[Last Updated: February 2026]
[This guide will be updated with exact steps when GTA 6 PC pre-load goes live. Bookmark it.]
When GTA 6 launches on PC (expected Fall 2027), pre-loading will be essential. With an estimated file size of 150-200 GB, you don’t want to be downloading on launch day while everyone else is already exploring Vice City. Here’s everything you need to know about the pre-load process, plus preparation steps you can take right now.
Expected File Size
| Game | PC Install Size |
|---|---|
| GTA V (2015 launch) | 65 GB (now ~95 GB with updates) |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | ~120 GB |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III | ~213 GB |
| GTA 6 (estimated) | 150-200 GB |
The initial download may be smaller than the installed size due to decompression. Expect the download itself to be 100-130 GB which then unpacks to 150-200 GB on your drive. Make sure you have at least 250 GB of free space on your target SSD to account for the download and installation process.
Where to Buy GTA 6 on PC
🔮 EXPECTED: Based on RDR2’s distribution, GTA 6 will likely be available on:
1. Steam
The most popular PC gaming platform. GTA V has sold millions of copies on Steam. Benefits include cloud saves, Steam Workshop (if mod support exists), and the Steam community features.
2. Epic Games Store
RDR2 launched on Epic. GTA 6 will likely be available here too, possibly with a limited-time exclusive deal or discount.
3. Rockstar Games Launcher
Buying directly from Rockstar gives them the highest revenue cut. May offer exclusive bonuses. The Rockstar Launcher will be required regardless of where you buy — it runs as a secondary launcher even for Steam/Epic purchases.
Pre-Load Timeline (Expected)
| Event | Expected Timing |
|---|---|
| PC version announced | Spring/Summer 2027 |
| Pre-orders open | 2-3 months before PC launch |
| Pre-load available | 3-7 days before launch |
| Servers go live | Launch day, likely midnight ET |
For reference, RDR2’s PC pre-load opened 3 days before release on the Rockstar Launcher and 2 days before on Steam/Epic.
Step-by-Step: How to Pre-Load on Steam
[Steps will be verified when pre-load goes live]
- Open Steam and log into your account
- Navigate to the GTA 6 store page
- Click “Pre-Purchase” and complete payment
- Once pre-load is available, go to your Library
- Find Grand Theft Auto VI in your library
- Click “Install” (or it may start automatically)
- Select your SSD as the install location
- Wait for the download to complete (varies by internet speed)
- The game will be locked until the official launch time
- At launch time, click “Play” — a small unlock patch may download first
Step-by-Step: How to Pre-Load on Epic Games Store
- Open the Epic Games Launcher
- Search for GTA 6 in the store
- Click “Pre-Purchase”
- When pre-load opens, go to your Library
- Click the Install button on GTA 6
- Choose your SSD install location
- Wait for download completion
Step-by-Step: How to Pre-Load on Rockstar Launcher
- Download and install the Rockstar Games Launcher if you don’t have it
- Create or log into your Rockstar Social Club account
- Navigate to the Store tab
- Pre-purchase GTA 6
- When pre-load opens, the download should start automatically
- If not, go to your Games tab and click Install
Preparation Checklist (Do This Now)
You can prepare for GTA 6’s pre-load months in advance:
Storage
- Ensure you have a 1TB+ NVMe SSD with at least 250 GB free
- If your SSD is getting full, upgrade to a 2TB drive ($100-130)
- Do NOT plan to install GTA 6 on an HDD — SSD is almost certainly required
Internet
- Test your download speed: 100 Mbps = ~3 hours for 130 GB download
- Consider upgrading your internet plan if you’re under 50 Mbps
- Use a wired ethernet connection for the pre-load, not WiFi
- Pause other downloads and streaming during the pre-load
Accounts
- Create your Rockstar Social Club account now (required for all versions)
- Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts
- Add your payment method to your chosen store in advance
Hardware
- Update your GPU drivers before launch (Game Ready drivers usually drop on launch day)
- Check our GTA 6 System Requirements to verify your PC can run it
- Consider our Best PC Build for GTA 6 if you need to upgrade
Launch Day Tips
- Don’t wait until launch day to download: Pre-load exists for a reason. Servers will be hammered on Day 1.
- Expect a Day 1 patch: A small unlock/update patch is normal. Usually 1-5 GB.
- Rockstar Launcher may be slow: If you bought through Steam/Epic, launch from there — the Rockstar Launcher will auto-start.
- Close background apps: Free up RAM and CPU for the game.
- Back up your settings: Once you’ve configured your graphics settings, back up the settings file so you don’t lose it if you need to reinstall.
Download Time Estimates
| Internet Speed | ~130 GB Download Time |
|---|---|
| 25 Mbps | ~11.5 hours |
| 50 Mbps | ~5.8 hours |
| 100 Mbps | ~2.9 hours |
| 250 Mbps | ~1.2 hours |
| 500 Mbps | ~35 minutes |
| 1 Gbps | ~17 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I pre-load GTA 6 on PC?
Not yet — the PC version hasn’t been announced. Expected Fall 2027 with pre-load opening 3-7 days before launch. This guide will be updated with exact dates.
How big is GTA 6 on PC?
Estimated 150-200 GB installed. The download will likely be 100-130 GB before decompression. Have at least 250 GB of SSD space available.
Can I install GTA 6 on an HDD?
Not recommended. The game will almost certainly require SSD storage for proper asset streaming. An HDD would cause severe pop-in, stuttering, and possibly crashes.
Do I need the Rockstar Launcher?
Yes, regardless of where you buy. Even Steam and Epic purchases require the Rockstar Games Launcher to run.
Will there be a physical PC release?
Unlikely. Most AAA PC games are digital-only now. RDR2 had a physical PC box, but it just contained a download code. GTA 6 may follow the same approach or be entirely digital.
Can I pre-load on two PCs?
You can install on multiple PCs, but only play on one at a time (per account). This applies to Steam, Epic, and Rockstar Launcher.
