[Last Updated: February 2026]
[This article is updated regularly as new info drops. Bookmark it.]
GTA 6 launches on consoles November 19, 2026. But if you’re a PC gamer, you already know the drill — Rockstar makes us wait. The PC version likely won’t arrive until Fall 2027, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to prepare for. In fact, there’s a lot we can predict about the GTA 6 PC port based on Rockstar’s history, the trailer’s technical showcase, and the current state of PC hardware.
This guide covers everything PC gamers need to know: expected graphics technologies, performance targets, Rockstar’s PC port track record, and what hardware you should be eyeing.
Rockstar’s PC Port History: The Good and the Bad
Let’s be real — Rockstar’s relationship with PC has been complicated. Here’s the honest track record:
GTA IV (2008 PC Port) — Rough
GTA IV’s PC port was notoriously poorly optimized. It ran terribly even on high-end hardware of the era, with frame rate issues, memory leaks, and the dreaded Games for Windows Live integration. This was the low point of Rockstar’s PC efforts.
GTA V (2015 PC Port) — Excellent
Rockstar learned their lesson. GTA V’s PC version arrived 18 months after consoles but was genuinely outstanding. It featured extensive graphics options, 4K support, a built-in video editor, first-person mode, and ran well across a wide range of hardware. The Advanced Graphics settings (extended draw distances, high-res shadows) gave PC players features console versions couldn’t touch.
Red Dead Redemption 2 (2019 PC Port) — Rocky Launch, Great After Patches
RDR2’s PC launch was troubled. Crashes, stuttering, and Rockstar’s launcher issues plagued the first few weeks. But after several patches, it became a stunning PC game with incredible visual fidelity. The lesson: wait a few weeks after launch before buying, or at least before judging performance.
What This Means for GTA 6
The pattern suggests Rockstar takes PC ports seriously in terms of visual quality and options, but Day 1 stability can be hit-or-miss. Expect GTA 6 on PC to eventually be the definitive version — but also expect a potentially rocky first week.
Expected Graphics Technologies
Based on the GTA 6 trailers and current industry trends, here’s what we expect the PC version to support:
Ray Tracing
✅ CONFIRMED (via trailers): Both trailers showcase extensive ray-traced reflections on wet roads, building windows, and vehicles. The trailer footage shows global illumination that appears to use path tracing or hybrid ray tracing.
On PC, expect multiple ray tracing quality levels:
- RT Reflections: Basic ray-traced reflections on water and glass
- RT Global Illumination: Realistic light bounce and ambient lighting
- RT Shadows: Accurate shadow casting from all light sources
- Full Path Tracing: The ultimate visual mode (likely requires RTX 4080+ or RTX 5070+)
Upscaling Technologies
🔮 EXPECTED: All three major upscaling technologies should be supported:
- NVIDIA DLSS 4: Multi-Frame Generation for massive FPS boosts on RTX 40/50 series GPUs
- AMD FSR 3.1+: Frame Generation available to both AMD and NVIDIA users
- Intel XeSS: AI upscaling for Intel Arc GPUs
Upscaling will be essential for GTA 6. Even high-end GPUs will likely need DLSS or FSR to hit 60 FPS at 4K with ray tracing enabled. This is the norm for modern AAA titles.
Advanced PC Graphics Options
Based on RDR2’s extensive settings menu, expect GTA 6 to offer:
- Texture Quality (Normal/High/Ultra)
- Anisotropic Filtering (up to 16x)
- Shadow Quality with distance slider
- Water Physics quality
- Vegetation density and draw distance
- Population density and variety
- Volumetric lighting/fog quality
- Ambient Occlusion method (SSAO/HBAO+/RTAO)
- Motion Blur toggle
- Extended draw distance (PC exclusive)
Expected Performance Targets
Here’s our realistic performance expectations by GPU tier:
| GPU Tier | Resolution | Settings | Expected FPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTX 1660 / RX 5600 XT | 1080p | Low-Medium | 30-45 FPS |
| RTX 3060 / RX 6700 XT | 1080p | High | 50-60 FPS |
| RTX 4060 Ti / RX 7700 XT | 1440p | High | 55-65 FPS |
| RTX 4070 / RX 7800 XT | 1440p | Ultra | 60-75 FPS |
| RTX 4080 / RTX 5070 | 4K | High + RT | 60+ FPS (with DLSS) |
| RTX 4090 / RTX 5080 | 4K | Ultra + RT | 60-80 FPS (with DLSS) |
These are educated estimates based on RDR2’s performance scaling and the visual quality shown in trailers. Actual performance will vary.
For specific hardware recommendations, check our Best GPU for GTA 6 and Best PC Build for GTA 6 guides.
