., Thursday 19 November 2026 |
| United States (all time zones) | 12:00 a.m., Thursday 19 November 2026 |
| Australia and New Zealand | 12:00 a.m., Thursday 19 November 2026 |
Based on Rockstar’s regional release times. Some US guides report that store listings in western US time zones may unlock on Eastern time instead (9 p.m. Pacific on 18 November). Your console’s store page shows the exact countdown for your account.
Why it rolls out across the day: because each region unlocks at its own midnight, players in New Zealand and Australia start first, followed by Asia, the Middle East, Europe and finally the Americas. For example, when GTA 6 unlocks in Pakistan at midnight, it is still 7 p.m. on 18 November in London.
Pre-load: download it before launch
- PlayStation 5: pre-loading opened at midnight local time on 10 November 2026.
- Xbox Series X|S: pre-loading opened at 12 a.m. GMT on 10 November 2026 worldwide (5 a.m. in Pakistan).
- Download size: up to 212 GB. See our guide to GTA 6 file size and download time, and check your connection with our Game Download Time Calculator.
- Boxed copies contain a download code, not a disc, so they need the full download too.
Platforms, price and editions
- Platforms: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Rockstar has not announced a PC release date.
- Standard Edition: $79.99 on the US PlayStation Store. Prices in other currencies vary by store.
- Ultimate Edition: listed at $99.99 in the US, with extra in-game content. Check your store listing for exactly what is included.
- Pre-order bonus: stores list a pre-order bonus pack of in-game items. Confirm the details and deadline on your store page before buying.
Your launch-night checklist
- Finish the pre-load early. Servers are busiest in the hours before launch.
- Leave extra storage space for a day-one update. See GTA 6 storage on PS5 and Xbox.
- Turn on automatic updates and keep the console in Rest Mode (PS5) or Sleep mode (Xbox).
- Check the countdown on your store page rather than relying on social media times.
- Avoid “early access” offers. Websites promising GTA 6 keys or downloads before release, or free copies, are scams.
Planning to make videos or streams about the launch? Read how to make money from GTA 6, including the rules that keep your channel safe.
Frequently asked questions
What time does GTA 6 release in Pakistan?
At 12:00 a.m. Pakistan time on Thursday 19 November 2026, the midnight between 18 and 19 November.
What time does GTA 6 release in the UK?
At midnight UK time (GMT) on Thursday 19 November 2026.
Does GTA 6 release at the same time worldwide?
No. Rockstar says it unlocks at midnight local time in each region, so players in Australia and Asia can play several hours before players in Europe and the Americas.
Is GTA 6 coming out on PC?
Not at launch. GTA 6 is announced for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, and Rockstar has not given a PC release date.
Release details checked on 12 November 2026 against Rockstar Games and store announcements. Times can change, so check your console’s store page. Technorious is not affiliated with Rockstar Games or Take-Two Interactive.