File Size and Storage
🔮 EXPECTED: GTA 6 will likely require 150-200 GB of SSD storage on PC.
For reference:
- GTA V on PC: ~95 GB
- Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC: ~120 GB
- Call of Duty Modern Warfare III: ~213 GB
GTA 6 will almost certainly require an SSD. The console versions run on NVMe SSDs, and Rockstar will likely mandate SSD storage on PC to maintain asset streaming performance. Running it on an HDD would result in severe texture pop-in and loading issues.
Our recommendation: Have at least a 1TB NVMe SSD, ideally 2TB if you plan to keep other games installed alongside GTA 6.
PC Launcher Situation
🔮 EXPECTED: GTA 6 on PC will likely be available through:
- Rockstar Games Launcher: Mandatory, as with all recent Rockstar PC games
- Steam: Very likely (GTA V and RDR2 are both on Steam)
- Epic Games Store: Likely (RDR2 launched on Epic)
Even if you buy through Steam or Epic, you’ll still need the Rockstar Games Launcher running. This has been Rockstar’s approach since RDR2.
How to Prepare Your PC for GTA 6
The PC version is likely still 18+ months away, but here’s how to start preparing:
1. GPU Upgrade Priority
If you’re on anything older than an RTX 3060 or RX 6600 XT, start planning an upgrade. The RTX 5060 (expected mid-2025 at $299-349) will likely be the sweet spot for 1080p High settings.
2. RAM: 32 GB Is the New Standard
16 GB might meet minimum requirements, but 32 GB DDR4 or DDR5 will be recommended. RAM is cheap — upgrade now if you haven’t.
3. NVMe SSD Is Mandatory
Don’t even think about running GTA 6 on an HDD. A 1TB NVMe SSD costs under $80 in 2026. Get one if you don’t have one.
4. CPU: Modern 6-Core Minimum
GTA games are traditionally CPU-intensive due to AI, traffic, and physics simulations. An Intel i5-12400 / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X or newer should handle it. For the best experience, aim for an i5-13600K / Ryzen 7 7800X3D or equivalent.
5. Monitor: Consider 1440p
If you’re still on a 1080p monitor, consider upgrading to 1440p. It’s the sweet spot for GTA 6 — a significant visual improvement without the extreme GPU demands of 4K.
For complete build guides at every budget, see our Best PC Build for GTA 6 article.
Modding Potential on PC
One of the biggest advantages of the PC version will be modding support. GTA V’s modding scene on PC is legendary — from visual overhauls to total conversion mods. While Rockstar hasn’t confirmed official mod support for GTA 6, the community will find a way.
For more on this topic, check out our GTA 6 Mods article.
Should You Wait for PC or Buy on Console?
This is the big question every PC gamer faces. Here’s our honest take:
Buy on console if:
- You can’t stand waiting 12+ months after launch
- You want the spoiler-free Day 1 experience
- You already own a PS5 or Xbox Series X
Wait for PC if:
- You prioritize graphics quality and frame rate
- You want modding support
- You have a capable gaming PC (or plan to build one)
- You don’t mind avoiding spoilers for a year
Many dedicated fans will double-dip — buying on console for the story, then again on PC for the ultimate visual experience and mods. Rockstar knows this. It’s part of why they delay the PC version.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does GTA 6 come out on PC?
The PC version has not been officially announced, but is expected in Fall 2027, approximately 12 months after the console launch on November 19, 2026.
Will GTA 6 support DLSS and FSR?
Almost certainly. NVIDIA DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3+ are expected to be supported, along with Intel XeSS. These upscaling technologies will be important for hitting high frame rates at higher resolutions.
Can a GTX 1650 run GTA 6?
The GTX 1650 will likely fall below minimum requirements. At best, you might get 720p Low settings at 25-30 FPS. We’d recommend at least a GTX 1660 Super or RX 5600 XT for a playable experience at 1080p Low.
Will GTA 6 require an SSD?
Almost certainly yes. The console versions rely on NVMe SSDs for asset streaming, and the PC version will likely mandate SSD storage. Budget at least 200 GB of SSD space.
Will GTA 6 on PC have ray tracing?
Yes — the trailers already showcase ray-traced reflections and lighting. The PC version will likely offer additional RT settings beyond what consoles support, similar to how RDR2 on PC had higher quality options.
Should I buy a new GPU now for GTA 6?
If the PC version isn’t coming until Fall 2027, there’s no rush. Wait for the RTX 50-series to fully launch and prices to stabilize. Buying hardware 6-12 months before the game ensures you get the best price-to-performance ratio.
Will GTA 6 PC be on Steam?
Very likely. Both GTA V and RDR2 are available on Steam. However, the Rockstar Games Launcher will almost certainly be required regardless of where you purchase.
